I found myself in a new dilemma recently. I recently traded in my Xiaomi 15T for a test drive Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.
While it didn’t immediately grab me, the extremely compact folding form factor and depth of customization available through the Good Lock really started to grow on me.
This convinced me to extend my stint with Samsung’s clamshell foldable smartphone. What was supposed to be a one week test before returning to my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL turned into a few weeks.
But even though I wanted to switch from the Pixel to the Galaxy, certain features kept holding me back, forever. Google’s implementation of Android on the Pixel is much more refined.
And in addition to its incredibly versatile camera, my Pixel consistently delivers a more cohesive experience across both hardware and software.
Those improvements aren’t easily swapped out for some additional adjustments, making it very difficult to let go of my Pixel.
The hardware is premium and durable
My pixel survived many drops
There was a time when Google’s Pixel hardware was notorious for its poor build quality.
Users often experience everything from a flimsy volume rocker to mediocre components, from speakers to charging ports.
Some of these problems still persist today. For example, the earpiece on my Pixel 9 Pro XL was inconsistent on most voice calls.
However, it cannot be denied that Google has addressed most of these shortcomings, especially when it comes to quality.
With the Pixel 10 Pro, the consensus points to a more stable signal range, clearer speakers, and better thermals to reduce overheating.
Case in point: I’ve had my Pixel 9 Pro XL for over a year, and it’s been relatively damage-free, avoiding major mishaps like a shattered screen or internal failure.
During a trip to Japan, I dropped it on the steep stone steps of a Tokyo temple. I saw my cell phone fall down some stairs, bouncing all the way to the bottom.
Amazingly, despite only being encased in a thin carbon casing, it survived without a single crack on the screen.
Of course, comparing the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip 7 to a traditional slab like my Pixel is no easy feat.
But after daily driving the Galaxy Fold 5 and testing my wife’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, the truth became clear. Google has made great progress in creating durable, high-quality hardware.
Despite its somewhat tank-like shape, holding the Pixel 9 Pro XL makes me feel like its premium price tag is quite reasonable.
Android 17 feels more synergistic on Pixel hardware
It’s pure, but rich
Before adopting the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I used two other Galaxy phones, and I still use the Galaxy Tab S10 FE.
It’s safe to say that I consider myself a veteran One UI user.
I really enjoyed One UI 8.5 and the detailed customization that Good Lock provides, as well as other Samsung-exclusive system features ranging from smart routines and modes to DeX.
However, I can’t deny that Android runs better on the Pixel.
I’m already running Android 17 on a Pixel 9 Pro XL, and my commitment isn’t about promises of timely updates or exciting features added with every major Pixel drop.
Android runs much smoother on Google’s own hardware.
Of course, you sacrifice some of the depth and granularity of customization, but Pixel Launcher offers thoughtful touches that make a more meaningful impact on the end user.
For example, Material 3’s Expressive UI elements in quick settings and apps perfectly complement the premium hardware design of my Pixel device.
With a few quick adjustments, I was able to create unique, subtle designs for the home screen and lock screen that better suited my Pixel phone.
I really appreciate the home screen customization improvements introduced in Android 17, like the ability to hide app names and lean heavily on themed icons.
My Pixel phone doesn’t slow down
I don’t need the fastest chipset
The convergence is not just happening at the interface. This can also be seen from how optimal and sharp the Pixel is.
My Pixel 9 Pro XL was equipped with a Tensor G4 SoC, a chip that, based on raw benchmark scores, is technically at the midrange level.
To be honest, my Flip 7 doesn’t actually feel as smooth as my Pixel, despite its faster processor.
Whenever I put them side by side to perform the same task, navigating One UI wasn’t as fast. There really is a difference that I always notice.
I’m not entirely sure if this is down to the display’s response time, but my Pixel registers taps and provides instant screen reaction.
This difference is also clearly visible when taking photos or quickly launching apps.
It’s rare for my Pixel to slow down or stutter while performing everyday tasks.
This raises several questions. Is having the fastest chip absolutely necessary on a Pixel? Will the average user notice that their Pixel processor doesn’t deliver the sky-high benchmarks of Samsung’s flagship phones?
There was a time when I really missed the fastest mobile processor on the market in my phone.
But using the Pixel made me realize that raw power no longer mattered to me.
I’d happily trade high-end flagship silicon for a far superior camera or longer battery life.
Leaving the Pixel will feel like a downgrade
Waiting for Samsung to catch up
There’s no denying that my Pixel 9 Pro XL isn’t a perfect device.
It gets hot sometimes, but then again, my Galaxy Z Flip 7 also heats up randomly and, worse, feels warmer.
Occasionally it struggled to get a cellular signal or dropped Wi-Fi connections, but overall, these were minor complaints.
Even with its minuscule battery life, I don’t consider it a deal breaker. I still get through most days without having to tether myself to the wall charger twice before dinner.
Considering how often I push my device, making it through the afternoon with some juice left is a huge win.
Sure, I miss Samsung’s convoluted routines and array of customization features on Galaxy devices.
But I’ll take a reliable, optimized, and cohesive experience over bloated new stuff any day of the week.
After everything I’ve done to my Pixel, the day-to-day experience is almost impossible to match, and that’s why I’ll continue to use it for at least a year or more.
Maybe when Samsung finally finds a way to make their software run as smoothly as it does on the Pixel, I’ll consider jumping in.
9/10
- SoC
-
Google Tensor G4
- RAM
-
16GB
- Storage
-
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL brings a flagship-class camera and design at a lower price. This is much cheaper than the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
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