First Impressions of the Pixel 9 Pro: A Samsung User’s Perspective

As a longtime Samsung user, I recently transitioned from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to the Pixel 9 Pro, and I couldn’t help but share my initial thoughts. This blog post will explore the hardware, user interface, camera features, and overall experience of the Pixel 9 Pro, comparing it to my experience with Samsung’s flagship. If you’re a Samsung user considering a switch to Pixel, this might be the post for you.

Hardware and Design: A Step Forward

Right off the bat, let’s talk about the hardware. The Pixel 9 Pro is undoubtedly the best-built Pixel phone to date. The unique design, particularly the rounded corners of the display, feels great in hand. The visual aesthetics lend the phone a premium feel that aligns well with its price point.

However, one notable feature is the display. While the Pixel 9 Pro has one of the best screens in the Pixel lineup, I found that certain full-screen apps, like YouTube, reveal a slightly different experience compared to the S23 Ultra. The rounded corners can clip the display content in landscape mode, making it feel like there’s less screen real estate. While the experience is not entirely detrimental, it does take some getting used to if you’re migrating from a device with a more rectangular design.

User Interface: Beautiful But Limited Customization

Moving on to the Pixel UI, the overall aesthetic is indeed pleasing. However, I found it rather restrictive compared to the customization options Samsung offers. One glaring limitation is the inability to create folders within the app drawer, which would make navigation much easier. Instead, you’re stuck scrolling through a long list of apps, which can quickly become cumbersome.

Additionally, the Google Search bar is a permanent fixture on every home screen, and moving it is not an option. While having this functionality readily available is convenient, it can feel invasive for those who prefer a clean home screen aesthetic. The favorites bar at the bottom limits you to just four apps, leaving an awkward gap if you opt for a folder icon.

What’s more concerning is the inability to have an empty home screen. To have a home screen, you must place an app or widget on it, which seems unnecessarily limiting for those who wish to showcase their wallpaper without any distractions.

Navigation: Gestures Aren’t for Everyone

While many users might appreciate the gesture navigation system, I am still a devoted fan of the classic three-button navigation. Unfortunately, on the Pixel, you can’t rearrange the buttons to match your preference. For someone like me who’s accustomed to Samsung’s layout, this minor annoyance can affect daily use.

Camera Features: Promising Yet Flawed

Turning to the Pixel 9 Pro’s camera, it boasts some impressive features, but not without quirks. The zoom transitions can feel a bit jarring, especially when filming. Additionally, while there is a ‘video boost’ feature, it disables the wide-angle functionality when enabled. This limitation is especially frustrating for those who enjoy capturing dynamic scenes without needing to compromise on quality.

The video boost feature, which processes your footage via Google Photos, could potentially be more versatile. The processing system appears to be limited to specific scenarios, which can feel restrictive given that many users expect seamless integration of features across the board.

The Fingerprint Sensor: A Positive Change

One area where the Pixel 9 Pro excels is its fingerprint sensor. This iteration is by far the best Pixel has offered. The fingerprint scanner performs swiftly and accurately, providing a smooth unlocking experience. Transitioning from Samsung’s ultrasonic fingerprint technology to this less complicated sensor was surprisingly refreshing.

The Transition Experience: Embracing the Pixel Life

As I delve deeper into this new device, my main goal is to experience the Pixel as intended rather than trying to replicate my Samsung setup. I want to give Pixel’s unique user interface a genuine chance to shine, without forcing it to accommodate my previous habits. The challenge of unlearning old behaviors and embracing new ones can sometimes be daunting, but it’s an integral part of exploring what the Pixel 9 Pro has to offer.

Looking Ahead: Future Content

This post merely scratches the surface of the Pixel 9 Pro experience. In the coming weeks, I plan to conduct a charging test, especially since I picked up a 45-watt charger to see how quickly it can power up from 0 to 70%. Additionally, I aim to provide more in-depth content on the device’s camera capabilities and software features.

Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery

Transitioning from Samsung to Pixel is not just about changing devices; it’s about embracing a different philosophy of user experience. The Pixel 9 Pro has its strengths and weaknesses, much like any smartphone. While it offers an excellent build quality and a new UI experience, some aspects may feel limiting to longtime Samsung users.

I hope that this initial impression helps fellow users considering a switch. Stay tuned for more detailed explorations of the Pixel 9 Pro in future posts! Don’t forget to subscribe for updates as I continue this journey with my new device. Thank you for reading!