Considering going Pixel 9 Pro XL from 16PM

[Gix1k]

This isn't a debate about which is better. I am getting a bit bored with my iPhone and looking for something different. I would have done this a long time ago, but I'm so deep into the Apple ecosystem that removing the iPhone will be a huge break in my chain, but I'm going to do it. Has anyone used the new Pixel Pros and how is the latest version of Android?

 

[BugeyeSTI]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/google-pixel-9-series-9-9-pro-9-pro-xl-9-pro-fold.2417231/

 

[canadianpj]

Nope. Never used it. You'll have better luck on an Android site, though.

 

[ToddH]

This isn't a debate about which is better. I am getting a bit bored with my iPhone and looking for something different. I would have done this a long time ago, but I'm so deep into the Apple ecosystem that removing the iPhone will be a huge break in my chain, but I'm going to do it. Has anyone used the new Pixel Pros and how is the latest version of Android?

I assisted my stepmother with getting a Pixel 9 Pro XL as that is the one she chose because it was best with her plan. She doesn’t know much about it, it’s just a new phone for her. She upgraded from a Galaxy 8. I played with it some, took pictures etc. But I don’t like android software. As a photographer, there aren’t any good apps for photography using android. The photos didn’t look as good as what I get on iPhone using HEIF or ProRAW. Don’t switch for the cameras if that’s what you’re thinking. You didn’t really say why you want the switch other than being bored. The grass is never greener on the other side.

I switched to an android galaxy phone back when the iPhone 5s was in my hands because Apple took so long for Apple to produce an iPhone with a larger screen. I was getting impatient and upset. So later, Apple released the 6 plus. I had to go back to the iPhone at this point. I just couldn’t get used to android… The pixel 9 pro XL was fun to play with, but I quickly realized I wasn’t getting better results compared to the iPhone. There’s nothing like the iPhone. If you’re not a photographer, and the cameras don’t mean anything to you, then go ahead and make the switch. You’ll loose your airdrop capabilities and the Apple ecosystem and such. Way fewer apps on android!

My advice to you would be to buy a Pixel 9 Pro and use it alongside your iPhone. Just add an additional line. I think there are several people who do or would do that.

 

[Rodneyp]

I have switched a couple of times once to a Pixel years ago (lots of hardware issues back then) and to one of the Samsung Ultras and I came back because of the ecosystem. My whole family and most of our friends being on iPhones caused issues for me. I was not able to do things like control the parental controls on my son's phone remotely and approve more time or purchases. Chats got to be funky for some of our friends with my responses (I think this has been fixed now with iOS 18) With that said I would really focus on the impact of the ecosystem you said would be an issue. A small issue now can grow in annoyance over time is my experience. I would post this question on an Android site too.

 

[Gix1k]

I assisted my stepmother with getting a Pixel 9 Pro XL as that is the one she chose because it was best with her plan. She doesn’t know much about it, it’s just a new phone for her. She upgraded from a Galaxy 8. I played with it some, took pictures etc. But I don’t like android software. As a photographer, there aren’t any good apps for photography using android. The photos didn’t look as good as what I get on iPhone using HEIF or ProRAW. Don’t switch for the cameras if that’s what you’re thinking. You didn’t really say why you want the switch other than being bored. The grass is never greener on the other side.

I switched to an android galaxy phone back when the iPhone 5s was in my hands because Apple took so long for Apple to produce an iPhone with a larger screen. I was getting impatient and upset. So later, Apple released the 6 plus. I had to go back to the iPhone at this point. I just couldn’t get used to android… The pixel 9 pro XL was fun to play with, but I quickly realized I wasn’t getting better results compared to the iPhone. There’s nothing like the iPhone. If you’re not a photographer, and the cameras don’t mean anything to you, then go ahead and make the switch. You’ll loose your airdrop capabilities and the Apple ecosystem and such. Way fewer apps on android!

My advice to you would be to buy a Pixel 9 Pro and use it alongside your iPhone. Just add an additional line. I think there are several people who do or would do that.

Thank you! I can't seem to understand the two phone thing. I want to make whatever I have my daily driver. No one wants to be getting two different message streams from me. I wouldn't want multiple conversations on each phone with people.
I may just deal with what I have. I will be losing far more than I gain.

