logo
After six years, it's finally time for me to switch back to a Pixel

After six years, it's finally time for me to switch back to a Pixel

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
In my five years working as an Android journalist, I've been known as the Samsung guy. That's been an accurate description, but it may surprise you to learn that I used to be a Nexus/Pixel fanatic, using every Google flagship from the Nexus 6 to the Pixel 3XL. That changed toward the start of 2019, when I became tired of how unreliable Pixels were for me in a few areas and started to use Samsung phones exclusively.
Recently, I got to spend a month with the Pixel 9 Pro, and after six years, it could be time for me to rejoin team Google. A lot has changed, and these are the reasons my next smartphone purchase could be a Pixel.
Would you switch from a Galaxy to a Pixel, or vice versa?
0 votes
Yes — Galaxy to Pixel
NaN %
Yes — Pixel to Galaxy
NaN %
No, I like my Galaxy
NaN %
No, I like my Pixel
NaN %
Pixel favorites
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Since my switch to Samsung phones, there have been features I've missed from the Pixel experience. Now Playing is something that's easy to take for granted when you have it, but I've missed while using non-Pixel phones. That sums up a lot of the Pixel experience — subtle features that can seem minor in a vacuum but come together to make a more complete product.
Call Screening and all of its associated functions are another example of this. Although Call Screening debuted with the Pixel 3 and 3XL, which I owned, the UK didn't get access to it until 2021 with the Pixel 6. Samsung may have its version now, but it doesn't quite compare to what a Pixel can do. Hold For Me, Direct My Call, and Wait Times set Google's phone call experience apart from what Samsung has done with One UI so far. Calling my doctor or the hospital is a prolonged experience of waiting in line for an operator, and instead of smashing my head against the wall while the horrible hold music played, I could go about my day and let the Pixel handle that for me.
Joe Maring / Android Authority
At A Glance is another one of those small but mighty features I miss when I use a non-Google phone. Sure, I can use it as a widget on my Samsung phones, but it's not the same as having it built-in, especially on the lock screen. At A Glance shows you what you need to know when you need to know it, and its absence makes the lockscreen on my Galaxy phones feel lifeless by comparison.
Google
For the first time since the introduction of One UI, I'm starting to prefer how Google's flavor of Android looks thanks to the Material 3 Expressive overhaul in Android 16 QPR1. The redesigned notifications and quick settings panel look fantastic, and the focus on bouncy animation and haptics makes a Pixel phone feel alive in ways Samsung phones don't, even on One UI 7 or 8. There are still things I prefer about One UI — more on that later — but it isn't as cut and dry as it used to be, and the Pixel feels more fun.
Build and reliability
Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority
Here lies the reason I stopped using Pixel phones in the first place. My Nexus 6, 6P, Pixel XL, 2XL, and 3XL all had issues that led to multiple repairs or warranty replacements for each. To Google's credit, their support was great, always getting me a replacement phone within a single working day of reporting an issue. But after nearly five years of constant problems, I'd had enough. I could only tell myself things would be better next year for so long, and when my Pixel 3XL couldn't even keep my music player in memory and take photos at the same time, thanks to the pitiful 4GB of RAM, it was time for me to move on.
I could only tell myself things would be better next year for so long.
I've kept up to date with Pixels since — my wife had a Pixel 4, my Grandad had a 3a, 6a, and now an 8a, and I used a Pixel 6 Pro and later an 8 Pro for work a few times. Each of those devices, while great, didn't inspire the same confidence that my Samsung phones have, all of which have been flawless, except my S20 Ultra, which needed a motherboard replacement after overheating.
