In 2025, the high-end smartphone battle reaches an impressive level. Samsung, Google, Honor, and Xiaomi each offer an ultra-premium model, pushing performance, design, and user experience to their peak. But which one to choose between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the Honor Magic 7 Pro, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL? Let’s compare these four juggernauts on several essential criteria.

Design and Handling

Design remains a matter of taste, but there are marked differences:

• Honor Magic 7 Pro & Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Both adopt a large circular camera block on the back. Xiaomi’s is more imposing and makes the phone less balanced in hand.
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: Distinctive horizontal camera block, matte finish on the back, and glossy edges.
• Galaxy S25 Ultra: The most refined and understated design. Its edges are flat and sharp, making it pleasant to hold but requiring a case for added comfort.
• In terms of thickness, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the thickest due to its massive camera sensor. The S25 is the thinnest and best balanced on a flat surface.

Weight and Ergonomics

• Galaxy S25 Ultra: 218g (lightest)
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: 221g
• Honor Magic 7 Pro: 223g
• Xiaomi 15 Ultra: 226g (heaviest)
• The Galaxy S25 Ultra is therefore the most comfortable for prolonged use.

Performance and Processor

• Three smartphones feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, ensuring top performance:
  • Galaxy S25 Ultra
  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra
  • Honor Magic 7 Pro
• The Pixel 9 Pro XL uses the Tensor G4. It is less powerful in benchmarks but optimized for artificial intelligence and user experience.
• In everyday use, all offer flawless fluidity.

Software Experience and Updates

• Samsung & Google: 7 years of major updates.
• Honor : 7 years since this week.
• Xiaomi: Only 4 years, with ads and pre-installed apps.
• Google and Samsung clearly dominate this area.

Screens: Quality and Size

• Xiaomi 15 Ultra: 6.73″ AMOLED LTPO (3200x1440px, 120 Hz)
• Honor Magic 7 Pro: 6.8″ OLED Full HD+ (120 Hz)
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: 6.8″ OLED Quad HD+ (120 Hz)
• Galaxy S25 Ultra: 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED (3120x1440px, 120 Hz)
• The Samsung S25 stands out with its immense and ultra-bright screen, perfect for multimedia.

Battery Life and Charging

• Xiaomi 15 Ultra: 5400 mAh, 90W fast charging
• Honor Magic 7 Pro: 5270 mAh, 100W charging (fastest)
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: 5060 mAh, 37W charging (slowest)
• Galaxy S25 Ultra: 5000 mAh, 45W charging
• The Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the Honor Magic 7 Pro stand out with ultra-fast charging. In terms of battery life, the S25 Ultra is good, but some users report rapid battery wear.

Photo and Video Quality

• Honor Magic 7 Pro
  • 50 MP (wide-angle)
  • 50 MP (ultra wide-angle)
  • 200 MP (optical zoom x3, digital zoom x100)
  • Selfie: 50 MP
  • Video: 4K 60 fps
• Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • 50 MP (wide-angle)
  • 48 MP (ultra wide-angle)
  • 48 MP (optical zoom x5, digital zoom x30)
  • Selfie: 42 MP
  • Video: 8K 30 fps
• Xiaomi 15 Ultra
  • 50 MP (wide-angle)
  • 200 MP (telephoto)
  • 50MP (telephoto x3)
  • 50 MP (ultra wide-angle)
  • Selfie: 32 MP
  • Video: 8K 30 fps
  • Digital zoom x120 and partnership with Leica
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
  • 200 MP (wide-angle)
  • 50 MP (ultra wide-angle)
  • Optical zoom x3 & x5, digital zoom x100
  • Selfie: 12 MP
  • Video: 8K 30 fps
• Samsung and Xiaomi dominate thanks to their x100 zoom and impressive sensors. Google excels in software processing, and Honor offers good versatility.

Verdict: Which Smartphone to Choose?

• Best Handling: Honor Magic 7 Pro
• Best Design: Samsung S25
• Best Screen: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Best Battery Life and Charging: Xiaomi 15 Ultra & Honor Magic 7 Pro
• Best AI Software Experience and Updates: Pixel 9 Pro XL & Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Best Photo & Video: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra & Xiaomi 15 Ultra

The choice according to your use:

• Versatile & premium: S25
• Speed & charging: Xiaomi 15 Ultra
• Best AI & software fluidity: Pixel 9 Pro XL
• More affordable price & balance: Honor Magic 7 Pro

What’s your favorite?