 

[Gix1k]

I have switched a couple of times once to a Pixel years ago (lots of hardware issues back then) and to one of the Samsung Ultras and I came back because of the ecosystem. My whole family and most of our friends being on iPhones caused issues for me. I was not able to do things like control the parental controls on my son's phone remotely and approve more time or purchases. Chats got to be funky for some of our friends with my responses (I think this has been fixed now with iOS 18) With that said I would really focus on the impact of the ecosystem you said would be an issue. A small issue now can grow in annoyance over time is my experience. I would post this question on an Android site too.

The ecosystem is my problem. I track my daughters location with Find My. We use Check-in quite a bit. I'm constantly sending her Apple Cash. I have 6 AirTags, AirPods, Ultra 2. As I sit here typing this on my Mac I can respond to texts or anything happening on the phone. Same while on iPad. Like you, ALL of my family are iPhone users. FaceTime is gone, our group chats get funky, etc. Ugh! It's simply not worth it I'm seeing once it's written out.

 

[Rodneyp]

The ecosystem is my problem. I track my daughters location with Find My. We use Check-in quite a bit. I'm constantly sending her Apple Cash. I have 6 AirTags, AirPods, Ultra 2. As I sit here typing this on my Mac I can respond to texts or anything happening on the phone. Same while on iPad. Like you, ALL of my family are iPhone users. FaceTime is gone, our group chats get funky, etc. Ugh! It's simply not worth it I'm seeing once it's written out.

Sounds like you are in a similar situation and will have similar challenges. I was happy for about 4-5 months and it got old I switched back after about 8 months.

 

[Ludatyk]

The ecosystem is my problem. I track my daughters location with Find My. We use Check-in quite a bit. I'm constantly sending her Apple Cash. I have 6 AirTags, AirPods, Ultra 2. As I sit here typing this on my Mac I can respond to texts or anything happening on the phone. Same while on iPad. Like you, ALL of my family are iPhone users. FaceTime is gone, our group chats get funky, etc. Ugh! It's simply not worth it I'm seeing once it's written out.

With my setup, I use a cellular iPad Pro to be the hub for Apple Ecosystem on-the-go... can use iMessage, Apple Cash... Find My and sharing iCloud Photo albums all under the iPad.

Which frees up use to an Android phone, been doing this since 2019 when the Note 10 Plus was released and then there's a few ways to get iMessage on Android (BlueBubbles, OpenBubbles, and AirMessage). I started out with AirMessage and eventually moved to BlueBubbles... haven't had any issues thus far. And I know this setup is not for everyone, but it works for me.

I have a small backpack that I use to carry my iPad Pro... it also serve as a laptop as well (with the Magic Keyboard), and I rather use Android over iOS because I get more out of it such as multitasking, particularly with Multi-Star and Sound Assistant along with using a stylus. But it's different strokes for different folks... the point I'm making it's possible.

Coming from a person who did the whole iPhone, iPad, Mac (all between Mac Mini, iMac and MBP), Apple Watch at one point... currently use an Galaxy Fold 6, Buds 3 Pro, Galaxy Watch Ultra, iPad Pro and 14" MBP.

 

[ofarlig]

The ecosystem is my problem. I track my daughters location with Find My. We use Check-in quite a bit. I'm constantly sending her Apple Cash. I have 6 AirTags, AirPods, Ultra 2. As I sit here typing this on my Mac I can respond to texts or anything happening on the phone. Same while on iPad. Like you, ALL of my family are iPhone users. FaceTime is gone, our group chats get funky, etc. Ugh! It's simply not worth it I'm seeing once it's written out.

I’ve switched back and forth many times over the years, and it becomes harder and harder to do the more integrated things become. For me it has always been a hassle to make it work passable and it feels like coming home when returning to iOS again.

Been contemplating getting a foldable again (only reason for me to get Android) but ecosystem things like location sharing with my wife, integration with other Apple devices, all the seamless apps to help my mom with her Mac or iPhone from home and overall better support for credit cards and third party things in my region is holding me back.

Might still try to make one last run at making Android work but I know that at best I’d switch back the second Apple makes a Fold style device.

 

[mjschabow]

The ecosystem is my problem. I track my daughters location with Find My. We use Check-in quite a bit. I'm constantly sending her Apple Cash. I have 6 AirTags, AirPods, Ultra 2. As I sit here typing this on my Mac I can respond to texts or anything happening on the phone. Same while on iPad. Like you, ALL of my family are iPhone users. FaceTime is gone, our group chats get funky, etc. Ugh! It's simply not worth it I'm seeing once it's written out.