The Pixel 9 Pro feels incredible. The materials and build quality are top-notch and rival that of my S24 Ultra, and at no point in my month with it did I experience any of the issues I did with Pixels of old. Tensor G4 has been fast, stayed cool even during an awful heatwave, even when all my friends' iPhones were showing the 'iPhone needs to cool down' warning. It hasn't given me any problems with signal strength, either, which was a particularly weak point for previous generations of Tensor. At no point did the 9 Pro feel slow — it powered through everything I needed a Pixel for without complaint.
Battery and camera
Joe Maring / Android Authority
I didn't expect battery life to be this good with the 9 Pro, but it has been nothing short of outstanding. Despite the size and weight difference, the battery in the Pixel isn't much smaller than the one in my S24 Ultra — 4,700mAh vs 5,000mAh. The Pixel 9 Pro got me through some tough days, even though I ran it in the Android 16 QPR1 beta for the duration.
In my final two weeks with the phone, I made two trips to London. The first was a trip with friends, including a boat ride along the Thames and several hours at Hampton Court. Later, I returned to London for a press briefing. Both of these trips spanned an entire day, leaving home at around 7 AM and returning home at 6 PM. These days were hard on the phone with almost-constant GPS usage for public transport around London, plenty of photo and video capture, and music streaming. All of this during a heatwave that left my S24 Ultra running hot, no matter what I was doing, while the 9 Pro stayed cool for the duration. On both of those days, I got home with at least 20% battery left, more than my S24 Ultra ever managed on similar trips.
On more mundane days, working from home and staying almost entirely on Wi-Fi, I was going to bed with at least 35-40% left.
I've always loved taking photos and always enjoyed that experience on older Pixels. The Samsung phones I've owned have all been solid, except for the S20 Ultra, and so over the years, I forgot what the magic of a Pixel camera felt like. The 9 Pro reminded me of what I've been missing, especially now that the zoom hardware truly rivals Samsung.
Every photo I took on the Pixel 9 Pro was sharp, in focus, and pleasing to look at. Don't get me wrong, my S24 Ultra takes solid photos, but I always feel the need to take multiple at a time to ensure shutter lag or missed focus doesn't ruin the result. The Pixel has a point-and-shoot capability that few phones possess, more so than even the iPhone 16 Pro I tried last year. I might not take as many photos as Rita, but I took enough to know I love this camera.
The Pixel also inspired me to record more video. That's something I've never tended to do on mobile. I hate inconsistent framerates, and my Pixels of old and the Samsung phones I use now have always had issues with dropping frames, especially when switching between lenses. On top of that, Samsung's tendency to over-sharpen everything looks awful in video, depending on the subject.
The video I captured on the Pixel 9 Pro had no such issues, especially after Video Boost worked its magic. It's naturally sharp, the colors aren't oversaturated, and the framerate is consistent with little juddering between lenses. Those lenses keep the quality consistent between them, too. All of this, combined with useful features like Add Me, makes the Pixel experience more of an unmatched champion than ever, and I'd forgotten how much fun Google's approach to photography is.
The best part of the battery and camera experience is that I got it in a phone that isn't unwieldy. I love my S24 Ultra, but it's big, heavy, and pointy. If I had a nickel for every time that led me to drop the phone on my wife when showing her memes in bed, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice. The Pixel 9 Pro isn't small, but it is easy to use one-handed, and at no point did I feel like I was going to drop it. If Samsung doesn't bring the S25 Ultra's cameras to a smaller phone, specifically the 5X telephoto, I'll be disappointed.
Nobody's perfect
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
