C.Scott Brown / Android Authority
In my five years working as an Android journalist, I’ve been known as the Samsung guy. ThatS been an accurate description, but it may surprise you to learn that I used to be a nexus/Pixel fanatic, using every Google flagship from the Nexus 6 to the Pixel 3XL. That changed toward the start of 2019, when I became tired of how unreliable Pixels were for me in a few areas and started to use Samsung phones exclusively.
Recently, I got to spend a month with the Pixel 9 Pro, and after six years, it could be time for me to rejoin team Google. A lot has changed, and these are the reasons my next smartphone purchase could be a Pixel.
Would you switch from a Galaxy to a Pixel, or vice versa?
Table of Contents
3289 votes
Build and reliability
For years, my relationship with Google Pixel phones was a cycle of excitement followed by disappointment. The promise of innovative features and a streamlined Android experience was consistently undermined by hardware issues requiring frequent repairs or warranty replacements. While Google’s customer support was commendable, consistently providing swift replacements – often within 24 hours of reporting a problem – the recurring nature of these issues became unsustainable. After nearly five years of this pattern, I reached a breaking point. I repeatedly hoped for betterment with each new iteration,but when my Pixel 3XL struggled to simultaneously manage basic functions like music playback and photography due to its limited 4GB of RAM,I knew it was time to explore alternatives.
I’ve continued to observe the Pixel line since then – my family members have used the Pixel 4, 3a, 6a, and currently the 8a, and I’ve occasionally utilized the pixel 6 Pro and 8 Pro for work purposes. While each of these devices possessed appealing qualities, none inspired the same level of reliability I experienced with Samsung smartphones, with the exception of a single overheating issue requiring a motherboard replacement on my S20 Ultra.
The Pixel 9 Pro, though, represents a critically important shift. From the moment I held it, the premium materials and build quality were promptly apparent, rivaling even my Samsung S24 Ultra. Throughout a month of rigorous testing, I encountered none of the persistent problems that plagued previous Pixel generations. The Tensor G4 chip delivers notable performance, maintaining cool operation even during extreme heat – a stark contrast to the overheating issues experienced by friends using iPhones under similar conditions.Furthermore, signal strength, a historical weakness of Tensor processors, proved consistently robust. The 9 Pro handled every task effortlessly,living up to the expectations of a flagship Pixel device.
Power and imaging: A Winning Combination
Battery performance with the Pixel 9 Pro exceeded my expectations. Despite a slight difference in size and weight, its 4,700mAh battery is comparable to the 5,000mAh cell in my S24 Ultra. I consistently achieved extraordinary battery life,even while running the device on the Android 16 QPR1 beta.
during a pair of demanding day trips to London – involving extensive public transportation navigation, continuous photo and video capture, and music streaming – the Pixel 9 Pro consistently outperformed my S24 Ultra. These full-day excursions, conducted during a heatwave, typically drained my Samsung device, causing it to overheat. in contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro remained remarkably cool and consistently retained at least 20% battery life upon my return home. On typical work-from-home days with consistent wi-Fi connectivity, I regularly ended the day with 35-40% battery remaining.
My passion for photography was initially sparked by older Pixel models, but over time, the reliable cameras on Samsung phones led me to forget the unique appeal of Pixel imaging. The Pixel 9 Pro rekindled that appreciation, particularly with its considerably improved zoom capabilities that now compete directly with Samsung’s offerings.Every photograph captured with the Pixel 9 Pro was characterized by exceptional clarity,sharpness,and overall visual appeal.
A Shift in Viewpoint: The Pixel 9 Pro and the Modern Smartphone Experience
While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers commendable photographic results, a persistent need for multiple shots to counteract potential lag or focus issues frequently enough detracts from the immediacy of capturing a moment. In contrast, the Google Pixel 9 pro offers a remarkably reliable point-and-shoot experience, surpassing even devices like last year’s iPhone 16 Pro in its simplicity and consistency. Even for a casual photographer, the Pixel’s capabilities inspire confidence and enjoyment.
the Pixel 9 Pro also revitalized my interest in mobile videography. Historically, I’ve avoided shooting video on smartphones due to concerns about inconsistent frame rates – a problem I’ve encountered with both older Pixel models and current Samsung devices, particularly during lens transitions. Furthermore, Samsung’s tendency towards aggressive sharpening can often yield undesirable results.Though, the video captured with the Pixel 9 Pro, especially after processing with Video Boost, is exceptional. The footage exhibits natural sharpness, accurate color reproduction, and a stable frame rate, even when switching between lenses. The consistent quality across all lenses, coupled with innovative features like “Add Me,” elevates the Pixel’s video experience to a new level, reminding me of the inherent enjoyment Google brings to mobile photography and filmmaking.
A significant advantage of the Pixel 9 Pro is its manageable size and weight. while I appreciate the S24 Ultra,its substantial dimensions and heft can be cumbersome.The Pixel 9 Pro, though not compact, offers a comfortable and secure grip, eliminating the accidental drops that occasionally occured with the larger Samsung device. It’s a design consideration that significantly enhances daily usability. Looking ahead, it will be crucial for Samsung to integrate the advanced camera technology of the S25 Ultra, specifically the 5x telephoto lens, into a more ergonomically sized package.
areas for Improvement: Charging and Storage Considerations
Despite its strengths, the Pixel 9 Pro isn’t without its drawbacks. While battery performance is impressive,the charging ecosystem presents some frustrations. Samsung devices support up to 15W of wireless charging, whereas the pixel 9 Pro advertises 21W.However, achieving this maximum wireless charging speed requires a dedicated Pixel Stand – a product Google has discontinued. Utilizing a standard Qi charger, the Pixel 9 Pro is limited to 12W, a noticeable step down from the 15W offered by the S24 Ultra and diminishing the convenience of wireless top-ups.
Similarly,the 27W wired charging,while adequate for the 4,700mAh battery,feels slower compared to the 45W charging capabilities of the S24 Ultra. Although battery life mitigates this issue, a quicker charging option would be beneficial for those seeking a rapid power boost.
Perhaps the most significant concern is the base storage configuration.At a price point of £1,000, the Pixel 9 Pro includes only 128GB of storage. Considering the substantial file sizes of photos and videos, this is a glaring omission. Samsung’s S25 series,excluding the base model,begins with 256GB,and frequent promotions often double the storage capacity at no additional cost. Offering only 128GB on a flagship “pro” device in 2025 is simply unacceptable.
the Pixel 9 Pro represents a compelling alternative in the high-end smartphone market, excelling in camera performance and user experience. However, addressing the charging limitations and storage capacity will be essential for Google to fully compete with industry leaders.