5 reasons why I'll always buy Google Pixel phones instead of Samsung Galaxy

I’m due for a phone upgrade in the near future, and I’m once again choosing between the best bang-for-buck Android phones from the likes of Google and Samsung.

My last Samsung phone was a Galaxy S5. Yes, I haven’t bought another Galaxy since 2014 — and there’s a good reason why. When I was due for an upgrade in 2016, I fell in love with the very first Google Pixel. I have since picked a Pixel over a Galaxy whenever the chance arose. There were times when I’d insert a OnePlus or Nothing phone in between, but never a Galaxy over a Pixel.

Pixels appeal to me in multiple ways, from the software integration to their reliable cameras. Google’s phones feel more intuitive and frictionless compared to the kitchen-sink approach of Galaxy phones. Call it bias or blind loyalty; I merely favor a more focused smartphone experience. I have five specific reasons why Pixel phones consistently win me over.

Singular apps for a minimalist look

Dating back to the Nexus series, I’ve always preferred operating systems that are as close to stock Android as possible. This is the main reason why I occasionally used a OnePlus (early OxygenOS) or Nothing phone as a daily driver. They’re not exactly clear of company-made bloat, but they’re not as bad as Samsung. Like other Android manufacturers, Samsung is forced to pre-install Google apps as part of its agreement with Google. This leads to lots of duplicate apps.

When I last reviewed a Samsung Galaxy phone, it had the following duplicate apps: Samsung Galaxy Store, Samsung Messages, Samsung Internet, Samsung Wallet, Bixby… You get the picture. I had the option to disable either Samsung’s or Google’s version of the same app. Whichever suited my needs better stayed in my app drawer. To Samsung’s credit, some of its pre-installed apps were worth keeping, although I disabled way more Samsung apps than Google’s.

Google’s Pixel interface isn’t totally stock Android. However, because it’s made by Google, and Google has a massive suite of productivity software, there isn’t much overlap with other apps. Google already axed some of its own duplicate apps, such as Inbox by Gmail and Google Assistant, so setting up a brand-new Pixel doesn’t require much thought. I get through the initial setup and don’t have to uninstall anything. I only have to go through my Google Play library to see what non-Google apps are missing.

Longer software support

Google and Samsung provide the same seven-year Android OS support for their flagship smartphones. No argument there. What sets them apart is the midrange segment. Starting with the Pixel 8 series, Google has been promising seven years of software support for all its models. That includes the midrange Pixel 8a and every A-series model that came after. For comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy A lineup delivers up to only six years of OS updates.

For someone like me who prefers to keep a midrange phone for as long as possible, the extra year of software support is a huge deal. I’m inclined to keep my phone until the end of its security updates and squeeze out all I can out of its remaining life. It saves me money and lessens e-waste.

Aside from longer software support, Pixels receive their updates much sooner. Pixel users get the latest Android OS versions on day one. When major security patches are released, Pixels receive those first, too. Samsung’s flagships typically take a few months longer to acquire the same OS versions. This year’s Galaxy S26 lineup received the stable version of Android 17 three months after Pixels got it. The top-shelf midrange Galaxy A57 had to wait an additional month to obtain its share.

Google has also been making strides with its Pixel Drops. These quarterly updates typically bring in new features and quality-of-life upgrades to compatible Pixel phones. It’s a great way to keep my Pixel feeling fresh and prevent myself from considering a new phone.

True point-and-shoot photography

Pixels are no longer the king of smartphone photography; other Android manufacturers have already caught up to Google’s early dominance. Nonetheless, Pixels are still my favorite mobile cameras. Google’s composition-to-output processing is arguably simpler and faster than the competition’s. Pixels’ combination of hardware maturity and software optimization provides me with the quick, no-fuss shooting I need in casual photography.

On the other hand, I’ve always admired photos taken by Samsung phones. They retain so much detail even with extended zoom, and their post-processing creates Instagram-ready output from the get-go. I just can’t stomach Samsung’s aggressive color processing. As a film photographer, I lean more toward muted colors. I’ve consistently favored Google’s scene processing with its more realistic depiction of my subjects.

