From Samsung Superfan to Pixel Convert? My Month with the Google Pixel 9 Pro

For years, I was the “Samsung guy” in tech circles, but my journey began as a huge fan of Google’s Nexus and Pixel phones. That changed in 2019 when reliability issues pushed me towards Samsung phones exclusively. Now, after spending a month with the Google Pixel 9 Pro, I’m seriously considering a return to Team Google. This isn’t just a casual fling; it’s a deep dive into how much Google’s flagships have evolved, and why the Pixel 9 Pro might just be my next smartphone.

The Pixel 9 Pro impressed me with its refined software features, surprisingly robust build quality, exceptional battery life, and a camera that truly reclaims Google’s reputation for mobile photography. It addresses the very concerns that made me switch away, making a strong case for its return to my pocket.

Close-up of the Google Pixel 9 Pro's distinctive camera bar in Rose Quartz, highlighting its premium design.

The Pixel Magic I Missed: Smart Software & Design

Since moving to Samsung, there have been certain Pixel-exclusive features I genuinely missed. These aren’t always headline-grabbing specs, but rather subtle, intelligent functionalities that collectively elevate the user experience.

“Now Playing” and Smart Call Features

Take “Now Playing,” for example. It’s incredibly convenient to have your phone automatically identify music playing around you, even offline, and keep a history of every song. It’s a feature you don’t fully appreciate until it’s gone.

Similarly, Google’s Call Screening and related features like Hold For Me, Direct My Call, and Wait Times are game-changers for phone calls. Instead of waiting endlessly on hold or navigating complex automated menus, my Pixel could handle the heavy lifting. Imagine telling your phone to wait on hold with your doctor’s office, freeing you to do other things, then alerting you when a human picks up. While Samsung has introduced similar functions, they haven’t quite matched the seamless integration and effectiveness of the Pixel’s suite. This level of convenience genuinely sets Google’s approach to phone calls apart.

A Google Pixel phone screen displaying the 'Now Playing' feature history, showing automatically identified songs.

“At A Glance” and the New Android Look

Another small but mighty feature I’ve missed is “At A Glance.” This widget, integrated seamlessly into the lock screen and home screen, intelligently displays contextual information you need, like calendar events, weather alerts, or even package delivery updates, precisely when you need it. Its absence makes the lock screen on other phones feel, well, a little lifeless.

Beyond these smart features, the overall aesthetic and feel of Google’s Android have truly matured. With the Material 3 Expressive overhaul in Android 16 QPR1, I’m starting to prefer Google’s flavor of Android over One UI. The redesigned notifications and quick settings panel look fantastic, and the focus on bouncy animations and subtle haptics makes a Pixel phone feel incredibly responsive and “alive” in a way Samsung phones haven’t quite achieved yet. While One UI still has its strengths, the Pixel experience feels more playful and modern than ever.

The refined 'At A Glance' widget on an Android 16 QPR1 Beta home screen, showcasing upcoming events and quick info.

Google's Material 3 design language, with a focus on dynamic color and modern interface elements.

Reliability Reborn: The Pixel 9 Pro’s Unshakeable Foundation

The primary reason I initially abandoned Pixel phones was their inconsistent reliability. From my Nexus 6 to the Pixel 3XL, every device seemed to encounter issues requiring repairs or warranty replacements. While Google’s support was excellent, providing swift replacements, the constant problems became exhausting. The final straw was my Pixel 3XL struggling to keep a music player in memory while taking photos, all thanks to its meager 4GB of RAM. I could only tell myself “next year will be better” for so long.

My experience with the Pixel 9 Pro, however, has been a breath of fresh air. The phone feels incredibly well-built, with premium materials and craftsmanship that rival even my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Crucially, throughout my month of use, I didn’t encounter any of the reliability issues that plagued older Pixels. The Tensor G4 chip proved to be fast and efficient, staying cool even during a sweltering heatwave that caused other phones (including iPhones) to overheat. Signal strength, a notorious weak point for previous Tensor generations, was consistently strong. At no point did the Pixel 9 Pro feel sluggish; it powered through every task I threw at it without complaint. This newfound stability is a huge win for Google.

A side-by-side comparison of the large Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, showcasing their form factors.

Powerhouse Performance: Battery & Camera Excellence

Two areas where the Pixel 9 Pro truly shone were battery life and camera performance – both crucial for daily smartphone use.

Unbeatable Battery Life

I genuinely didn’t expect the Pixel 9 Pro’s battery life to be so outstanding, but it consistently impressed me. Despite being slightly smaller than the S24 Ultra’s (4,700mAh vs. 5,000mAh), the Pixel 9 Pro comfortably lasted through demanding days.

For instance, during two full-day trips to London involving extensive GPS navigation, constant photo and video capture, and music streaming—all during a heatwave—the Pixel 9 Pro performed admirably. While my S24 Ultra struggled with heat, the Pixel remained cool and always brought me home with at least 20% battery remaining, a feat my Samsung phone rarely achieved on similar excursions. On more typical work-from-home days largely on Wi-Fi, I’d end the day with a comfortable 35-40% charge left.