There are still things I prefer about Samsung phones. I praised the battery life on the 9 Pro earlier, but I'm not as happy with the charging situation, especially wireless charging. Samsung phones can charge up to 15W wirelessly, while the Pixel 9 Pro can charge up to 21W wirelessly. That sounds like a win for the Pixel, but it isn't. A Pixel can only achieve that maximum wireless speed with a Pixel Stand, a product Google no longer sells. On a regular Qi charger, which manages 15W on my S24 Ultra, the Pixel 9 Pro will only charge at 12W. A difference of 3W doesn't sound like much, but 15W is enough for quick top-ups on my S24, while wirelessly charging the Pixel doesn't feel worth it.
Likewise, the wired charging is too slow for my liking. 27W charges the 4,700mAh battery resonably fast, but my S24 Ultra is faster at 45W. It's not a deal-breaker when the phone lasts as long as it does on a charge, but it was frustrating when I wanted to give it a quick boost before going out for the evening.
Giving your 'pro' phone 128GB of storage, especially when photos and videos take up so much space, is unforgivable.
Storage is another pain point for me. The Pixel 9 Pro is £1,000 and only comes with 128GB in its base configuration. The S25 series, except for the base model, starts at 256GB, and Samsung regularly runs promotions that get you double the storage for no extra cost. Giving your 'pro' phone 128GB of storage, especially when photos and videos take up so much space, is unforgivable in 2025.
While I love Material 3 Expressive in Android 16 QPR1 and the Pixel-specific features mentioned earlier, One UI still has a lot of things I'd find hard to give up. Widget Stacks is something I use all the time. Like iOS, One UI lets you stack multiple widgets in the same place so you can scroll through them. That means you can have every widget you'd need on your primary homescreen and eliminates the need to scroll through multiple home pages. In my setup, I have the Google Search bar stacked with the controls for my Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, my Calendar stacked with a Tick Tick to-do list, and my Google Home light controls with pinned notes in Google Keep.
Good Lock is another thing that makes me hesitant to switch away from Samsung phones. Good Lock offers unrivaled customisation, from overhauling Android's gesture navigation to fine-tuning animations and icon shapes.
Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority
I know it's a cliché, but the Samsung ecosystem would be difficult to leave. I have multiple Samsung phones, a Galaxy Watch 6, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and a Tab S10 Plus. Likewise, my wife uses all-Samsung devices as well. There are perks to keeping to that ecosystem. Samsung's implementation of shared calendars is better than Google's, Galaxy Buds seamlessly switch audio sources between Samsung devices, and my S24 Ultra can act as a color palette and tool picker for my Tab S10 Plus when I'm drawing in Samsung Notes.
Am I buying a Pixel?
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
Probably. January is upgrade time, and based on the current rumours surrounding the Galaxy S26 series and the Pixel 10, the Pixel is what I'm leaning towards. Above all else, my experience with the Pixel 9 Pro made me realise I want a phone that's smaller, lighter, and still packs the camera prowess I want from a phone.
That's the icing on top of a phone that nails all of the fundamentals of what I want, and it's so good I think I'm willing to give up the features I've grown accustomed to in One UI. MKBHD once called the Pixels 'the smartest smartphone,' and it's true. Google's thoughtful approach to software and hardware is something I didn't realise I missed, and now that I've experienced it again, I remember why I used to love Google phones in the first place.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Cell and Gene Therapy Supply Chain Software Market Report 2025-2035: 170+ Software Solutions Providers Fueling Fragmented Cell & Gene Therapy Supply Chain Market Growth
Cell and Gene Therapy Supply Chain Software Market Report 2025-2035: 170+ Software Solutions Providers Fueling Fragmented Cell & Gene Therapy Supply Chain Market Growth

