Review
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera Review: 200MP Meets Dual Telephoto
Samsung's dual-telephoto strategy — 3x and 5x prime focal lengths — plus a 200MP main sensor make the S25 Ultra the most versatile zoom phone you can buy.
4.5
Head to head
Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Topaz Photo AI
A direct, no-fluff comparison: specs, pros and cons, pricing, and the scenarios where each one earns its keep.
Spec snapshot
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | Topaz Photo AI | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $999 | $199 |
| Our rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Category | smartphone-cameras | software |
| Pros | 4 | 4 |
| Cons | 3 | 3 |
The case for each
Google Pixel 9 Pro
4.5
Pros
- +Best low-light photos in any phone
- +Most detail-rich HDR processing
- +Magic Editor and Best Take actually work
- +Clinical color accuracy
Cons
- −Processing can look overcooked
- −Video still trails iPhone
- −No variable aperture or extra zoom
Topaz Photo AI
4.3
Pros
- +Best-in-class rescue tool for broken files
- +Three AI tools in one workflow
- +Perpetual license with optional updates
- +Plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop
Cons
- −Slower than Lightroom's built-in Denoise
- −UI can feel cluttered for first-time users
- −Annual update fee adds up over time
Winner by use case
Vlogging & videoGoogle Pixel 9 Pro
Low-light photographyGoogle Pixel 9 Pro
Value for moneyTopaz Photo AI
Pro & enterprise useTopaz Photo AI
BeginnersTie
Inferred from each camera's pros and review focus. Treat as a starting point, then read the full reviews for nuance.
Common questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro better than the Topaz Photo AI?
It depends on what you shoot. Google Pixel 9 Pro scores 4.5/5 in our review, while the Topaz Photo AI scores 4.3/5. See the spec table and use-case breakdown above for our verdict.
Which is cheaper, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or the Topaz Photo AI?
Google Pixel 9 Pro sells around $999, and Topaz Photo AI around $199. The Topaz Photo AI is the cheaper of the two.
Which one is better for beginners?
Both are capable, but beginners usually do better with whichever has the simpler interface and more forgiving autofocus. Read the "Winner by use case" section above for our specific call.
Should I upgrade from the Google Pixel 9 Pro to the Topaz Photo AI?
Only if the gap in features you actually use is wide. If you already own one, the marginal upgrade is rarely worth the cost unless a specific shortcoming is blocking your work.
More in this category
Review
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Camera Review: 1-Inch Sensor, Variable Aperture, Real Photography
Co-engineered with Leica, the 14 Ultra's 1-inch main sensor and stepless variable aperture deliver image quality that's genuinely closer to a compact camera than a phone.
4.5
Review
iPhone 16 Pro Camera Review: The 5x Tetraprism Grows Up
Apple's tetraprism telephoto finally makes it to the smaller Pro, and the 48MP Fusion main sensor delivers the most natural color science of any phone in 2026.
4.5