Pixel to Samsung, or suggest others? (Alternatives to Pixel?)

[840quadra]

Greetings!

Looking into options to move on from my (beloved) Pixel 8 Pro, into an Android phone that has FAR more processing power than the Tensor chip of this era. My concerns with the switch are the UI (Not a Fan of Samsung flavor of Android), and perhaps others that use the Apple matching Qualcomm processors. Since the pixel 8, NOTHING has been compelling for me to swap away from this device, but I am a bit Android curious from other vendors.

For those that have made the switch from Pixel devices (or run both in parallel), what have you liked or disliked about other options on the market?

 

[tbayrgs]

Greetings!

Looking into options to move on from my (beloved) Pixel 8 Pro, into an Android phone that has FAR more processing power than the Tensor chip of this era. My concerns with the switch are the UI (Not a Fan of Samsung flavor of Android), and perhaps others that use the Apple matching Qualcomm processors. Since the pixel 8, NOTHING has been compelling for me to swap away from this device, but I am a bit Android curious from other vendors.

For those that have made the switch from Pixel devices (or run both in parallel), what have you liked or disliked about other options on the market?

The only real ‘limitation’ of Samsung phones is really a personal preference regarding their software and camera processing. Their hardware is top notch. My preference is similar to yours—I don’t like Samsung’s UI so even with exceptional hardware, it’s not enough to lure me over.

I really like my Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the 10 Pro models are beasts. Yes, there is criticism of the latest versions of the Tensor chips but that seems to really only come into play for gaming and I don’t do heavy gaming on my phone. Battery life seems to have improved across the board—my P10PF is definitely better than my P9PF was.

The new OnePlus 15 looks like a beast unless camera performance is a top priority for you.

Knowing your affection for Pixel phones, I think you’d be very happy with one of the new Pixel 10s.

 

[Boppi]

I switched from the Pixel 8 Pro to the Samsung Galaxy S24+ almost 2 years ago. I skipped the 25 as the 24 is still stupid fast. I'll probably skip the 26 too due for release in a couple months, sans some unknown compelling reason.

It'll take a bunch of benchmarks and a ton of positive reviews to get me back in the Pixel fold, and I've been buying them since the (pre-Pixel) Nexus days, mostly for the clean Android software and the ability to load custom roms and use it as I desire.

Regarding the Samsung software, referred to as One UI, the overlay has come a long way. The Samsung apps and Store are there if you want to engage but nothing is pushed. I've never awakened or used Bixby. None of it is in your face unless you want it.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I've also moved on from the Pixels. There really aren't many choices for US flagship phones besides Google, Samsung and OnePlus. The OnePlus is a monster but the camera is not what you require. It's not on the level of the Pixel and followed by the Samsung.

I've gotten used to OneUI but yes it's not as clean as the Pixel Launcher and too many redundant apps.

 

[HouseLannister]

Since the pixel 8, NOTHING has been compelling for me to swap away from this device

I don't get your logic there. You think Tensor isn't performant enough for your needs, so you want a Nothing phone? I don't mean to bash the company, but their "flagship" phone is already 2 generations behind on its processor, right (8s Gen 4)? I don't know if I could even tell the difference in performance between your Pixel 8 and a Nothing Phone 3.

What is it you need the performance for? What are the demanding tasks you want to do on the go?

I use my phone primarily as a phone and a web browser, so performance doesn't mean much to me. I love the Pixel exclusive features and the day 1 updates, so I will always have a Pixel (even if it is a spare phone in a drawer). My current Pixel 10 Pro performs superbly for everything I throw at it and gets great battery life.

But I am not a gamer -- if I was, I would get a RedMagic Pro 11 (though it lacks T-Mobile's 5G bands, so not that great as an actual mobile phone). OnePlus 15 and the upcoming Samsung S26 Ultra should also handle games outstandingly well, but the thermals won't be as good, so it will throttle more on long gaming sessions.

Samsung is probably the best choice outside of Google for long software support and you know you can get it repaired or replaced a lot easier than a brand like Nothing.

But I get not liking the look of OneUI. That said, every UI looks a little out of place if you use a lot of Google apps, because they all have a very definite Material 3 Expressive look that matches that Pixel aesthetic. I would recommend getting very into Good Lock modules so you can alter OneUI to suit your needs. But if that is not enough then invest in a good launcher like Niagra or Smart Launcher and go wild.

 

[skriefal]

There really aren't many choices for US flagship phones besides Google, Samsung and OnePlus.

Are there any others, other than perhaps the Moto Razr Ultra?

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Are there any others, other than perhaps the Moto Razr Ultra?

Spec wise it might be okay but like Sony's Xperia phones, they are small players. I should have quantified flagship as phones with premium specs, support and sales. Pixel phones still fall way behind in sales to Samsung though the brand is growing and Pixel phones can be argued, are borderline flagship because they don't have the best hardware specs. Whereas Samsung and OnePlus phones, do.

I can't speak for the Moto Razr Ultra or the Sony Xperia line but Google and Samsung now offer 7 years support and OnePlus 4 years support.