Yeah, based on what you just said, I'd stay put.

My house is mixed. Wife has a Galaxy and my daughter has an iPhone. The only thing that really ties me is my Apple Watch Ultra 2. I really love the watch.

 

[Harthag]

Thank you! I can't seem to understand the two phone thing. I want to make whatever I have my daily driver. No one wants to be getting two different message streams from me. I wouldn't want multiple conversations on each phone with people.
I may just deal with what I have. I will be losing far more than I gain.

The ecosystem is my problem. I track my daughters location with Find My. We use Check-in quite a bit. I'm constantly sending her Apple Cash. I have 6 AirTags, AirPods, Ultra 2. As I sit here typing this on my Mac I can respond to texts or anything happening on the phone. Same while on iPad. Like you, ALL of my family are iPhone users. FaceTime is gone, our group chats get funky, etc. Ugh! It's simply not worth it I'm seeing once it's written out.

Nothing to lose by trying a Pixel to see for yourself, that's the best way to find out. As someone stated above, there are ways to get iMessage running flawlessly on Android, I also use BlueBubbles and it works with Android Auto. You already have a Mac so you will reap all the benefits of BlueBubbles by setting it up locally there. Do you happen to have T-Mobile as your carrier? If so and you have multiple lines you can use the Digits feature to easily switch back and forth between phones while you are comparing. I've got it set to forward all calls and messages from my iPhone (main phone) to Pixel. BlueBubbles actually forwards both iMessages and SMS so you still get password verifications and the like. You shouldn't have issues with duplicate messages. It also works fine with group iMessage chats. The only things I can't do on my Pixel are 1) FaceTime, 2) iCloud photo shared albums, 3) Find My to share with relatives / AirTags.

If you haven't used Android at all or in several years, there will be a learning curve and adjustment. Not bad, just different.

 

[Technerd108]

Android and iOS are very different yet also very similar. For me the back gesture support on Android is so much better. I have an S24 Ultra and I had until Christmas a Pixel 8 Pro. I gave my Pixel to my son who had an iPhone 11 which was getting a bit long in the tooth and I can't afford to buy him a new phone. He actually said he wanted to switch to Android for VPN support at school which was only available on Android for his use case. I had a iPhone 13 Pro Max and because t mobile kind of screwed me after my contract was up and I wanted to unlock the phone so I switched to a Pixel 7 Pro. I had an S20 FE which I was able to get high trade value for the s23 ultra. Then I upgrade both phones with trade in deals. Buying an iPhone I wanted would have cost me several hundred more than one iPhone so I was stuck.

I like Android a lot and have used out most of my mobile phone history. My first iPhone was the 11 which I gave to my son.

I also have a M2 MBA and 5th gen iPad Air. So using Android broke a lot of compatibility and my family mostly uses iPhone. If I could have done things over I probably would have stuck with iPhone. My s24 ultra though is pretty much the perfect phone but I still miss my iPhone and all of the ecosystem integration and Apple apps.

The OP when listing on "paper" realized that maybe despite not having some features of Pixel that they are going to stick with an iPhone and I agree.

However the less apps thing is really not true. The Android versions are different in some ways from iOS and some ways the iOS versions are better and in some ways the Android versions are actually better. So apps are really a no issue.

The back gesture on Android should be adopted by Apple. I know they want to think different but this is one feature they should certainly copy. Then for me, there would be no benefit to using Android, only downsides.

For now my s24 ultra has a lot of hardware I just prefer to any phone. I prefer Pixel UI or even iOS mostly but OneUI is good enough and offers much more customization and additional features. That being said, there will be a point where I switch back to iPhone and iOS. I have ditched or am I the process of selling off my Windows laptops because I like MacOS so much better and I just don't need Windows for business or compatibility as I did in the past. My M2 MBA has been one of the best laptops I have ever owned even with less specs than my Windows PC's with 120 hz touch Amoled screens. My air just has a 60hz IPS display but I actually prefer it except for streaming. I will get a 14" MBP once I sell the Windows PC's and trade in my air. Then at some point I will get an iPhone once I get tired of the s24 ultra in another year or two.

