I traded my Pixel for a Galaxy, only to discover my favorite features were Pixel-exclusive

Released Oct 17, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT

Dibakar Ghosh is a tech reporter at How-To Geek with over a years of experience utilizing and blogging about open-source software application, Linux, Android, AI, and individual performance. He blogs about software application, running systems, and tools that assist individuals get more from the innovation they currently utilize.

Being a Google Pixel user is hard, specifically when you invest the majority of your time around tech lovers raving about Samsung Galaxy phones. You see, Pixels provide a close-to-stock Android experience, while Samsung’s Galaxy phones are loaded with functions that naturally interest lovers. And while I do like me some minimalism, I likewise like having access to effective functions that make my life simpler.

After my pals and associates kept pushing me to make the switch, I lastly chose to trade in my Pixel 6a for a Galaxy S24. And considering that the Pixel uses a closer-to-stock Android experience, I anticipated the Galaxy to have all the functions on my Pixel, plus a couple of additional bells and whistles. Rather, I found that much of the standard functions I depend on everyday– which I ‘d incorrectly presumed were basic Android functions– were in fact Pixel-exclusive and missing out on from the Galaxy entirely.

There’s no context-aware voice typing

The function I never ever thought of till it was gone

I’m one of those individuals who definitely dislikes typing on a virtual keyboard. Gboard on the Pixel provides one of the finest voice typing experiences, which is what I utilize when I require to send out a message or rapidly write down a short lived idea. It’s quickly, it’s precise, and most notably, it lets me modify what I’ve composed utilizing voice commands.

In the middle of a ramble, I can inform it to erase the last sentence or get rid of a word and change it with another, and it wisely acknowledges the direction as a command and performs it. It’s extremely instinctive and makes voice typing a lot easier.

Now, I wasn’t anticipating the exact same voice typing experience from the Samsung Keyboard. I figured I might merely change the Samsung Keyboard with Gboard and get the exact same experience. Kid, was I incorrect. The voice modifying function is entirely missing from Gboard on the Galaxy. And while you do get voice typing, for some weird factor, I discovered it to be less precise than it was on my Google Pixel 6a.

Google likewise has a more recent Pixel-exclusive voice typing function called Rambler. It utilizes Gemini to turn your rambling into tidy, sleek text. I have not attempted it myself, and it’s presently unique to the Pixel 11. It’s another factor voice typing is simply much better on a Pixel.

I likewise missed out on the AI call includes

The phone app was the last location I anticipated to feel the switch

I still do not understand how I feel about AI penetrating every corner of our lives, however I definitely like Google’s execution of AI-powered calling functions. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Call Screen: It responds to calls from unidentified numbers for you, transcribes what the caller states in genuine time, and informs you why they’re calling so you can choose whether to get.
• Hold for Me: It lets you put your phone down while you’re on hold and signals you when somebody returns on the line, so you can get the phone once again.
• Direct My Call: It transcribes automated phone menus so you can read your alternatives rather of needing to painfully listen to the sluggish narrative.
• Rip-off Detection: It runs in the background throughout calls, in your area processing what the other individual is stating, and alerts you if a discussion matches typical fraud patterns.

Now, I had actually seen a pal usage something comparable to Call Screen called Bixby Text Call on their Galaxy phone. I figured these functions need to be offered on Samsung gadgets. I suggest, these functions feel fundamental enough that they ought to be basic on all Android flagships. Apart from Bixby Text Call, none of the above functions are offered on my Galaxy S24.

Google’s Scam Detection has actually concerned Samsung phones, however at the time of composing, it’s offered just on the Galaxy S26 series in the United States. It does not assist me on my S24.

The Galaxy has helpful unique functions too

To be reasonable, Samsung likewise has techniques Google can’t match

I’ve been slamming the Galaxy for a bit now, however it likewise has some excellent functions that the Pixel does not. The one function that in fact offered me on trading in my Pixel was Modes and Routines. It’s a system-wide automation function that alters your alert settings, wallpaper, and widgets based upon various triggers, such as your area or the time of day.

When I’m at work, my phone instantly changes to vibrate just, and my wallpaper changes to something inspirational. Whereas when I visit my moms and dads’ location, the wallpaper changes to a household photo, advising me that I need to most likely put my phone away for a while. It’s actually effective, and it’s an embarassment the Pixel does not have anything rather like it. For a phone that’s marketed as AI-first, you ‘d anticipate this type of customization, however the Pixel’s automation functions are uninspired in contrast.

Which’s simply the start. There’s likewise Good Lock, Samsung’s primary modification app, a bunny hole of its own that opens lots of methods to modify and customize your phone.

Function exclusivity has actually ended up being the bane of my presence

I can comprehend why an Android gadget may not have functions readily available on an iPhone, however the truth that 2 Android gadgets can have various function sets even if they originate from various producers is simply incorrect. Alas, that’s the world we live in. And it’s a disappointment since Google Pixels definitely nails the fundamentals, using quality-of-life functions you ‘d anticipate from any gadget. They fall a bit brief if you desire to get more out of your phone, which is where the Samsung Galaxy phones stand out.

Preferably, I ‘d desire a Pixel with some Galaxy includes included on top. Because that’s not going to occur, I chose to get a brand-new Pixel 10, which I now utilize as my everyday motorist, and relegate the S24 to a secondary phone.

Read More