Yahoo

time12 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Cell and Gene Therapy Supply Chain Software Market Report 2025-2035: 170+ Software Solutions Providers Fueling Fragmented Cell & Gene Therapy Supply Chain Market Growth

The global cell and gene therapy supply chain software market is set to expand from USD 0.27 billion in 2025 to USD 1.32 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 15.2%. Driven by demand for advanced therapies, the market is enhanced by cloud-based technologies and key players like Azenta Life Sciences and Lonza. Cell and Gene Therapy Supply Chain Dublin, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cell and Gene Therapy Supply Chain Software Market: Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Process Component, Type of Software, Mode of Deployment, Scale of Operation, Type of End-user and Key Geographical Regions" report has been added to offering. The global cell and gene therapy supply chain software market is estimated to grow from USD 0.27 billion in 2025, to USD 1.32 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period, to 2035. CELL AND GENE THERAPY SUPPLY CHAIN SOFTWARE MARKET: GROWTH AND TRENDS Advanced therapies are gradually evolving the face of modern healthcare. These new regenerative and immunotherapy modalities have the potential to improve treatment outcomes by providing viable therapy solutions to patients who currently have limited or no treatment options. Given the nature of these treatment modalities, these therapies have a limited lifespan, even when shipped under temperature-controlled conditions. It becomes increasingly important to track the source of the sample from the time of its collection, current location and manufacturing processes. Following this fact, for the commercial success of such therapies, an effective manufacturing platform and a robust supply chain model are imperative. It is worth mentioning that a sustainable supply chain enables further reductions in the cost of goods and, in turn, prices of such therapies. The supply chain for innovative therapies is complicated from the outset and given the interdependencies amongst multiple stakeholders, it becomes challenging to manage and streamline the overall process. This has reinforced the need for bespoke and integrated software solutions to help innovators manage the critical intricacies of the supply chain. These software systems have huge potential to manage a multitude of events, maintain the chain of identity and custody, and enable stakeholders to optimize the complex supply chains, while also ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards. Driven by the growing demand for cell and gene therapies and the availability of easy to integrate software solutions to manage cell and gene therapy supply chain, this market is expected to grow significantly in the foreseen future. CELL AND GENE THERAPY SUPPLY CHAIN SOFTWARE MARKET: KEY INSIGHTS The report delves into the current state of the cell and gene therapy supply chain software market and identifies potential growth opportunities within the industry. Some key findings from the report include: Presently, close to 175 cell and gene therapy supply chain software solutions are available in the market; of these, 22% are laboratory information management systems. Over 20% of the cell and gene therapy supply chain software solutions can be deployed both on-premises and over the cloud, offering flexibility as well as contact-less options for the end-users. The current market landscape of cell and gene therapy supply chain software providers is fragmented, featuring the presence of both new entrants and established players; majority of these players are based in the US. The growing interest in this domain is evident from the rise in partnership activity; in fact, 40 partnership deals related to cell and gene therapy supply chain software were inked in 2023. Several investors, having realized the opportunities associated within supply chain management software domain, have invested USD 3 billion across various funding rounds in the past 10 years. Driven by the increasing pace of innovation and partnership activity, the market for cell and gene therapy supply chain software is poised to witness steady growth in the foreseeable future. The cell and gene therapy supply chain software market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 15.2%, till 2035; North America is expected to capture the majority share (over 45%) of the market by 2035. CELL AND GENE THERAPY SUPPLY CHAIN SOFTWARE MARKET: RESEARCH COVERAGE Market Sizing and Opportunity Analysis: The report features an in-depth analysis of the cell and gene therapy supply chain software market, focusing on key market segments, including process