For the OP we all get tired of the same thing and want to try something new and as others have said get a Pixel 8a or 9A if it comes out or a s24 plus or s25 plus as a secondary phone. You don't need another line. You can use the esim in both phones although switching e sims can be more complicated depending on carrier but some carriers make it pretty easy too. This way you can use the Pixel for a couple weeks or for as long as you are comfortable and then switch back. You should try to use the Pixel for at least two months straight when you are ready to really get a good feel for the differences and what you value more and prefer. Then you can either upgrade your android phone and sell the iPhone or do the opposite and you will be confident knowing for yourself what works the best for you. Nothing else will really tell you this.

 

[tbayrgs]

The ecosystem is my problem. I track my daughters location with Find My. We use Check-in quite a bit. I'm constantly sending her Apple Cash. I have 6 AirTags, AirPods, Ultra 2. As I sit here typing this on my Mac I can respond to texts or anything happening on the phone. Same while on iPad. Like you, ALL of my family are iPhone users. FaceTime is gone, our group chats get funky, etc. Ugh! It's simply not worth it I'm seeing once it's written out.

Take it from someone who is in the same boat as you and HAS also owned at least one Android device for most of the past 12 years, don’t bother trying to switch for your daily driver unless you want to almost full extricate yourself from the Apple ecosystem AND deal with the compromises you’ll still encounter being surrounded by everyone else still using Apple.

I’ve tried to fully make the switch numerous times over the years and ultimately always come back. Now, as I said, I also have an Android as my second phone (currently have a Pixel 9 Pro Fold which I like alot) and that’s really the best way for me to experiment and play with what’s available on Android. In a smartphone vacuum, I could live perfectly well with an Android phone. It’s the totality of benefits you get living inside the Apple ecosystem while also interacting predominantly with other Apple users that makes it a lesser experience for me.

Unless you need specific functionality that iOS and iPhone cannot offer, save the headache of trying to switch entirely. If you have the means to pick up a second device, even if you don’t plan on putting a phone line in it, go that route. It’ll let you explore Android and what it has to offer and who knows, ultimately you may find it offers enough to warrant making the switch entirely. I’ll wager considering your current ecosystem setup that it won’t.

 

[mjschabow]

Take it from someone who is in the same boat as you and HAS also owned at least one Android device for most of the past 12 years, don’t bother trying to switch for your daily driver unless you want to almost full extricate yourself from the Apple ecosystem AND deal with the compromises you’ll still encounter being surrounded by everyone else still using Apple.

I’ve tried to fully make the switch numerous times over the years and ultimately always come back. Now, as I said, I also have an Android as my second phone (currently have a Pixel 9 Pro Fold which I like alot) and that’s really the best way for me to experiment and play with what’s available on Android. In a smartphone vacuum, I could live perfectly well with an Android phone. It’s the totality of benefits you get living inside the Apple ecosystem while also interacting predominantly with other Apple users that makes it a lesser experience for me.

Unless you need specific functionality that iOS and iPhone cannot offer, save the headache of trying to switch entirely. If you have the means to pick up a second device, even if you don’t plan on putting a phone line in it, go that route. It’ll let you explore Android and what it has to offer and who knows, ultimately you may find it offers enough to warrant making the switch entirely. I’ll wager considering your current ecosystem setup that it won’t.

It's funny, because I was going to recommend to him to pick up like a Pixel 8a or even a 7 Pro just to get a taste of Android but without a crazy high financial investment.

I've been considering doing the same myself.

 

[Technerd108]

It's funny, because I was going to recommend to him to pick up like a Pixel 8a or even a 7 Pro just to get a taste of Android but without a crazy high financial investment.

I've been considering doing the same myself.

I think it is really the best choice. It is a good idea. I would only buy a cheap Android phone from Google as most others are not so fun. But as a way to enjoy the best of both worlds it is a great option.

Giving up an iPhone when you have a bunch of Apple products you enjoy and use daily just doesn't make a lot of sense.

 

[mjschabow]

I think it is really the best choice. It is a good idea. I would only buy a cheap Android phone from Google as most others are not so fun. But as a way to enjoy the best of both worlds it is a great option.

Giving up an iPhone when you have a bunch of Apple products you enjoy and use daily just doesn't make a lot of sense.

Yep. Plus it gives you a trial run without selling literally all of your Apple products and then buying them back (been there).

 

[Gix1k]

Take it from someone who is in the same boat as you and HAS also owned at least one Android device for most of the past 12 years, don’t bother trying to switch for your daily driver unless you want to almost full extricate yourself from the Apple ecosystem AND deal with the compromises you’ll still encounter being surrounded by everyone else still using Apple.

