But over time, cracks started to appear in the experience. And after sticking with Pixel for “just one more year” too many, I finally made the decision to switch. Now that I’ve moved to the Samsung Galaxy S23, I can confidently say: I wish I’d done it sooner.
Here’s why.
The Breaking Point: Pixel’s Hardware Frustrations
For me, the Pixel started to feel more like a beta test device than a daily driver. The most frustrating issues weren’t about performance benchmarks or camera specs—they were about basic reliability.
The Fingerprint Sensor That Wouldn’t Work
Unlocking my phone became a daily hassle. The Pixel’s fingerprint sensor was so unreliable, I’d often have to try multiple times, reposition my thumb, or wipe the screen just to get in. For something that should be instant, it was anything but.
Swipe Issues and Screen Responsiveness
Another consistent problem was the screen swipe gesture system. It’s such a fundamental part of modern smartphones, yet on the Pixel it often felt buggy or laggy. Swiping up to go home, switching apps, or even simple scrolling sometimes stuttered or misfired. For a device I interact with all day, that’s simply unacceptable.
These issues persisted across multiple Pixel models and software updates. Eventually, I had to admit: the Pixel experience wasn’t living up to the promise anymore.
Why I Chose the Samsung Galaxy S23
After much thought, I decided to try something different and picked up the Samsung Galaxy S23. To my surprise, the transition has been smoother than expected—and in some ways, genuinely refreshing.
Pros of the Galaxy S23
Fingerprint Sensor That Works Properly
I can’t stress enough how much of a relief this is. With the Galaxy S23, unlocking my phone is quick, accurate, and consistent. No more awkward thumb gymnastics.
Fluid, Responsive Interface
Navigating the S23 is a pleasure. Swipes, gestures, and scrolling feel smooth and polished—like the Pixel used to in its prime.
Premium Build Quality
From the display to the haptics, everything about the S23 feels premium. Samsung has clearly nailed the hardware side of things.
Strong Performance and Battery Life
The phone runs effortlessly with no lag, and the battery comfortably lasts through the day without anxiety.
What I Miss About the Pixel
Switching to the Galaxy S23 hasn’t been perfect. There are definitely a few things I miss about the Pixel experience:
Google’s Seamless Password Management
On the Pixel, when logging into websites, Google would automatically suggest saved passwords from my account. It was simple, automatic, and felt like magic. The Galaxy S23 doesn’t integrate with Google Password Manager the same way, and while Samsung offers Samsung Pass, it’s not as seamless for someone fully invested in Google’s ecosystem.
Stock Android Simplicity
Samsung’s One UI is cleaner than it used to be, but it’s still not the minimalist Android experience you get on Pixel devices. There are extra apps, settings, and features that can feel a bit cluttered if you’re used to Google’s streamlined approach.
Pixel-Exclusive Features
Things like Call Screening, Hold for Me, and Google’s Recorder with live transcription are features I used and now miss. These AI-powered tools really did add value in daily life.
Final Thoughts: The Trade-Off Was Worth It
At the end of the day, no phone is perfect. But for me, the Galaxy S23 has solved the core frustrations that pushed me away from the Pixel—especially around reliability and daily usability.
Yes, I miss some of the Pixel’s exclusive features and Google’s tighter software integration. But those are trade-offs I’m willing to make for a phone that works consistently and doesn’t leave me second-guessing simple interactions like unlocking my device or swiping through apps.
I still think Google has potential to make the Pixel great again. Maybe in the future, I’ll revisit it. But for now, I’m happy with the switch, and the Galaxy S23 is proving to be exactly what I needed: a phone that just works, all the time.