component, type of software, mode of deployment, scale of operation and key geographical regions. Market Landscape: A comprehensive evaluation of cell and gene therapy supply chain software solutions, considering various parameters, such as type of software, key features, application area, mode of deployment, scale of operation, regulatory guidelines followed and type of end-user. Additionally, it includes a detailed list of developers providing cell and gene therapy supply chain software solutions, along with analysis based on various parameters, such as year of establishment, company size (in terms of employee count), location of headquarters (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and rest of the world) and most active players based on the number of software solutions offered. Company Competitiveness Analysis: A comprehensive competitive analysis of cell and gene therapy supply chain software solution providers, examining factors, such as developer strength and product portfolio strength. Company Profiles: In-depth profiles of key cell and gene therapy supply chain software solution providers, focusing on company overviews, software solutions portfolio, financial information, recent developments and an informed future outlook. Funding and Investment Analysis: A detailed evaluation of the investments made in this domain, encompassing seed funding, venture capital, debt financing, grants / awards, capital raised from IPOs and subsequent offerings. Partnerships and Collaborations: An analysis of partnerships established in this sector, since 2019, covering acquisitions, platform utilization agreements, service alliances, platform integration agreements, product development agreements, service agreements and other agreements. Platform Utilization Agreements in Supply Chain Software Solutions Market: An in-depth analysis of the platform utilization agreements inked in this domain since 2019, providing information on the different types of software utilized by end-users in the cell and gene therapy supply chain. Stakeholder Need Analysis: A qualitative evaluation of the current and future needs of various stakeholders in the cell and gene therapy supply chain, including patients, healthcare providers, collection centers, manufacturers, logistics service providers and regulators. This section provides a summary of the distinct needs of these stakeholders and presents our opinion (drawn from historical and current trends) on the impact of these needs on the supply chain and how the industry is preparing to cater to these needs. Market Impact Analysis: The report analyzes various factors such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges affecting the market growth. Sample Players in the Cell and Gene Therapy Supply Chain Software Market, Profiled in the Report Include: Azenta Life Sciences Biocair BioLife Solutions CareDx Cryoport Lonza NMDP BioTherapies TraceLink TrakCel Veeva Systems Emerson LabVantage Solutions Marken MasterControl QuickSTAT Siemens Stafa Cellular Therapy Steiner STEMSOFT Software TECHNIDATA Thermo Fisher Scientific KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS REPORT How many companies are currently engaged in this market? Which are the leading companies in this market? What kind of partnership models are commonly adopted by industry stakeholders? What are the factors that are likely to influence the evolution of this market? What is the current and future market size? What is the CAGR of this market? How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments? REASONS TO BUY THIS REPORT The report provides a comprehensive market analysis, offering detailed revenue projections of the overall market and its specific sub-segments. This information is valuable to both established market leaders and emerging entrants. Stakeholders can leverage the report to gain a deeper understanding of the competitive dynamics within the market. By analyzing the competitive landscape, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their market positioning and develop effective go-to-market strategies. The report offers stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the market, including key drivers, barriers, opportunities, and challenges. This information empowers stakeholders to stay abreast of market trends and make data-driven decisions to capitalize on growth prospects. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Complimentary PPT Insights Packs Complimentary Excel Data Packs for all Analytical Modules in the Report 10% Free Content Customization Detailed Report Walkthrough Session with Research Team For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Cell and Gene Therapy Supply Chain CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio

