Published 4 September 2025 — Android Authority highlights five alternative Android phones to consider before buying the Google Pixel 10 Pro, offering options that trade camera focus, price, size, performance or unique form factors while preserving key Pixel advantages like AI features and regular updates.
Key takeaways
- The Pixel 9 Pro can deliver most Pixel 10 Pro features at a lower price if found on sale.
- The Pixel 10 (base) keeps the Tensor G5 and Qi2 magnetic charging for less cost but with reduced camera hardware.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 offers superior raw performance, a lighter, thinner build, and strong integration with Samsung accessories.
- Motorola Razr Ultra provides a compact folding design with a large cover display and flagship performance, but costs more and has fewer OS updates.
- The OnePlus 13 balances big battery capacity, very fast wired charging, and top-tier performance for less than the Pixel 10 Pro MSRP.
Verified facts
The Pixel 9 Pro remains largely similar to the Pixel 10 Pro in design, display, camera layout and battery capacity; it uses the Tensor G4 chipset, offers configurations up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, and carried a $999 MSRP at launch. If retailers discount the Pixel 9 Pro to about $799 or lower, it can reproduce much of the Pixel 10 Pro experience at notable savings.
The Pixel 10 (non-Pro) shares Google’s Tensor G5 silicon and many of the new AI tools such as on-device translation and camera enhancements while starting at a lower MSRP ($799). It includes magnetic Qi2 charging but compromises on display resolution, camera sensors and RAM compared with the Pixel 10 Pro.
The Samsung Galaxy S25, with a 6.2-inch FHD+ screen, Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, 12GB RAM and a 50MP main camera, emphasizes lighter weight (about 162 g) and slimmer dimensions (roughly 7.2 mm) versus the Pixel 10 Pro (about 207 g and 8.5 mm). Samsung lists multi-year support and tight ecosystem integration for Galaxy accessories.
Motorola’s Razr Ultra unfolds to a 7-inch main display and keeps a roughly 4-inch cover display for quick interactions when closed. It uses flagship-class Snapdragon 8 Elite silicon, offers faster charging and large battery life, but starts near $1,299.99 and typically carries a shorter OS update commitment than Google’s Pixel lineup.
The OnePlus 13 packs a large 6,000 mAh battery, 80W wired charging, a roughly 6.82-inch OLED display and Snapdragon 8 Elite performance while launching at about $899.99 — commonly $100 below the Pixel 10 Pro MSRP — making it a strong option for endurance and speed-focused buyers.
Context & impact
Many buyers choose the Pixel 10 Pro for its camera software, Tensor G5 AI features and Google’s extended update promise. Alternatives exist because consumers prioritize different trade-offs: value, raw performance, weight and ergonomics, novel folding designs, or battery life and charging speed.
Where price sensitivity is primary, last-generation Pixels or the base Pixel 10 give much of the Pixel 10 Pro experience for less. For users who want maximum performance for gaming or multi-tasking, Snapdragon 8 Elite devices like the Galaxy S25, Razr Ultra or OnePlus 13 deliver stronger benchmarks and thermal headroom.
Form factor also matters: compact-phone seekers who still want a large screen may prefer a folding phone like the Razr Ultra for its closed-cover usability. Conversely, those embedded in Samsung’s ecosystem should weigh the S25 for better cross-device features with Galaxy watches and earbuds.
Product pages and manufacturer materials describe each model’s chipset, battery and update commitments; consult official sites for the latest specs and support timelines.
Manufacturer product pages
Unconfirmed
- Future software feature rollouts and which specific Pixel 9/10 features will be back-ported over time remain subject to each company’s update plans.
- Retail discount timing and exact street prices for older Pixel models vary by region and retailer.
Bottom line
If you want Google’s camera and AI-first software, the Pixel 10 Pro is a compelling pick; but if you prioritize value, raw speed, battery life, ergonomics, or a folding design, the Pixel 9 Pro (on sale), Pixel 10, Samsung Galaxy S25, Motorola Razr Ultra, and OnePlus 13 are all worthwhile alternatives depending on which trade-offs matter most to you.