For years, my choice of phone came down to my own curiosity. I’d switch between brands like HTC, LG, Apple, and Samsung, always seeking something fresh. That changed with the Samsung Galaxy S10, a phone that truly impressed me with its bold design and break from Apple’s compact iPhone 7.
I thought I might stick with Samsung for the long run—until an accident smashed the Galaxy S10 screen. Given the choice between an expensive repair or trying something new, I went with the Google Pixel 5. Now, looking back, I’d make that choice again without hesitation, and here’s why.
1. Google’s Designs Bring Back the Fun
Design may not top everyone’s list of priorities when picking a phone, but it plays a big role for me. In recent years, Samsung’s Galaxy devices have leaned toward a polished, professional look, while Google’s Pixels embrace a more playful, adventurous style.
Samsung’s Galaxy S10 once stood out with unique features like a horizontal camera strip, colorful finishes that shifted with lighting, and even a porcelain option. However, recent Galaxy designs have simplified, replacing the horizontal strip with a more conventional camera array, standard glass, and a flat panel display.
Google, on the other hand, has made the Pixel design bolder and more fun. It started with the camera bar, a feature that divides the back of the phone and has since been transformed into a unique “camera island” in the Pixel 9 series. Google also brought back two-tone color schemes, giving the Pixels a fresh look that’s playful yet polished.
The Pixel’s refined aluminum build feels excellent in hand, and its subtle curves make it comfortable and easy to handle. In contrast, recent Galaxy devices feel more utilitarian, built around Samsung’s commitment to features like the S Pen. The resulting devices are powerful yet oversized, which doesn’t suit everyone.
2. Pixel UI is Light and Intuitive
It’s not just Google’s hardware that draws me in; I prefer Pixel’s clean, light interface over Samsung’s feature-rich One UI. Google’s Pixel UI is refreshingly straightforward, while One UI can feel overwhelming with its many settings, options, and apps.
Samsung offers deep customization through apps like Good Lock, giving Galaxy users nearly endless options to tweak their devices. But for me, Pixel UI’s simplicity is its charm. It provides an organized app drawer, colorful apps that match your wallpaper, and a customizable lock screen without the need to dig through complex settings.
Pixel UI feels like Google from top to bottom, with minimal bloatware or duplicate apps. You won’t find both Samsung Messages and Samsung Internet here; instead, Google Photos, Pixel Weather, and other Google services come pre-installed and ready to use.
While this might sound simplistic, it’s exactly what I want. Pixel UI lets me focus on what matters, with intuitive navigation and quick access to essential apps and widgets.
3. Google’s Image Processing Does the Heavy Lifting
What initially drew me to Google’s phones wasn’t the design or UI; it was the camera. Google’s Pixel cameras use powerful software to deliver consistently great photos with minimal effort. You simply point, shoot, and let Google’s AI handle the rest.
Google’s latest Pixel models, including the Pixel 9 Pro, retain this effortless approach, giving you just enough guidance for excellent shots without needing a photography background. Google’s Tensor G4 chip takes care of color correction, long-exposure effects, and object removal with ease.
Samsung’s camera approach, by contrast, offers greater manual control with settings like white balance, shutter speed, and exposure, which is ideal for enthusiasts who want more options. However, for casual users or those who just want a quick, great-looking photo, Google’s hands-off approach is hard to beat.
Comparing astrophotography on a Pixel and Galaxy phone illustrates this perfectly. With a Pixel, you simply tap the shutter button and let the phone do the work. On a Galaxy, you must navigate through menus, adjust settings, and fine-tune exposure before taking the shot—a big difference in usability.
4. Pixel’s Software Stays Bloat-Free
Samsung packs its phones with extra apps and features, some of which might be helpful, like the Galaxy Wearable app, but others, like Facebook, Netflix, and Samsung Global Goals, feel unnecessary for many users.
Having to delete unwanted apps after setup feels cumbersome compared to Pixel’s cleaner slate, where the essentials are pre-installed, leaving room for personal customization without added clutter.
Samsung and Google both offer extended support for their devices—up to seven years—so either choice is future-proof in that sense. But with the Pixel, I can start with exactly what I want and add only the apps I need. Samsung’s duplicate apps and business extras, while useful for some, create more setup work for those of us who prefer a streamlined experience.
Why Google Pixel Feels Like Home
Samsung’s Galaxy line offers top-tier phones, with standout durability, extensive customizability, and powerful manual camera controls. For some, these features alone justify the purchase. However, for me, the Google Pixel’s quirky, vibrant, and simplified experience makes it my preferred choice.
Pixel’s user-friendly design, easy-to-use UI, and intelligent image processing create an Android experience that matches how I want to use my phone—quickly, easily, and without hassle. I want my phone to be something I enjoy, not just a tool.
In my years as a phone reviewer, I’ve sampled every major Android brand, yet the Google Pixel always feels like home. Whether I’m talking to friends or advising family, I keep recommending the Pixel.