Asimily Adds Enhanced IoT Password Management and Device Patching to Its Comprehensive Security Platform
Asimily Adds Enhanced IoT Password Management and Device Patching to Its Comprehensive Security Platform

Yahoo

time12 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Asimily Adds Enhanced IoT Password Management and Device Patching to Its Comprehensive Security Platform

SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asimily, the only complete IoT, OT, and IoMT Risk Mitigation Platform, today announced the release of several new innovative features designed to help organizations across all industries efficiently secure and manage IoT devices while continuing down its path of cybersecurity innovation. These features are: IoT Password Management significantly simplifies the execution of password best practices across devices from multiple manufacturers. IoT Patching offers a 200% increase in supported manufacturers whose devices can now be automatically updated by Asimily. An intuitive new user interface designed for speed and efficiency, particularly for busy security and IT teams. 'Organizations with device fleets have always struggled to keep them updated. Unlike servers and operating systems, there is no streamlined process owned by the software manufacturer for IoT. This has always forced organizations to devote significant time and money to this essential line of defense,' said Shankar Somasundaram, CEO of Asimily. 'With our new IoT Management module and its Password Management and Patching capabilities, devices get automatically and fully updated faster with far less time and effort, helping prevent successful attacks from establishing a foothold within a company's networks.' IoT devices, such as printers, IP cameras, teleconference devices and network access points, are increasingly common targets for cyberattacks. Securing and managing IoT fleets requires the right software, processes, and skilled personnel to balance operational functionality and security. These features join the Asimily platform as crucial components, purpose-built to address the unique challenges associated with IoT Unauthorized Access with IoT Password Management Under the IoT Management module, Asimily has added IoT Password Management. This feature helps organizations enforce stronger credential policies and reduce the risk of unauthorized access to critical IoT infrastructure. It makes organizational adherence to best practices – strong passwords, no re-use – much easier while still allowing devices to operate with minimal interruption. Asimily's IoT Patching and IoT Password Management work together to prevent unauthorized access, allowing patching to be performed with a click, according to a schedule, or automatically. Increased Manufacturer Support for IoT Management Asimily has expanded its manufacturer support for IoT Management. This broader support ensures that even more devices can be automatically patched with Asimily, enabling better security for organizations. As businesses across industries continue to adopt new IoT devices, the expansion of this feature enables organizations to confidently lean into IoT while scaling security practices as their fleet grows. Since the initial launch of IoT Patching in March, 2025, the number of supported vendors has doubled, making thousands more customer devices easily updatable. Asimily is on track to increase the number of supported vendors by 400% within a year, dramatically expanding its direct-patching coverage. New User Interface Asimily recently refreshed its user interface to simplify adoption, organize crucial features around common workflows, reduce friction to accomplish critical risk mitigation tasks, and support a best-in-class user experience. Driven by extensive research and testing, the new interface reinforces Asimily's commitment to innovation and enables users to take decisive action across IoT, OT, and IoMT infrastructure. Ready to Strengthen Your IoT Security? See how Asimily's new capabilities make device management faster, safer, and easier than ever here. About Asimily Asimily has built an industry-leading risk management platform that secures IoT devices for organizations in healthcare, manufacturing, higher education, government, life sciences, retail, and finance. With the most extensive knowledge base of IoT and security protocols, Asimily inventories and classifies every device across organizations, both connected and standalone. Because risk assessment—and threats—are not a static target, Asimily monitors organizations' devices, detects anomalous behavior, and alerts operators to remediate any identified anomalies. With secure IoT devices and equipment, Asimily customers know their business-critical devices and data are safe. For more information on Asimily, visit Asimily ContactKyle Petersonkyle@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

VW's Skoda posts 12% profit rise in H1 as electric sales grow
VW's Skoda posts 12% profit rise in H1 as electric sales grow

Yahoo

time12 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

VW's Skoda posts 12% profit rise in H1 as electric sales grow

PRAGUE (Reuters) -Skoda Auto, a Volkswagen unit, increased the share of electric vehicles in its sales mix in the first half of the year and posted a nearly 12% rise in operating profit to 1.3 billion euros ($1.52 billion), it said on Monday. The Czech carmaker's revenue for the first six months rose nearly 12% year on year to 15.1 billion euros. Deliveries were up 14% to 509,400 vehicles in the period. Around 23% of those deliveries were either fully electric or plug-in hybrid models, up from 9.4% in the first half of last year, the company said. Chief Executive Klaus Zellmer said customers had placed more than 120,000 orders for Skoda's all-electric Enyaq and Elroq models by the end of June, highlighting progress in its electrification strategy. European automakers have booked multi-billion-euro losses and issued profit warnings as they struggle to handle competition from China, U.S. import tariffs, and EU regulations aimed at speeding up the EV transition. "Sales relative to the overall market performance, we are doing good," Zellmer told journalists in a video conference. While overall car sales have fallen in Europe this year, sales of electric vehicles - a priority segment for companies like Skoda Auto - have been rising. Zellmer said the company sees big potential with the new Epiq, an electric SUV priced at 25,000 euros that will target entry-level consumers. It plans to launch the Epiq in the first half of 2026. "We put a lot of hope or I would even say ... expectation on that car," he said. "Our current rate of electrified drive train sales ... has to go up." In the European market, Skoda delivered 409,100 vehicles to customers, an increase of nearly 11% that outperformed the overall market and was underpinned by the sales of 72,000 electric vehicles and 21,400 plug-in hybrids, the company said. Skoda also achieved record results in India where it delivered 33,000 vehicles, representing year-on-year growth of 108%, the company said. ($1 = 0.8527 euros) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store