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After years of using a Google Pixel, I recently switched to a Samsung phone. This step wasn’t easy, though—I had to part with my trusty Pixel and its clean, user-friendly interface. So, what prompted me to switch? Below are the reasons.
1Tons of Customization Options
Let’s start with the Home screen; both Samsung and Pixel phones support dynamic themes. The Pixel UI has a superb material design where everything blends seamlessly with the wallpaper. However, its customization options are very limited.
WithOne UI, I can change the icon pack, apply themes, and customize the Quick Settings layout. TheEdge panel provides quick access to my favorite appsand shortcuts with a swipe. I no longer have to search for my favorite apps buried deep within the app drawer. Unfortunately, Pixel UI lacks these basic customizations, and even changing the icon pack requires a third-party launcher.
It’s cool how One UI blurs the background when opening Quick Settings or the app drawer. Unlike the flat design in Pixel UI, Samsung has added depth and visual appeal to its interface. You can also customize the background color to match the wallpaper and adjust its transparency.
If you need even more customization, you can install theGood Lock appfrom the Galaxy Store. It providesvarious Good Lock modules to customizethe status bar, lock screen, and recent apps menu. For example, the QuickStar module lets you change the layout and color of the status bar icons, while RegiStar reorganizes the settings menu for easier access.
2Voice Focus and Call Recording
My house is near a busy street, so it’s often difficult to make clear phone calls. Samsung devices, however, feature Voice Focus during calls. It minimizes background noise and prioritizes my voice to improve the clarity for the listener. As a result, I can enjoy crisp and clear conversations without being at the mercy of my surroundings.
Not only that, Samsung also offers built-in call recording functionality. So, if I need to quickly jot down information during a call, I can easily hitRecordand retrieve the details later. This tool has been a lifesaver for revisiting phone conversations or capturing crucial instructions.
you may even set up automatic call recording for specific contacts or enable it for all incoming and outgoing calls. However, you must respect people’s privacy and get consent before you record anything.
Call recording laws may vary by country and state, so be sure to check your local laws.
3Faster Charging and Long Battery Life
A major downside of Pixel phones is battery life. I’ve often found myself scrambling for a charger halfway through the day, particularly after heavy usage. While the new Tensor chip G3 in the Pixel 8 Pro promises improved energy efficiency, it still lags behind its competitors.
Modern high-end Samsung phones support 45W fast charging, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro only supports 30W and takes 90 minutes to charge fully. Speaking of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, its battery life is outstanding. Despite having a slightly smaller 5,000mAh battery, it lasts longer than the Pixel 8 Pro with a 5,050mAh battery, according toXEETECHCARE’s battery test.
Thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the S24 Ultra can easily end a busy day with 50 percent battery remaining. And when it’s low on juice, the 45W fast charging speed can top up the battery in just 65 minutes—25 minutes quicker than the Google Pixel.
4I Prefer Samsung’s Ecosystem
After switching to my Galaxy S23 in 2023, I quickly realized how well it integrated with other Samsung devices, like my Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Book, and Galaxy Buds.
The experience resembles how Apple devices “talk to each other.” For instance, I can easily copy and paste files between my phone, tablet, and laptop. And if I browse on my phone and then switch to my tablet, I can continue from where I left off, with the same webpage open. This convenience is invaluable when juggling multiple devices.
Similarly, Samsung Notes syncs across all my devices, so I can take notes on one and access them from another. The Samsung Galaxy Buds seamlessly connect to my Samsung devices, automatically switching between music on my phone and calls on my laptop.
Additionally, I can use my Samsung laptop or tablet as a secondary screen for my phone. This is great for mirroring content during meetings or presentations. Not only that, but I can also control my smartphone from my laptop or tabletusing Samsung Flow. If I step away while working, I can easily lock and unlock my laptop with my phone upon returning.
In comparison, the Google Pixel ecosystem feels incomplete. However, that’s okay since it’s still in its early days. I believe the Pixel has a long way to go before matching Samsung’s integration levels.
5Secure Folder
The Secure Folder on Galaxy phoneslets you create a separate Samsung account to access apps and files independently of your primary account. In other words, I can have two accounts for the same app, like WhatsApp or Instagram, with different login credentials and data.
To enhance privacy, I can rename the Secure Folder to something generic like Documents or Work and change its icon to match other apps. Additionally, I can hide the Secure Folder from the app drawer, allowing access only through the notification panel.
As a comparison, the Safe Folder app on Pixel phones just hides photos and videos like a regular Vault app. You can’t expect the level of customization Samsung allows with Secure Folder. However, Private Space, one ofAndroid 15’s best features, offers a similar functionality.
6Samsung DeX
Google Pixel phones and most Android devices only let you cast the screen to an external display. However, Samsung takes this functionality to the next level with itsDeX (Desktop Experience) feature.
DeX transforms my Samsung phone into a desktop-class device. I can connect my phone to a TV or monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use it like a fully functional computer. This way, I can access the same apps I use on my phone daily without needing a separate computer.
What’s more impressive is that DeX lets you run multiple apps simultaneously in a windowed format. Like on a computer, I can close, maximize, or minimize these windows as needed. DeX also features a control center in the bottom-right corner, showing important info like battery percentage and time.
Similarly, the virtual touchpad on my phone allows me to control everything and even capture a screenshot with just a single tap. Even if your TV or monitor doesn’t have screen mirroring or internet connectivity, you can use an HDMI to USB-C cable to enjoy a desktop experience on a bigger screen.
While Pixel phones might not have every feature Samsung devices do, they still excel in some key areas. There’s a lot to appreciate about Pixel phones, from the smooth stock Android experience and early access to software updates to top-of-the-line camera quality. Ultimately, it’s not about missing features but finding what you want. So, do some research and pick the right phone for you.
