After years of using a Google Pixel phone, I recently made the switch to a Samsung phone. It wasn’t an easy move, as I had to give up my trusty Pixel phone and its clean, easy-to-use interface. So, what made me make the switch? Here are the reasons.
1 Lots of customization options
Let’s start with the home screen; Samsung and Pixel phones support dynamic themes. The Pixel UI has a great material design where everything blends seamlessly into the background. However, the customization options are quite limited.
With One UI, I can change the icon pack, apply themes, and customize the layout of quick settings. The Edge panel provides quick access to my favorite apps and shortcuts with a single tap. I no longer have to search for my favorite apps buried deep inside the app drawer. Unfortunately, Pixel UI lacks these basic customizations, and even changing the icon pack requires a third-party launcher.
It’s amazing how One UI blurs the background when you open the quick settings or app drawer. Unlike the flat design of the Pixel UI, Samsung has added depth and visual appeal to its interface. You can also customize the background color to match your wallpaper and adjust its transparency.
If you need more customization, you can install the Good Lock app from the Galaxy Store. It offers various Good Lock modules to customize the status bar, lock screen, and recent apps list. For example, the QuickStar module lets you change the layout and color of the status bar icons, while the RegiStar module reorganizes the settings menu for easier access.
2 Voice focus and call recording
My home is located near a busy street, so it’s often difficult to make clear phone calls. However, Samsung devices feature Voice Focus during calls. It reduces background noise and prioritizes my voice to improve clarity for the listener. As a result, I can enjoy clear, crisp conversations without being at the mercy of my surroundings.
Not only that, Samsung also offers a built-in call recording function. So, if I need to quickly jot down information during a call, I can easily press register And retrieve details later. This tool has been a life saver when revisiting phone conversations or capturing important instructions.
You can also set up automatic call recording for specific contacts or enable it for all incoming and outgoing calls. However, you should respect people's privacy and get their consent before recording anything.
Call recording laws may vary by country and state, so be sure to check your local laws.
3 Faster charging and longer battery life
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Pixel phones is battery life. I often find myself reaching for a charger mid-day, especially after heavy use. And while the new Tensor G3 chip in the Pixel 8 Pro promises improved power efficiency, it still lags behind its competitors.
Samsung's recent high-end phones support 45W fast charging, while the Pixel 8 Pro only supports 30W fast charging and takes 90 minutes to fully charge. As for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, its battery life is great. Despite having a slightly smaller 5,000mAh battery, it lasts longer than the Pixel 8 Pro, which comes with a 5,050mAh battery, according to a battery test conducted by XEETECHCARE.
Thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the S24 Ultra can easily finish a busy day with 50 percent battery left. And when you run low on juice, 45W fast charging can recharge the battery in just 65 minutes — 25 minutes faster than the Google Pixel.
4 I prefer the Samsung ecosystem.
After switching to the Galaxy S23 in 2023, I quickly realized how well it integrated with other Samsung devices, like the Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Book, and Galaxy Buds.
This experience is similar to the way Apple devices “talk” to each other. For example, 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 pick up where I left off, with the same web page open. This convenience is invaluable when moving between multiple devices.
Likewise, the Samsung Notes app syncs across all my devices, so I can take notes on one device and access them from another. The Samsung Galaxy Buds connect seamlessly 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 display for my phone. This is great for viewing content during meetings or presentations. Not only that, I can also control my smartphone from my laptop or tablet using Samsung Flow. If I step away while working, I can easily lock and unlock my laptop using my phone when I get back.
By comparison, the Google Pixel system looks incomplete. However, that’s okay because it’s still in its early stages. I think the Pixel still has a long way to go before it reaches the levels of integration that Samsung has.
5 secure folder
Secure Folder on Galaxy phones lets you create a separate Samsung account to access apps and files independently from your primary account. In other words, I can create two accounts for the same app, like WhatsApp or Instagram, with different logins 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 to it only through the notification panel.
By comparison, the Safe Folder app on Pixel phones hides photos and videos like a regular Vault app. You can’t expect the level of customization that Samsung allows with Secure Folder. However, Private Space, one of the best features of Android 15, offers similar functionality.
6 Samsung Dex
Google Pixel phones and most Android devices only let you cast your screen to an external display. However, Samsung takes this functionality to the next level with DeX (Desktop Experience).
DeX turns 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 PC. This way, I can access the same apps I use on my phone every day without needing a separate computer.
Even more impressive is that DeX lets you run multiple apps simultaneously in windowed format. Just like on a PC, I can close, maximize, or minimize these windows as needed. DeX also features a control center in the lower right corner, which displays important information like battery percentage and time.
Likewise, the virtual touchpad on my phone lets me control everything and even take a screenshot with just one tap. And 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 your desktop experience on a bigger screen.
While Pixel phones may not have all the features that Samsung devices have, they still excel in some key areas. There’s a lot to appreciate about Pixel phones, from the smooth Android experience and early access to software updates to the advanced camera quality. Ultimately, it’s not about missing features, it’s about finding what you want. So do some research and choose the phone that’s right for you.