Should I buy a Pixel or a Samsung?

Pixel 8. No bloatware (except the Google bloat of course, but you can get rid of this easily), plus Google has now promised 7 years of updates - which is more than the iPhone. This would increase the resale value of the phone, and even if you don't want to sell it, you could always give it to a family member or something after say 3-4 years of use, and they'd still get many years of official updates remaining. This is great for reducing e-waste whilst still maintaining a good security posture.

And if you're privacy conscious, you could ditch the Google ecosystem completely and load GrapheneOS on it, and GrapheneOS is simple amazing in terms of privacy and security, and arguably has better battery life too (thanks to no Google bloatware running on it).

Google software is top notch, whereas Samsung hardware is top notch.

If you are just using your phone for basic things like texting calling and some internet browsing, Pixel is the way to go.

If you are gonna really push the max out of your phone and do emulation on Android and whatnot, Samsung is the way

Also if you are into privacy and security Pixels are the best in that regard and have the widest selection of custom degoogled ROMs

Get a Pixel, install GrapheneOS.

I like Samsung hardware a LOT, they are usually pretty cutting edge. I'm decidedly less a fan of their software. They run a custom launcher which is very meh.

Contrasted with Google, their hardware leaves a lot to be desired especially at the flagship price. The software (stock Android) is solid though. You are also guaranteed updates, I believe now the Pixel 8 is for 7 years. I don't know of any other Android devices that will get updates for that long.

Google support is also pretty lackluster. I haven't had to deal with Samsung so cannot comment there. I hear it's better.

Really, you can't go wrong with either one.

Samsung has a bunch of proprietary crap I always hated. Most especially the Knox protection that prevents rooting or custom ROM installation easily.

My sister has the newest Pixel and it's practically stock Android. It's Google's flagship phone, too. Unfortunately I don't have my own hands on experience with it to offer more details, but I'd choose the Pixel over a Samsung.

If it weren't for Samsung crap like pre-installed Facebook and other bloat, unremovable Samsung apps etc. I'd go for one because I really like Dex, the fact that they put latest hardware available in their flagship etc. But considering things as they are, I'd choose the Pixel.

pixel for grapheneos

If you care about privacy, Pixel. Install on it GrapheneOS.

If not, I'd say I still prefer the cleaner UI and overall feel of the Pixel.

For the best ANDROID experience, that would be Pixel hands down. Samsung's are not an android experience, they're a Samsung experience. They're the further thing from what Android was supposed to be. That much isnt opinion, theres literally nothing they haven't changed. Plus Theyre more locked down and you have no options with them. Maybe you become privacy or security aware, lots of options with a Pixel, zero with a Samsung.

If you want the best Android experience you're not going to do better than a Pixel. It's a Google OS, on Google hardware. I myself am looking forward to the Pixel 8 Pro.

Hardware wise, Samsung may meet or maybe even exceed Google's line, but not significantly enough to make a difference in my opinion. Especially with the newer Pixels, it's a pretty mature product at this point.

Never buy Samsung, full of proprietary trash bloat, and they crack down on people trying to get root access. Absolute no-go.

The Pixel is the far superior product as far as I am concerned: Faster, more stable, no bloatware and the best camera around.

But, and this might be a big but for some, if you need repairs or service outside of insurance you are SOL. There's not a lot of companies doing Pixel repairs and if they do the parts are insanely expensive. I needed a screen replace and it cost almost as much as the phone itself in parts and labour. And the end result is a screen that gets dirtier and a non-functioning fingerprint sensor. Not optimal.

Awesome phone, but pray you do not need service.

I've had my Pixel 4a for 3 years and it's still top notch. I'm quite satisfied with it.

If you care about your privacy, and you should, get a pixel and install GrapheneOS.

I can't stand iOS, but I'd rather use an iPhone than a Samsung phone. Not kidding. Get a pixel.

I have a pixel 6 personal phone and a Samsung s21fe work phone and the software on the Samsung is garbage. Bloatware you can't uninstall, weird default settings, "features" nobody wanted that I can't disable, and more bloatware.

As an owner of the Pixel 7 Pro, I'd say the S23 Ultra. Better in every possible way except duplicate Google/Samsung apps, mostly-subjective camera differences, and subjective UI skin.

