I’ve been using an iPhone for over 12 years and recently switched to the Pixel 9 Pro. I feel like Google finally figured it out. Here’s why I think switching to an Android device has never been easier, more seamless, and more exciting.
Before I explain my experience and why I recently made the switch, I want to remind you that while the Pixel 9 Pro is not on sale on Amazon for Prime Day, many other Pixel devices are currently on sale. I would like to. If you don’t need the latest smartphone, you can also opt for this Pixel 8 Pro Prime Day sale. I highly recommend this.
I know you’re going to reprimand me and say, “Why is the EIC at Android Central using an iPhone as his primary device?” I’ve heard it all before. If you want to read my thoughts on it, you can read it here.
As a journalist and EIC for any technology publication, it’s essential to know about all mobile phones. This means understanding both operating systems and what each side of the debate has to offer.
Until Google’s Pixel 9 series of devices came out, I always felt like Google was missing something… something. It just didn’t click for me. I felt like I wasn’t ready to change my phone yet. Frankly, none of the other Android brands have ever sued me to switch permanently. I think it was probably because Apple didn’t make it easy to switch.
That all changed when Google launched new devices with new processors, better cameras, and more seamless AI integration. It also helped that I wasn’t too excited when the iPhone 16 was announced. However, I haven’t tried the iPhone 16 yet, so my opinion may change.
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Do you really need to worry about blue and green bubbles?
One of the main considerations I had before making the switch was how much I cared about the blue bubbles. The answer is: Not at all. The only time I actually used iMessage was with my husband, usually to remind him to buy something at the grocery store.
I usually use any messaging platform other than iMessage, so it wasn’t really a big deal when I thought about this topic.
That being said, you should really think about why it matters whether you use iMessage or not. Is it an ego thing? Don’t you think that being shunned will hurt your pride? For people who use iMessage, does it matter if no one else uses it? Because if so, I think it’s time to consider a different thought process.
All About Cookies is an informational website that provides helpful tips, advice and recommendations for online privacy and digital security. announced very interesting research results 1,000 people’s opinions on the blue and green bubble.
78% of iPhone users say they’re less likely to disrespect someone if they see a green bubble when sending a text message. Additionally, 42% of iPhone users rely on other third-party apps such as WhatsApp. Needless to say, now that iPhone supports RCS, messaging with Android users has never been better.
Robust smart home ecosystem
I had thought about the blue bubble, but one of the main considerations when making the switch was Google’s robust smart home ecosystem.
I currently have a Google Wifi AC1200 mesh Wi-Fi system (on sale for Prime Day, as well as the new Nest Wifi Pro) in my home. I also have a Google Nest Doorbell and a Nest Thermostat, and I have a lot of Nest speakers in my house.
I had easy access to Google Home on my iPhone 15, but it made sense for me to switch to the Pixel because of that seamless connection.
I think Google has responded well with its smart home products and new phones, which are in stark contrast to Apple’s fairly bare-bones selection of first-party smart home devices. Google’s products look like collections of devices. You can make them all the same color or use them in combination. But everything was beautiful and I was really excited to have Google everything in my house.
I was basically halfway there, but my smart home settings prompted me to switch up and fill in the gaps.
iPhone 15 is a gateway phone
Of course, the iPhone is a completely different phone than the Pixel. However, I found that switching to an Android device wasn’t that hard for me for a few reasons.
The first thing to note is that to me, Google’s Pixel is the iPhone of the Android ecosystem. It has the least amount of bloatware, comes with the entire Google Workspace suite (which I already use), and is simple to use.
More importantly, now that your iPhone has USB-C, you won’t have to worry about buying a new cable. Everything in my house was already USB-C. Derrek Lee, editor-in-chief of Android Central, made this point when the iPhone 15 first launched, noting that it was a smart move to ease the switch for Android users. I took it and went in the opposite direction.
Some may complain that MagSafe isn’t on the Pixel, but I’ve never used it on an iPhone and never found it all that appealing. So, like iMessage, this is another feature I can’t pass up.
Google sets the standard for AI-powered phones
Google has responded well by bringing new Gemini features to the Pixel 9 series. Many of them are already available on the Pixel 8 series. Google has spent two years enhancing Gemini, but Apple is still developing Apple AI. In fact, the iPhone 16 didn’t have any of the Apple Intelligence features announced at launch.
I’m not going to sit here and rant about Apple because I’ll always be a huge fan of the company. I’m still using a MacBook, but I plan on using an iPhone 16, especially to test the AI features.
I’ll also explain a little more about the app features I enjoy and the Pixel’s camera features later. But I have to say that using the Pixel has been one of the best experiences I’ve had and I’m really enjoying it.
If you’re thinking of doing the same, give it a try.
mobile phone to buy
Google Pixel 9 Pro sets the standard for flagship smartphones, especially when it comes to camera quality and AI. Google’s Tensor chips quickly enable fun and impressive on-device features while delivering superior battery life.
