I switched to Samsung after my Pixel was stolen, here’s what I miss

https://www.androidauthority.com/switch-pixel-to-samsung-phone-3641586/

Publish Date: 2026-03-21 08:07:00

Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

My Google Pixel 7 Pro was stolen back in January after I foolishly left my bag unattended on the beach. I’m fortunate enough to have access to quite a few recent flagship Android phones, but I decided to switch to the ageing but still capable Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as my primary device.

I opted for the Samsung handset as I haven’t actually used a Galaxy phone as my primary phone in literal years. Sure, I’ve reviewed Samsung devices in the past, most recently the Galaxy S25 FE and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. But I thought it would be a good idea to set the S23 Ultra up as a full daily driver — financial apps, work tools, and everything in between. So, what was it like switching from Google to Samsung? Here’s how it went.

Have you switched from a Pixel to a Galaxy device?

16 votes

Yes, and I’m happy with the switch

50%

Yes, but I’m not happy with the switch

19%

No, but I happily switched the other way

19%

I switched the other way and was disappointed

13%

What I like about switching to Samsung?

Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

Switching from my old Pixel to the slightly newer Samsung handset was undoubtedly made easier by the fact that One UI offers some features previously seen on Pixels. This includes call transcriptions and a recorder app with on-device transcriptions. I’m also glad call recording is broadly available on Samsung flagship phones, after Google dragged its feet in bringing this feature to Pixel phones in more countries.

I don’t care for most AI features, but Samsung’s older phone has a few more Galaxy AI features that will be familiar to Pixel owners. This includes webpage summaries, call summaries, writing tools, real-time call translation, and generative photo editing. Again, I don’t use these tools, but other Pixel owners thinking about jumping to Samsung will be glad to know there are broadly equivalent options.

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