Galaxy S5 vs Pixel: Which One Should You Buy?

Pixel edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2014

Galaxy S5

Galaxy S5
63/ 100
Launch price$600
Google · 2016

Pixel

Pixel
64/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Pixel wins 1 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S5
Galaxy S5
1 win
Pixel
Pixel
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S5Pixel
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedPixel
    60
    64
  • CameraTie
    68
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    57
    57
  • SecurityGalaxy S5
    86
    34
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy S5 has the bigger battery2,800 mAh vs 2,770 mAh
  • Pixel charges faster18W vs 5W
  • Galaxy S5 has a sharper main camera16 MP vs 12.3 MP
  • Galaxy S5 has the bigger screen5.1" vs 5"
  • Pixel is lighter143 g vs 145 g
  • Galaxy S5 launched cheaper$600 vs $649
  • Pixel has a sharper selfie camera8 MP vs 2 MP
  • Pixel has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4
  • Pixel has more RAM4 GB vs 2 GB
  • Galaxy S5 is better protected from water and dustIP67 vs IP53
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S5
  • ✓$49 cheaper at launch ($600 vs $649)
  • ✓Bigger 2,800 mAh battery (+30 mAh)
  • ✓16 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Pixel
  • ✓2 g lighter (143 g vs 145 g), easier to hold
  • ✓12.3 MP main camera
  • ✓5" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S5Pixel
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDAMOLED
Screen Size5.1"5"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (432 ppi)1920x1080 (441 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness698 nits peak400 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 Pixel Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.4Android 7.1
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory2 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB32GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera16 MP, f/2.212.3 MP, f/2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens2 MP, f/2.48 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Pixel Lightest Chassis
Dimensions142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm
Weight145 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP67IP53
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,800 mAh2,770 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.04.2
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 3.0USB-C 3.1
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$600$649
Our verdict

Pixel wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (18W vs 5W) and lighter body (143 g vs 145 g). The Galaxy S5 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (2,800 mAh vs 2,770 mAh).

Buy Galaxy S5 if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Buy Pixel if you want

Faster wired charging: 18W vs 5W · More RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S5 or Pixel?

The Pixel is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (18W vs 5W) and lighter body (143 g vs 145 g). The Galaxy S5 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (2,800 mAh vs 2,770 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy S5 62.8/100, Pixel 63.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S5 and Pixel?

Galaxy S5 has a 5.1-inch display and 2800 mAh battery. Pixel has a 5-inch display and 2770 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S5 and Pixel compare for speed?

Galaxy S5 scores 60/100 for performance; Pixel scores 64/100.

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