After over a decade with "stock Android," primarily through Pixel phones, I'm switching back to Samsung with the Galaxy S25. My reasons are twofold: the S25 itself looks compelling, and I'm ready to move beyond the limitations of stock Android and the Pixel ecosystem.
My initial move to Google devices was driven by the lean, customizable Android experience offered by Nexus phones. That ideal, however, is largely gone. Even Pixel phones, while representing Google's Android vision, are bloated with pre-installed apps. This suits users heavily invested in Google's services, but not me.
Samsung's reputation for bloatware is well-known. However, if accepting pre-installed apps is unavoidable, I prefer Samsung's approach, which also includes unique and useful features absent from Pixel devices. While most Pixel functionalities exist on Galaxy phones, One UI offers significant advantages.
My Pixel experience has been hampered by ecosystem fragmentation. Annual Android updates offer minimal improvements, and Pixel's quarterly feature drops often lack relevance to older models like my Pixel 7. Google's focus seems increasingly directed towards newer devices.
Samsung, in contrast, provides One UI updates to compatible devices, ensuring consistent feature access. While some features require specific hardware, the overall software support is superior.
The Galaxy S25 offers significant software and hardware upgrades. One UI 7's refreshed interface, enhanced battery controls, and extensive customization options (lock screen widgets, edge panels, customizable keys, Good Lock app) are particularly appealing. Even the absence of a persistent Google Search widget on the home screen is a welcome change.
The camera app is another significant improvement. While Pixel cameras excel, their apps lack manual controls and customization. The Galaxy S25's app provides greater control, presets, and color tweaking capabilities. Features like DeX and app cloning further enhance its appeal. Even the AI features seem superior to those on my Pixel 7.
While some find Samsung's duplicate apps redundant, I can uninstall or disable unwanted ones, just as I do on my Pixel.
Initial reactions to the S25 were mixed, focusing on incremental hardware improvements. However, coming from a Pixel 7, the upgrade is substantial.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor offers significant performance and efficiency gains over the Tensor G2. The improved screen, louder speakers, and reliable fingerprint scanner are also noteworthy. The smaller size is a personal plus.
While the ultra-wide lens is a minor downgrade, the 3x telephoto lens and video enhancements justify the upgrade.
$800 $900 Save $100 The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a powerful and compact smartphone with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and a 4,000mAh battery with 25W Super Fast Charging.
See at Samsung $800 at Amazon See at Best Buy
The Galaxy S25 may not be revolutionary, but for a Pixel 7 owner seeking a significant upgrade after just over two years, it offers compelling reasons to switch. My return to Samsung is justified.
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