Google Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25: Which is the Best Compact Flagship in 2025?

The Google Pixel 10 series have officially been unveiled in India and globally. However, this time around, it was the vanilla Pixel 10 that got the biggest upgrade of the four devices. From a larger battery to an extra camera, the Pixel 10 is starting to close the gap on its 'Pro' counterpart.

But how does it fare when pitted against last year's iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S25. So without any further delays, let's dive into the battle of the market's top compact flagships.

Google Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25: Which One Should You Buy?

Google Pixel 10 vs Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16: Comparison

Pixel 10	iPhone 16	Galaxy S25
Tensor G5 SoC	A18 SoC	Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC
12GB/256GB	128GB/256GB/512GB (Expected RAM: 8GB)	12GB + 128GB/256GB/512GB
6.3-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2424) LTPO OLED Display, 120Hz (60Hz - 120Hz), 3,000 nits (Peak Brightness), HDR10+, 422 ppi density	6.1-inch FHD+ (1179 x 2556 pixels) XDR OLED Display, 60Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak Brightness), HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 460 ppi density	6.2-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) LTPO OLED Display, 120Hz (1Hz - 120Hz), 2,600 nits (Peak Brightness), HDR10+, 416 ppi density
Rear Cameras: 48MP (Main) + 13MP (Ultrawide) + 10.8MP (Telephoto)	Rear Cameras: 48MP (Main) + 12MP (Ultrawide)	Rear Cameras: 50MP (Main) + 12MP (Ultrawide) + 10MP (Telephoto)
Front Camera: 10.5MP, f/2.2	Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 + 3D Depth	Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2
4970mAh Battery, 30W Wired Charging, 15W Wireless (Qi2 Magnetic)	3561mAh Battery, 30W Wired Charging, 15W Wireless (Qi2 Magnetic)	4,000 mAh Battery, 25W Wired Charging, 15W Wireless Charging (Qi2)
Android 16	iOS 16	Android 16, OneUI 7.0
Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian	Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine	Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold, Coral Red, Blue Black
Price: Rs 79,999	Price: Rs 74,900	Price: Rs 74,999

Design and Build

When it comes to design, all three phones follow the same flat display blueprint, prioritizing practicality over style. However, the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25's back panels feature a more minimalist design, while the large horizontal camera bar on the Pixel 10 appears more pronounced.

In terms of build quality, both the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10 use super-strong Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, while the iPhone 16 uses Ceramic Shield glass on the front and an unnamed Corning-made glass on the back. All three phones also feature a metal frame and an IP68 rating for resistance to dust and water. Finally, the iPhone 16 has the smallest display of the three phones, and the Pixel 10 has the largest.

Display

On the display front, all three phones use OLED panels, although the iPhone 16's screen is limited to 60Hz as compared to 120Hz on the S25 and Pixel 10. Additionally, the display on the Pixel 10 is also the brightest of the three, making it the best for outdoor use.

However, the iPhone 16's screen may be the best for entertainment and work as it is the sharpest of the three and the only one that supports the Dolby Vision format. Although the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate, which we now see on smartphones under Rs 20,000, is a major drawback.

Performance

We haven't fully tested out the Pixel 10's Tensor G5 chipset, but past experiences tell us that it won't be as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip on the S25 or A18 SoC on the iPhone 16. However, Google has been known to put a major emphasis on AI optimization, so you can expect better AI performance on the Pixel 10, although we are yet to test out this theory.

While the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is the most powerful of the three, the iPhone 16's A18 SoC is optimized to run select console and PC games natively. Although the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip can do the same with the use of an emulator. However, the one drawback if the 60Hz display on the iPhone, which will limit frame rates to 60fps, a problem you won't have to contend with on the S25.

Cameras

For optics, the Pixel 10 has an updated triple-rear camera setup, which includes a 48MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and OIS, a 13MP ultrawide lens with a 120˚ FOV, and a 10.8MP telephoto shooter with OIS and 5x optical zoom. Up front, the Pixel 10 opts for a 10.5MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture and PDAF.

The Galaxy S25 also retains its triple-camera setup from its predecessor. This setup includes a 50MP primary sensor f/1.8 aperture and OIS, a 10MP telephoto shooter with OIS and 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture and 120˚ FOV. Up front, the S25 features a 12MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture and dual-pixel PDAF.

Finally, the iPhone 16 opts for a dual rear camera setup, which includes a 48MP primary sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and sensor-shift OIS and a 12MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120˚ FOV. The iPhone 16 has a 12MP selfie camera with a f/1.9 aperture and PDAF as well as an SL 3D depth/biometric sensor.

When it comes to versatility, the Galaxy S25 stands out as the most well-rounded option, offering a balanced mix of wide, ultrawide, and telephoto capabilities that cater to everyday shooting scenarios. The iPhone 16, while limited to a dual-lens setup, continues to excel in video recording, with industry-leading stabilization, cinematic modes, and unmatched consistency-making it the go-to choice for content creators who prioritize video.

However, on paper, the Pixel 10 emerges as the most capable overall, thanks to its powerful blend of hardware and Google's AI-driven computational photography, which has historically pushed mobile photography forward. With its updated optics and software optimizations, the Pixel 10 should be crowned the victor in still photography, while the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 retain strong positions in versatility and video excellence, respectively.

Battery

The Google Pixel 10 has got a larger battery (4970mAh) than its predecessor. This new cell is significantly bigger than the batteries on the iPhone 16 (Around 3561mAh) and Galaxy S25 (4,000mAh). Moreover, the Pixel 10 also has the fastest wired charging of the three phones, although the smaller cell on the iPhone 16 means it will charge faster than the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S25. All three phones also support 15W magnetic wireless charging.

Software

On the software side, the Pixel 10 debuts with Android 16, while the Galaxy S25 runs Android 16 with One UI 7 on top. We haven't fully tested Android 16 on the Pixel yet, but based on what's known, both Android flagships offer a clear edge in AI-driven features and smart optimizations, where Apple continues to lag behind.

That said, iOS 26 still delivers the most polished ecosystem integration, with seamless continuity across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple devices. Where Google pulls ahead is in its software longevity and AI-first approach-the Pixel 10 promises the longest update cycle of the three, along with the most aggressive push toward AI-powered experiences, making it the clear winner on the software front.

Pixel 10 vs iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S25: Conclusion

On paper, all three compact flagships bring something valuable to the table. The iPhone 16 continues to be the strongest option for video recording and ecosystem integration, though its limited 60Hz display feels dated in 2025.

The Galaxy S25 remains the most versatile all-rounder, offering a powerful chipset, balanced camera setup, and Samsung's polished One UI experience on top of Android 16. The Pixel 10, meanwhile, delivers the biggest leap forward, with an upgraded camera system, the brightest display, a larger battery, and Google's AI-driven software features backed by the longest update cycle.

That being said, these impressions are based purely on specifications and feature lists, not real-world usage or performance testing. While the Pixel 10 looks the most impressive on paper, the true verdict will only come once all three devices are thoroughly tested in day-to-day scenarios.