After using a Google Pixel for years, I recently switched to a Samsung phone. It wasn’t an easy move though – I had to part with my trusty Pixel and its clean, user-friendly interface. So what made me make the switch? Here are the reasons.

1 Countless customization options

Let’s start with the home screen. Both Samsung and Pixel phones support dynamic themes. The Pixel UI has a great material design where everything blends seamlessly with the wallpaper, but the customization options are very limited.

One UI lets me change the icon pack, apply themes, and customize the quick settings layout. The Edge panel gives me quick access to my favorite apps and shortcuts with a swipe. I no longer have to dig deep into the app drawer for my favorite apps. Unfortunately, these basic customization options are missing from Pixel UI, and even changing the icon pack requires a third-party launcher.

It’s cool how One UI blurs the background when you open the quick settings or app drawer. Unlike the flat design of Pixel UI, Samsung has added depth and visual appeal to its UI. You can also change the background color to match the wallpaper and adjust the transparency.

If you need even more customization, you can install the Good Lock app from the Galaxy Store. It offers various Good Lock modules for customizing the 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.

2 Voice focus and call recording

My house is near a busy road, so it’s often difficult to have clear phone conversations. However, Samsung devices have Voice Focus on calls. It minimizes background noise and prioritizes my voice to improve clarity for the listener. This allows me to have clear and distinct conversations without being dependent on my surroundings.

In addition, Samsung also offers a built-in call recording feature. If I need to quickly jot down information during a call, I can simply Record and recall the details later. This tool is a lifesaver when it comes to recalling phone conversations or jotting down important instructions.

You can 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 obtain their consent before recording.

3 Faster charging and long battery life

A major downside to Pixel phones is battery life. I often found myself searching for a charger in the middle of the day, especially after heavy use. Although the new Tensor G3 chip in the Pixel 8 Pro promises improved power efficiency, it still lags behind its competitors.

Modern high-end Samsung phones support 45W fast charging, while the Pixel 8 Pro only supports 30W and takes 90 minutes to fully charge. Speaking of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, its battery life is excellent. Although it has a slightly smaller 5,000mAh battery, it lasts longer than the Pixel 8 Pro with a 5,050mAh battery, according to XEETECHCARE’s battery test.

Thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the S24 Ultra can easily finish a busy day with 50 percent battery remaining. And when the juice starts to run low, the 45W fast charging speed can top up the battery in just 65 minutes—25 minutes faster than the Google Pixel.

4 I prefer Samsung’s ecosystem

After upgrading to my Galaxy S23 in 2023, I quickly realized how well it integrates with other Samsung devices like my Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Book, and Galaxy Buds.

The 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’m browsing on my phone and then switch to my tablet, I can pick up where I left off and the same web page stays open. This convenience is invaluable when juggling multiple devices.

Likewise, Samsung Notes syncs 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 and automatically switch between the music on my phone and calls on my laptop.

In addition, I can use my Samsung laptop or tablet as a second screen for my phone. This is ideal for mirroring content during meetings or presentations. In addition, Samsung Flow also allows me to control my smartphone from my laptop or tablet. If I go away during work, I can easily lock and unlock my laptop with my phone when I return.

In comparison, the Google Pixel ecosystem feels incomplete. But that’s OK, as it’s still in its infancy. I believe the Pixel still has a long way to go before it reaches Samsung’s levels of integration.

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 have two accounts for the same app, say WhatsApp or Instagram, with different login credentials and data.

To improve 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 and access it only from the notification panel.

For comparison, the Safe Folder app on Pixel phones simply 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 Android 15’s best features, offers similar functionality.

6 Samsung DeX

Google Pixel phones and most Android devices only allow you to cast the screen to an external display, but Samsung takes this functionality to the next level with its DeX (Desktop Experience) feature.

DeX turns my Samsung phone into a desktop device. I can connect my phone to a TV or monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and use it like a fully functional computer. This allows me to access the same apps I use every day on my phone without needing a separate computer.

Even more impressive, DeX allows you to run multiple apps at once in a windowed format. Like on a computer, I can close, maximize, or minimize these windows as needed. DeX also has a Control Center in the bottom right corner that displays important information like battery percentage and time.

Likewise, I can use my phone’s virtual touchpad to control everything and even take a screenshot with just a tap. Even if your TV or monitor doesn’t have screen mirroring or an internet connection, you can still enjoy a desktop experience on a larger screen with an HDMI to USB-C cable.

While Pixel phones may not have all the features of Samsung devices, they still excel in some key areas. There’s a lot to like about Pixel phones, from the smooth stock Android experience and early access to software updates to the top-notch camera quality. Ultimately, it’s not about missing features, it’s about finding what you want, so do your research and choose the right phone for you.