Reclaiming the Camera Crown

I’ve always loved the unique “magic” of a Pixel camera, a feeling I’d forgotten after years with solid (but not always inspiring) Samsung cameras. The Pixel 9 Pro vividly reminded me of what I’d been missing, especially with its now truly competitive zoom hardware. Every photo I took on the Pixel 9 Pro was sharp, perfectly in focus, and pleasing to the eye. Unlike my S24 Ultra, where I often take multiple shots to avoid shutter lag or missed focus, the Pixel offered true “point-and-shoot” confidence. It’s a capability few phones possess, even surpassing the iPhone 16 Pro I tested last year.

The sleek camera bar design on the back of the Google Pixel 9 Pro, highlighting its advanced multi-lens system.

The Pixel also inspired me to record more video, something I usually avoid on mobile due to inconsistent framerates or quality drops between lenses. The video captured on the Pixel 9 Pro had no such issues, especially after Google’s “Video Boost” worked its magic. Footage was naturally sharp, colors were accurate without being oversaturated, and framerates remained consistent across lenses. Combined with clever features like “Add Me” (for capturing both sides of a conversation), the Pixel’s approach to photography and videography feels truly unmatched and genuinely fun.

The Perfect Size

Perhaps the best part about the Pixel 9 Pro’s battery and camera prowess is that it comes in a form factor that isn’t unwieldy. My S24 Ultra, while capable, is large, heavy, and a bit unwieldy. The Pixel 9 Pro, while not tiny, is considerably easier to use with one hand. This balance of top-tier features in a more manageable size is incredibly appealing.

Where Samsung Still Shines: The Pixel 9 Pro’s Few Flaws

While the Pixel 9 Pro is compelling, it’s not perfect. There are still areas where Samsung phones, and particularly One UI, hold an advantage.

Charging Speed Woes

One of my main gripes with the Pixel 9 Pro is its charging situation, particularly wireless charging. While the Pixel 9 Pro can theoretically charge at up to 21W wirelessly, this speed is only achievable with a Pixel Stand – a product Google no longer sells. On a standard Qi charger, which delivers 15W to my S24 Ultra, the Pixel 9 Pro is limited to a mere 12W. This 3W difference might seem minor, but it translates to significantly slower top-ups, making wireless charging feel less convenient on the Pixel.

Wired charging, at 27W, is also slower than the S24 Ultra’s 45W. While the Pixel’s excellent battery life reduces the frequency of charges, it was frustrating when I needed a quick power boost before heading out.

Rear view of the Google Pixel Stand (Gen 2) next to the original Gen 1, illustrating Google's proprietary wireless charging accessories.

Storage Limitations & One UI Perks

Another significant pain point is storage. For a “pro” phone priced at £1,000, the Pixel 9 Pro’s base configuration of 128GB is simply unforgivable in 2025, especially considering how much space photos and videos consume. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series, for comparison (excluding the base model), starts at 256GB, and Samsung frequently offers promotions for free storage upgrades.

While I appreciate Material 3 Expressive and Pixel-specific features, One UI still offers unique advantages. Features like Widget Stacks, which allow you to layer multiple widgets in the same space and scroll through them, are incredibly useful for decluttering your home screen. I use it constantly for my Google Search bar, Galaxy Buds controls, calendar, to-do list, and smart home controls. Good Lock is another reason I hesitate to leave Samsung, offering unparalleled customization from gesture navigation overhauls to fine-tuning animations and icon shapes.

The Samsung Ecosystem Lock-in

It might be a cliché, but leaving the Samsung ecosystem would be genuinely difficult for me. I’m deeply embedded with multiple Samsung phones, a Galaxy Watch 6, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and a Tab S10 Plus. My wife uses all Samsung devices too, creating a seamless environment. The perks of this ecosystem are substantial: Samsung’s shared calendars are superior to Google’s, Galaxy Buds effortlessly switch audio between Samsung devices, and my S24 Ultra can even act as a color palette and tool picker for my Tab S10 Plus when I’m drawing in Samsung Notes. This level of device synergy offers a convenience that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

A Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphone and a Galaxy Tab S10 Plus tablet resting on a bench, representing the Samsung ecosystem.

Am I Buying a Pixel?

Probably. My upgrade cycle typically falls in January, and based on current rumors about the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 series, I’m strongly leaning towards a Pixel. Above all, my experience with the Pixel 9 Pro made me realize I want a phone that is smaller, lighter, and still delivers top-tier camera performance.

This compelling combination is the icing on the cake for a phone that nails all the core fundamentals I desire. The Pixel 9 Pro is so good that I think I’m willing to give up the comforts and features I’ve grown accustomed to in One UI. MKBHD once called Pixels “the smartest smartphone,” and my recent experience confirms it. Google’s thoughtful approach to combining software intelligence with capable hardware is something I didn’t realize how much I missed, and now that I’ve re-experienced it, I remember why I loved Google phones in the first place.