I had a pixel 6 pro and was going to upgrade to the 8 pro when it came out, but the leaks seemed to indicate that they were gonna have the same modem/connectivity issues which was my biggest complaint about the 6 pro. My carrier (Google Fi) was running a crazy deal on Galaxy phones so I decided fuck it and got the 23 plus (I don't care for a stylus). Holy shit it's night and day, the amount of stuff that just genuinely works is such a breath of fresh air. My wireless android auto "just works" my galaxy watch "just works", setting everything up worked the first try. My fingerprint reader is way better. Apps crash less, samsung health is pretty cool (no extra subscription). I was a little leery of all the Samsung "bloatware" (I've been hearing all bad stuff since the TouchWiz days), but honestly almost everything is better than the Google version. The noteable exception is the keyboard, for whatever reason my autocorrect on Gboard seems to be way better. I was nervous I'd miss the pixel call blocking stuff, but apparently Bixby also does it so I haven't noticed any spam calls since switching.

TL;DR: galaxy S23 is super dope, if you can get it on a deal I'd highly recommend it.

Samsung fucks up their version of android, most notably killing background apps no matter what setting you change, but OneUI is by far the best UI I've ever used in a phone. Very confused on whether it's open source or not, I see open source licenses and a a community driven GitHub page for it but it's also samsung. Still the UI is awesome

It's matter of preference. If you like clean android go google if you like to customize go Samsung. If you like best power go Samsung if you don't want top end hardware go google. If you want complete privacy and security go google and install graphene os. I love customizability with decent privacy while having small device so I'm rooted on S23.

The thing I love the most about my pixel is the automated call screener. I would honestly buy it again just for that alone.

I think it entirely depends where you are. Samsung has amazing support worldwide while Google outside of US basically leaves you on your own.

Pixel. Period.

Pixel = stock Android, latest firmware, able flash to more privacy oriented rom.

Samsung = Long support and feature rich, but can also be bloated.

Get a pixel and install GrapheneOS (they make it super easy with their web-based installer). You can even reinstall google play services and then harshly restrict their system access, massively boosting your privacy without sacrificing usability. It also has a very little footprint and you can use aurora store to get google play store apps or fdroid for even better privacy.

I can see a reason to get either a pixel or Samsung, can't really go wrong with either. Personally I use a Samsung for the customization of OneUI and better processors but occasionally I do envy the camera on a pixel phone and the stock android layout. Main advice if you were to get either is to try to buy it used instead of new.

Get a Pixel, Install GrapheneOS.

All the nerds like to recommend the Pixel since it's "pure" and a device for tinkering. But ignore the fact that all google products are unfinished, and this is true for the pixel line. If you are OK with beta testing for google and doing workarounds for bugs, then this is fine. But not everyone has time and nerves for that.

Yeah, samsung has bloat(most can be removed, disabled etc.) but I've never had OS bugs like when I had a Nexus or a Pixel.

Pixels historically have a lot of weird hardware issues, like the modem underperforming, bad antennas, poor fingerprint sensor, overheating, and so on.

I don't know if the Pixel 8 lineup has them too, but I would search around pretty heavily on that and see first.

I went from pixel 5 to Samsung s23.

The hardware of Samsung feels really solid. It's definitely more customisable. The pixel though just has everything already built in. It was a joy to use. Plus the camera is just so reliable. Far better than the base s23.

The Samsung isn't quite bad enough that I want to sell it and get another pixel when it comes out, but I'm definitely not sticking with Samsung in however many years time when I do replace it.

If you like lots of customization options out of the box, then Samsung. If you like using a pen to write (or convert handwriting to text) or draw, then Samsung. If you want barebones Google and don't want extra features or customizations, then Pixel. It depends what you like.

You should try both in person before deciding.

I switch from a Pixel 3 to a S23 and it's really nice. The new Snapdragon 8 gen 2 is solid, with great battery life and doesn't heat up even when doing intensive task. I also change almost all the stock app to Google's so it's basically just like using a Pixel now, abet with some restriction (no google recorder app because that's pixel exclusive lol).

I was worried about "Samsung bloat" too but I have to say the new OneUI is rather nice.

I have a samsung phone and I don't like all their bloated crap they force on you. 100% would NOT buy again.

I really like both. This round I ended up going with Samsung. Yeah it's a little more bloated but there's just SO much more customization with good lock modules. I have an audio module that lets me choose a second audio destination. So for example I can be playing music through Bluetooth on my stereo system and then I have my system notifications set to the phone speaker so that they don't interrupt the music

I don't have a great answer for you as I haven't used the Pixel 8 Pro yet.

I have owned a Pixel 7 Pro alongside my Motorola Razr+ and my S23 Ultra and, personally, found the S23 Ultra to be leagues better in software features and hardware performance (I know I'm going to get voted down to hell for saying it). I ended up selling it to a friend.

