I abandoned Samsung for a Google Pixel, but I still desperately miss these One UI tools

In contrast, Samsung offers a suite of exclusive hardware and software perks that serve as a major selling point over Google and other brands. Samsung’s approach feels more mature, ensuring that features are refined and reliable from day one.

After years of being invested in the Galaxy ecosystem, I grew accustomed to One UI and Samsung’s hardware, making it difficult to separate from them. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was forced to make the switch.

Now, after using the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL for a year, I find myself missing many of those thoughtful touches and wishing Google would adopt them across its Pixel lineup.

One UI has become more dependable

Samsung has prioritized software quality over swift release

For years, Google has been consistent about the rapid rollout of Android updates. Public testers get to access betas immediately after the developer and Canary versions. This was quickly followed by the public release, taking only a few months after the announcement.

This timely delivery has been a major advantage for Pixel users. It was also one of the main reasons I switched to the Pixel bandwagon.

However, I felt that the recent Android 15 and Android 16 updates have made my Pixel phone glitchy and unstable.

The quarterly and Pixel Drop updates were notably riddled with bugs. Many users, including myself, were affected by issues right from the buggy lock screen and camera to the resurfacing of overheating and poor battery life.

Although Google eventually fixes most of these problems, it can’t remove the fact that it already left a negative impression and undeniably degraded my Pixel experience.

It often feels like a “one step forward, two steps back” situation, where new issues emerge as old ones are fixed.

The reality is that Samsung has been sluggish and inconsistent in delivering One UI updates recently, as evidenced by the progress in One UI 8 and One UI 8.5.

However, the number of prominent issues faced by Galaxy users was low, if there were any.

Having used the Pixel 9 Pro XL for over a year, I can confidently say that Samsung has made greater strides in optimizing One UI with each update. While there were quirks, they were considerably minor rather than catastrophic.

Generally, I feel more confident carrying a Galaxy flagship than a Pixel, which is a primary driver. I may return to Samsung in the future.

Samsung’s hardware reliability stands out

There’s a lower chance my Galaxy will break down on me

Beyond software, Samsung’s hardware execution has arguably become more reliable over the past few years. And for Google, this has been a big obstacle they haven’t successfully managed to crack.

As someone who has lived with Galaxy phones for years before moving to the Pixel, I can attest to this firsthand.

Despite Google saying my Pixel 9 Pro XL has an improved modem compared to before, I still experienced more call drops and weaker reception than on my old Galaxy Z Fold 5 and a mid-range Xiaomi 15T— all on the same network.

My Pixel phone struggles in areas with weak 4G or 5G signals, which remains a regular occurrence today. I managed several voice calls on both my Pixel 9 Pro XL and Xiaomi 15T, but the latter has always been more consistent and reliable.

It’s not just cellular reception, though. Wi-Fi connections on the Pixel have been erratic and unstable compared with those on the two other devices. I noticed that my Pixel switches to the slower Wi-Fi access point more often than the other two devices.

The problems continue to persist even after several updates. This indicates the cause is hardware-level rather than bugs caused by junky updates.

This is not only about connectivity. On many voice calls, I felt my Pixel’s earpiece volume had always been low and insufficient, making conversations harder in noisy environments and forcing me to switch to the loudspeaker many times.

Add up the reports of patchy OLED displays, loose USB ports, and problematic wireless charging, and it evidently suggests inferior component quality.

While these may seem like small frictions, they add up to a long-term negative perception I get, especially considering that I paid for a premium.

It is clear Samsung has an advantage in hardware reliability, which Google hasn’t managed to match. If Google wants to retain its loyal users, it needs to bring the same level of quality, even in small things.

One UI feels more productive to work on

True multitasking is more than just a side-by-side view of apps

As much as I loved how Google has steadily enhanced native Android’s multitasking over the years, One UI has remained more flexible and a better choice.

And I have to admit, this is one of the biggest things I’m missing on my Pixel (which I hope Google will bring to stock Android sooner).

Sure, stock Android has supported split screen for ages, and Android 16 has added better window management on foldables and tablets. However, it’s still far from fully functional and fluid.

One UI provides a better overall multitasking experience through its split-screen and floating-window features.

With floating window or pop-up mode, I can resize and move an app in a window anywhere on the screen while another app is in full-screen behind it.

On top of that, Samsung has improved the management of minimized apps in pop-up view in One UI 7. These apps now sit in a collapsible bubble, where you can open all minimized pop-up apps with a single action.

And even better, this isn’t limited to apps like video players that support PiP (picture-in-picture) — One UI’s version works with many apps and tools.

Surprisingly, it’s not restricted to the flagships. It’s also available on entry and mid-range Galaxy models.

The Edge Panel is another productivity booster I wish I had on my Pixel. It gives me instant access to my favorite apps and tools on the side of the screen without interrupting what I’m doing.

Yes, you’re thinking I can launch apps from the home screen or the recent apps view instead, but doing so breaks my workflow and adds a few steps to the process. At the same time, it makes the experience less productive for power users.

The catch is, while the upcoming Android 17 update is expected to bring better floating windows on Pixel devices through app bubbles and more dynamic PiP, Samsung’s version already feels mature and well-streamlined.

Google continues to improve

And there’s hope in the Pixel 11 and Android 17

Let’s be real, Samsung knows and anticipates what its users want: polished updates, a layer of unbeatable productivity, and reliable hardware. And it has shown that it delivers what matters to its users, whether small or big.

These advantages create strong loyalty. When you’re fully invested in the Galaxy ecosystem, switching becomes surprisingly difficult.

These are the same things that I want Google to bring to my Pixel, and I’m not losing hope.

Google appears to be working on implementing many of the changes and features I mentioned for Android 17, which is somewhat promising.

Moreover, I would love to see it finally address concerns regarding the hardware quality in the Pixel 11. So, more than just a flashy strip of LED and a fancy palette of exteriors, I want a phone that doesn’t break on me.

9/10

SoC

Google Tensor G5

RAM

12GB

Storage

128GB / 256GB

Battery

4970mAh

The Google Pixel 10 has dropped to its lowest price at major retailers. This makes it a more compelling compact flagship.