I’ll admit it: I was one of those tech-savvy users who thought stock Android on a Google Pixel was the only way to experience Android the “right” way. I used to avoid anything with a custom skin like Samsung’s One UI because I thought it bloated the phone with features I’d never use.
But everything changed when I tried the Galaxy S23 Ultra. One annoying issue with my Pixel battery drain after major Android updates pushed me to give Samsung another shot.
That one decision led me down a rabbit hole of hardware quality, custom skins, Google apps vs. Samsung apps, and understanding just how different Android experiences can be depending on your phone manufacturer.
What Surprised Me About the Android Experience on Samsung
The first thing I noticed? Samsung’s One UI is nothing like the clunky TouchWiz interface from years ago. It feels polished, intuitive, and packed with genuinely useful features some of which I now can’t live without:
- Edge Panels: I use this daily to switch between apps. It’s way faster than the default Android recent apps view.
- Secure Folder: For someone who stores client data, having a separate secure space feels like peace of mind.
- Modes and Routines: Automating settings based on location or time of day is something stock Android still can’t do as seamlessly.
- Bixby Voice Assistant: I hated it at first, but after customizing it, it’s surprisingly useful for smart home appliances.
Honestly, if you’re comparing Pixel vs. Samsung, this is where Samsung pulls ahead. The differentiation is real. I used to scoff at proprietary software, but now I realize some of Samsung’s innovations have actually influenced core Android updates.
But… I Still Miss Stock Android Sometimes
There are trade-offs. Samsung phones don’t get updates as fast as Google Pixel devices. For example, Android 14 rolled out to my Pixel weeks before my Galaxy S23 Ultra saw One UI 6.1. It’s annoying, especially if you care about running the latest version or testing new features early.
Another thing? The Google Mobile Services integration on Samsung phones feels… cluttered. I have Google Search and Samsung’s own browser. Google Chrome and Samsung Internet. I love options, but sometimes it feels like digital hoarding.
The Hardware Is Seriously Underrated
Let’s talk about the phone itself. The Galaxy S line especially the Ultra variants offers some of the best hardware I’ve used:
- The curved screen is gorgeous, though not everyone likes it.
- Performance-wise, it’s top-tier especially if you’re into gaming or multitasking.
- Battery life? Way better than my old Pixel.
- And the camera system… just wow.
It’s wild to think that Samsung has been refining the Galaxy S series since 2010. No wonder they’ve sold millions.
Are All Android Phones This Good?
Not really. I’ve used phones from OnePlus, Motorola, and even dabbled with Sony and Xiaomi. Each one comes with its own custom skin and design philosophy, but none felt as complete as Samsung’s Galaxy lineup.
Still, some folks prefer the clean feel of stock Android and if that’s you, Google Pixel or even Android One devices might be more your style. But if you want a feature-packed experience and can handle a bit of software customization, Samsung wins hands down.
One Thing I Regret: Waiting Too Long
I regret writing off Samsung for so long. I thought I was making the smarter choice by sticking with “pure Android,” but I missed out on some really cool innovations like the Galaxy AI features or the dessert-named Android versions like Oreo and Pie that came with cool visual updates on Samsung devices.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try a Samsung Phone with Android?
If you’re still on the fence about Samsung vs. Android, know this: Samsung is Android but with a different flavor. If you love tinkering, customizing, and trying out powerful features like Edge Panels and Secure Folder, there’s a good chance you’ll love it.
Just know that you might get updates a little later, and the learning curve from stock Android can feel real. But once you’re in, it’s hard to go back.
Have you tried both Samsung and stock Android? What was your experience like? Let me know this is one tech rabbit hole I never thought I’d enjoy this much.