BUT...based on the current P8P information, it may finally change my mind. I definitely plan to pick one up and use it as my DD for awhile and see. I'm legitimately hopeful.

Pixel has the smoothest experience in terms of animations, but they also have the shittiest hardware. Samsung is okay, and the snapdragon versions have usable battery and modems. Pixel's SOC is hot garbage (though time will tell for pixel 8)

Samsung only for Samsung dex

Permanently Deleted

Pixel.

I have an S23 Ultra and it is a nice phone but I wouldn't recommend Samsung to anyone because my last several Samsungs "mysteriously" got issues right before the 2 year plan ended. I won't be getting another Samsung after this one. I really wanted the pen and it is great but I'm starting to care more about longevity.

Oh, almost forgot, for those interested in giving buying advice, please check out our very own buying guide that we are making in the sticky post and contribute your input. Thanks.

I've been on one plus phones for years and then switched to pixel 4a 5g, then pixel 6a.

I just switched to a samsung galaxy s23 ultra and I am loving this device.

I uninstalled a bunch of the Google and samsung bloatware.

Samsung is using by far the worst OEM Rom, Pixel has by far the best. Go for the Pixel

I'm going to get an S24 when they release, have pretty much always used Samsung when on Android.

FWIW, I understand all the complaints about bloat from duplicated applications, but a significant amount of that blame should be on Google as well. I don't use the GMail app, but I can't uninstall it, so it's system bloat.

Neither?

I moved from Samsung to Sony. I gave the Pixel a try, but it's basically the same arbitrarily cut down hardware. Sony is making the last remaining flagship with a headphone jack and expandable storage.

I miss having Dex from Samsung, I miss having a more effective software for point and shoot picture processing. Other than that, I'm not looking back.

https://flash.android.com/welcome

Nothing like is available for other OEMs.

Those using Samsung, how do you get around the bloatware and redundant apps? I agree that Samsung typically has better hardware. Before they locked their bootloader I used them exclusively with custom roms to get a clean android experience. The Pixel line tends to only include the Google apps with no extra third party apps. Getting access to the latest Android versions on releases is also a big plus for me.

I wouldn't buy a Samsung in my right mind

Pixel.

The only advantage that i could think of in a Samsung phone is gaming performance.

And that's it, everything else is sh*te.

Haven't had a samsung phone since the note 3, but I remember having issues with unlocking the bootloader, I think you had to use some 3rd party tool because samsung provided no guide in their manual. With nexus and pixel phones it's really easy so them I can definately recommend.

Pixel 7 works perfectly for me. I like nearly all aspects of it. The camera is extremely good (I've recently made a comparison with iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone was far worse) and reliable. The battery life and performance is good. The phone feels smooth, without a lot of bugs. I don't have a recent experience with Samsung, but I will stick with Pixel going forward.

FWIW, I'm still using a pixel 3A and don't have plans to change anytime soon. They really do last for a long time.

Things like (old) fast charging and not having to charge it every day are what still blow my mind and feel like modern innovations to me. It's still pretty responsive and fast enough for what I use it for. Sometimes my texts take a little to load anymore but I don't really mind.

YMMV depending on what you want out of a phone I guess. I try not to look at my phone unless I have to for a text or call or email abymore. But I've been on this train since the Nexus 6P. If you want a solid, stable phone that lasts a long time and very little fluff or bloat, go pixel. The flexibility for custom ROMs and rooting and things is unmatched as well. I'll continue to use this thing until I drop it down the street one day or it gets aggravating to use somehow

Can't speak on the Pixel (I've heard great things), but I have an S23+ and it works pretty great for me. I don't play a lot of games or anything if that's what you're looking for though

The Pixel experience being stock Android without any bloatware appeals to me.

I've also always rooted all of my Android devices, and the Pixel has been one of the easiest to do so, though this advantage would only be relevant to a small minority of users.

I've just recently switched from a Galaxy S10 to a Pixel 7 as I wanted to see the "vanilla" experience, as well as be closer to upstream for software updates. My S10 still works great, though the battery needs replacement (at the time, it had already broken the glue on the back glass and was still expanding -- didn't realize until I took it out of the case for cleaning)...

With my S10, I had to really fight to get it to let me use Google's apps over the Samsung ones; which whole annoying is doable. So far, the only things I really miss from Samsung (and notably the UX):

• The sidebar/panel with an additional set of predefined apps
  • Replaced with Panels
• The volume/silent switch in the notification shade
• The Bixby button (for custom actions)
• Physically smaller phone, but that's not a huge deal

Overall, I'm happy with the experience so far; though I dunno if the "Pro" model of anything is really worth it.