Pixel phones are simply more optimized for everyday shooting. Every Pixel I’ve used, both high-end and midrange, has close to zero shutter lag. As a father to a toddler and multiple pets, eliminating motion blur matters more to me than whatever other camera features I read on a specifications sheet. Pixels remain the ultimate point-and-shoot devices to me. In addition, Google’s Real Tone technology helps heaps with the diverse skin tones in my home.

Pixel-exclusive features

I’m not a fan of bloatware, as mentioned earlier, but I do appreciate some of the Pixel-exclusive features Google has come up with throughout the years. They feel more integrated with the OS, rather than extras that float around the interface. And thanks to Pixel Drops, several of these features receive a refresh or upgrade every few months.

Now Playing has been my favorite Pixel-exclusive feature from day one. Yes, there are apps that can do the same thing, but I love how Now Playing works entirely offline on the lock screen. I listen to a lot of FM radio during my drives and hang out in coffee shops with Spotify playlists on loop; having Now Playing on standby at all times saves me an unnecessary unlock and several taps from checking with another app.

I’m also a habitual screenshot-taker. Pixel Screenshots helps me index and organize screenshots in a way that makes them easy to search and recall when needed. On top of that, the app automatically figures out each screenshot’s purpose and intelligently suggests actions to take. Like most AI-generated assistance, it’s hit or miss, but better than having another generic screenshot gallery. Again, this doesn’t require an internet connection to function.

Add Me is one of the sillier Pixel-exclusive features I recently became fond of. I’m the resident family photographer, so I often get left out of group photos. Add Me lets me join in on the fun, albeit with some AI wizardry. It’s a lifesaver for all those times I forget to bring a tripod along for a family trip. Until Samsung figures out a way to imitate these Pixel features, I’m sticking to Google’s phones.

More distinguishable designs

As much as I adore Samsung’s design philosophy, it’s looked the same for several years now. All models, from entry-level to high-end, carry the same vertical camera layout. Although I get Samsung’s initiative to unify its branding and save on manufacturing costs, going from a Galaxy A phone to a Galaxy S phone doesn’t feel like a substantial visual upgrade. Don’t get me wrong, both lineups look fantastic. I’m simply expecting more variation from one segment to another.

I prefer Google’s strategy: design a signature aesthetic for the flagship models and refresh it every few generations. Next, create a similar yet minimized look for the lower-end models. Google’s flagship phones look distinct from its A-series without messing up the formula or making them look cheap. In fact, I somewhat fancy the designs of the Pixel 9a and 10a over their premium equivalents. Those flush cameras and matte plastic back panels give me more confidence when handling them without a case.

I’m not Samsung’s target market

To be fair, I’ve always given Samsung a chance. Its phones are known for having the best Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs in the market, after all. Galaxy phones are benchmark kings in the Android space, often making them the top choice for mobile gaming and raw performance. Google’s Tensor chips tend to overheat and throttle. If you’re a mobile gamer or hardcore multitasker, you’re better off choosing a Snapdragon-equipped Galaxy.

I’m also envious of Samsung DeX. It’s a great laptop replacement during trips and works wirelessly on compatible Samsung devices. Pixel’s desktop mode pales in comparison. It’s almost too basic and has no wireless connectivity whatsoever. Additionally, Samsung has a much more mature ecosystem. From its Galaxy tablets and watches to earbuds and laptops, Samsung is the Android brand closest to matching Apple’s diverse product portfolio. We have to wait and see if Googlebooks will eventually give Pixel phones the upper hand.

Despite all that, Samsung’s upsides never eclipsed the appeal of a Pixel to me. I don’t plan to change this preference any time soon. I’m just not Samsung’s target market, and that’s fine. Being a loyal Pixel user doesn’t mean I’m closed-minded, though. I’m willing to buy my wife and kids a Galaxy if they absolutely want one. Google doesn’t have an answer to the Galaxy Z Flip, for instance. Pixels are more straightforward, perfect for my inner minimalist.