Google Faces Uphill Battle in Upcoming Pixel 10 Pro XL vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has already secured its position as the top smartphone in its category, according to recent evaluations, largely due to advancements in processing power, battery life, and a suite of new AI-powered features facilitated by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 Pro XL will need substantial improvements to challenge this dominance. While previous Pixel models boasted impressive qualities – notably the brightest display ever tested – they fell short of the S25 Ultra’s performance in comprehensive camera comparisons.

A formal announcement for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is anticipated at a Google event scheduled for August 20, with an expected launch date shortly thereafter, potentially on August 28 or 29. Speculation suggests a price increase of $100, bringing the cost to $1,199; however, this adjustment would reportedly include a storage upgrade from 128GB to 256GB. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra debuted on February 7, 2025, following an unveiling during Samsung’s January 22 event, and maintains its original price point of $1,299. This could give the Pixel a potential pricing advantage if rumors prove accurate.

Leaks suggest Google will utilize a 6.8-inch Super Actua display on the Pixel 10 Pro XL – building upon the impressive brightness of its predecessor (2,649 nits peak) which already held the record for brightest tested by Tom’s Guide. The S25 Ultra’s display, while still bright at 1,860 nits, falls short in comparison. Google is also reportedly implementing 480Hz Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming to mitigate eye strain.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera system – featuring a 200MP main sensor, alongside ultrawide and telephoto lenses – has earned it accolades as a top-tier mobile photography device, particularly due to its comprehensive manual controls within the dedicated camera app. Preliminary information about the Pixel 10 Pro XL’s camera hardware suggests a continuation of existing specifications: a 50MP main shooter, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto. Any gains in image quality will likely depend on advancements in software processing algorithms rather than significant hardware revisions.