I just made this exact comment on another thread: My first smartphone was a Samsung, it was also my last Samsung device. I hate the bloatware, just want as close to stock android as possible. After the Samsung I had a couple of Nexus device by Motorola (pre-pixel I guess? Google designed built by Motorola IIRC) then went to OnePlus

There should be an inherent time frame people think about, phones from 8 or 9 years ago are not relevant in any aspect to todays talking points for both sides of the aisle.

I have used Samsung since the first Galaxy S I think and didn't understand the bloat everyone is talking about until I remembered I've used the Nova launcher for nearly all of them. You can also remove the Samsung apps if you want.

The last time I tried a Samsung phone I returned it the same day I got it. The competing OS elements from Samsung's ROM and the standard Android UI were really really off-putting to me. I can get an app having a unique style, but this was different OS elements looking and working differently.

Samsung hardware is a lot higher quality, but the Pixel is cheaper. I've had to return a pixel to Google 5 times before so I don't buy those any longer for myself.

If you are able to get the the Pixel with a deal, go for it. Pixels don't retain much resale value, like Samsungs. For example, the Pixel 6a launched at 450, now it's in the Google Store at 250.

I love my pixel. It consistently has the best camera in the US smartphone market.

Pen to me means a lot. Signing documents, annotating screen shots, remote control of the device, etc. Another thing that Samsung is superior at is servicing your device after warranty is out. I still have a pair of S7 Edge phones looking and working like new. At some point (5-6 years of use) screen developed a purple line. It cost me 160€ to replace screen and Samsung authorized center replaced metal body, battery, buttons as well, all for free. So I got a new phone basically. My parents are still using my now 7 year old phone. And Samsung still offers spare parts for them although they have to be ordered now so there's a slight delay. Bloatware is not a problem for me as most can be uninstalled and the rest can be disabled. Sure it's not pristine but it works and there's no garbage I don't want. Samsung also makes it very easy to move to another Samsung device. Literally all of your settings, wallpapers, files and applications are moved to another device. This is a no brainer for me. Maybe Pixel devices have this as well, but I haven't used it. I do know in my country Google doesn't have authorized service centers so finding parts might get difficult.

So all in all, you have to be frank with your about what is it what you really want. If you want closer to stock, Pixel is probably better in that. Samsung on the other hand has a lot of features I've grown to like that Google doesn't offer, pen being the huge part of it.

I went from Samsung S10+ to a pixel 5 which was a huge upgrade. Pixel 5 to pixel 7 pro was a considerably bigger downgrade. After my experience, I'm at least a few generations and a lot of reviews between my next pixel or tensor phone.

P7P:

• overheats with light use

• between 1/2 and 1 days battery life

• persistent screen glare

• worst android UI I've seen since maybe my galaxy s3? Genuinely so long I can't even really be sure.

• terrible build materials. Mad slippy and will break if dropped even a small distance

• worst fingerprint sensor I've used.

• most limited customization of any android in recent memory, combined with awful stock ux

My s23u has a much shittier camera than my previous one. I got it because I wanted a better camera...

Pixel 8 pro ! You will have stock Android, providing a better experience. Moreover it's less expensive! I love Pixel phones. I recently got the Pixel tablet.

Lots of hate for Samsung in here... I actually just switched from Pixel (and before that Nexus phones) to Samsung for the first time ever, because the Z Flip 5 is everything I've ever wanted in a phone form factor.

No regrets so far, had it 2 weeks now!

Either.

Both are programmed to harvest every single bit of information you input into it, including access other devices on your network if you use wifi.

Buy the one with the nicest camera I guess.

If you care about privacy, get a Pine phone.

If you are planning to do many photos and videos go to Samsung it's pretty good specially in low light condition. The pen is cool, it's more resistant and it is definitely faster. I think the design is better too but it's my opinion only.

I like what other people describe as 'bloat' on a Samsung. But I am a powetuser who actually uses a lof these functions. Sure i dont need two calenders. But i can just not activate the samsung one and hide it in the launcher. Also i would say that samsung has a better ecosystem. I am also using a samsung tablet which is superb and some samsung smart tags. If you get a pixel you dont really have an option to use any working smart tag.

Samsung. Always Samsung. I'm perfectly happy with my A54

What the heck is an "Android Experience"? That seems like some vague aspiration or ideal that doesn't mean much. You probably have an idea of what you want or prefer, so easier to state that.