I’ve tried to fully make the switch numerous times over the years and ultimately always come back. Now, as I said, I also have an Android as my second phone (currently have a Pixel 9 Pro Fold which I like alot) and that’s really the best way for me to experiment and play with what’s available on Android. In a smartphone vacuum, I could live perfectly well with an Android phone. It’s the totality of benefits you get living inside the Apple ecosystem while also interacting predominantly with other Apple users that makes it a lesser experience for me.

Unless you need specific functionality that iOS and iPhone cannot offer, save the headache of trying to switch entirely. If you have the means to pick up a second device, even if you don’t plan on putting a phone line in it, go that route. It’ll let you explore Android and what it has to offer and who knows, ultimately you may find it offers enough to warrant making the switch entirely. I’ll wager considering your current ecosystem setup that it won’t.

I believe you are right here. The switch, even with whatever little benefit it offers me will introduce more hassle than it's worth. I could deal with the break it gives me with random people, but the disconnect with my kid is difficult for me. ATT has a deal now where I can get the P9PXL for "free" over 36 months upgrading a line. I'll be keeping line active over that time as it's an active line, so the 36 month term isn't an issue. This is why I'm heavily considering it. Someone mentioned use my iPad for all things Apple and connecting with others the way I did with the phone. I think I may go get it, try it and if I just can't cope with it, return within the window. As for a second phone, I don't want to go that route because if I love it, I want it to be my daily and experience it all the time.
What Apple has done is pure genius. Once deep in their system, you're essentially locked in. That said, the across device communication is second to none.

 

[Technerd108]

I believe you are right here. The switch, even with whatever little benefit it offers me will introduce more hassle than it's worth. I could deal with the break it gives me with random people, but the disconnect with my kid is difficult for me. ATT has a deal now where I can get the P9PXL for "free" over 36 months upgrading a line. I'll be keeping line active over that time as it's an active line, so the 36 month term isn't an issue. This is why I'm heavily considering it. Someone mentioned use my iPad for all things Apple and connecting with others the way I did with the phone. I think I may go get it, try it and if I just can't cope with it, return within the window. As for a second phone, I don't want to go that route because if I love it, I want it to be my daily and experience it all the time.
What Apple has done is pure genius. Once deep in their system, you're essentially locked in. That said, the across device communication is second to none.

I have an iPad 5th gen air and MacBook it doesn't even come close to iPhone.

iPhone is the central hub of the Apple ecosystem and everything breaks without it and functionality is a bunch of work arounds.

 

[Gix1k]

I have an iPad 5th gen air and MacBook it doesn't even come close to iPhone.

iPhone is the central hub of the Apple ecosystem and everything breaks without it and functionality is a bunch of work arounds.

You made a lot of sense in here and the reasoning I needed. Staying put. Will buy a new case and change my wallpaper...make my 16PM new again

 

[mjschabow]

I’ll say this. My plan all along has been to stay put on Apple, but man, autocorrect has gotten so bad when using swipe on the iOS keyboard that if they don’t fix that, I might be out.

 

[Sensamic]

I’ll say this. My plan all along has been to stay put on Apple, but man, autocorrect has gotten so bad when using swipe on the iOS keyboard that if they don’t fix that, I might be out.

Yeah, when I had my iPhone 12 and 15, I HATED the stock keyboard. It's miles behind the Google keyboard on Android, when using curse words, autocorrect, personalization, numbers on top, changing languages, etc. The difference is huge. I don't spend so much time now correcting the autocorrect function...

 

[mjschabow]

Yeah, when I had my iPhone 12 and 15, I HATED the stock keyboard. It's miles behind the Google keyboard on Android, when using curse words, autocorrect, personalization, numbers on top, changing languages, etc. The difference is huge. I don't spend so much time now correcting the autocorrect function...

Interesting! Is it true that the Google keyboard on Pixel phones work better than on Samsungs or is that not a thing?

 

[hieubui]

There is just no meaningful progress to iOS lately, plus those annoying bugs that aren’t going to get fixed. I too will go Android later this year. Maybe one of those folding phones, it’s tempting.

 

[Technerd108]

Interesting! Is it true that the Google keyboard on Pixel phones work better than on Samsungs or is that not a thing?

You can use Google keyboard on any android phones. If you have a Samsung phone you can use the stock keyboard or use Googles. It is completely up to the individual.

I prefer the Samsung stock keyboard as it has a number bar above the letters which is easier than having to switch screens in my opinion.