Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
The Android phone market isn’t as competitive as it was a few years ago, but there are plenty of options to choose from. You can get a slab phone, a book-style foldable, a flip phone, and phones with physical keyboards. Sure, iPhones dominate 69% market share In the US, but Android is still more feature-rich and gives you more hardware flexibility.
Too: Why I recommend this $450 Samsung phone over competing models from Google and OnePlus
If you’re in the market for a new Android phone, you have two major brands to consider: Samsung and Google. One has an extensive ecosystem of products, while the other is leading the way with AI features. Both have their strong points depending on your usage. Here’s how you should choose which brand is best for you.
You should buy a Samsung Galaxy phone if…
1. You already have a Samsung product
Samsung has a broader product ecosystem than Google. It manufactures laptops, TVs, tablets as well as home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and microwaves. While the latter isn’t beneficial for any cross-device functionality, having a Samsung TV, laptop, and phone with deeply integrated ecosystem features can make your life easier.
Too: You can still get the free Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 deal at T-Mobile – here’s how to qualify
For example, you can control your TV using the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone. You don’t have to look for the remote every time you want to change the volume or mess with other TV settings. Similarly, you get features like the Apple ecosystem where the Samsung Galaxy Buds work best when paired with a Galaxy smartphone, and App Continuity allows you to continue browsing the same website across your phone and tablet.
2. You want better hardware
Samsung offers more capable and aggressive hardware on its flagship phones than Google. For example, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the only phone with a built-in privacy display feature, while the 200MP camera can be used to capture better photos than those found on Pixel smartphones.
Too: I’ve used every Samsung Galaxy S26 model – this is why the Ultra is disappointingly the best
Both Samsung and Google phones have intuitive software, but One UI remains my favorite Android UI for its customization and ease of use. As such, I installed Good Lock and its modules last year to make my Galaxy S25 Ultra easier to use, and the transparent widgets on my home screen remain unbeatable.
3. You need more aggressive career promotion
Samsung Galaxy phones generally get better carrier promotions than Google Pixel phones. That’s what led to the price hike for the Galaxy S26 series as well as strong carrier promotions.
Too: Do you have a Samsung phone? I changed 10 settings to improve its performance
According to Counterpoint Research report“US carriers responded to memory crunch-induced price increases with strong promotions” and “All three (Galaxy S26) models and carriers saw substantial increases in the highest tier promotions.” This results in consumers getting attractive offers for more affordable options on the latest generation products.
You should buy a Google Pixel phone if…
1. You want less bloatware
If you want a clean Android user experience, Google is the way to go. Its phones run Pixel UI, which doesn’t include third-party bloatware like Samsung Galaxy phones. You don’t have to uninstall a lot of Microsoft and social media apps as soon as you set up your phone.
Too: T-Mobile will give you a Google Pixel 10a for free – plus an extra gift
Google’s Pixel UI also has its own unique advantages. You get Pixel Drop updates that bring new features to older devices throughout their life cycle. Samsung Galaxy phones aren’t far behind in terms of software updates and support, but Pixel phones are usually one of the first to get new Android features like AirDrop support.
2. You love Pixel-exclusive smart AI features
AI is the last thing I talk about when reviewing phones because most AI features are forgettable. However, Google has shipped some useful additions over the past year.
Too: Google Pixel 10a review: Should Android users consider anything else at this price?
It has Magic Cue that displays relevant information in individual conversations and call screens, which filters spam calls. When the UI recognizes who you’re calling it also brings up relevant information. For example, I was on customer support with an airline, and the Pixel 10 Pro displayed my booking details on the call screen, so I didn’t have to go through files or Gmail to retrieve it.
These are some quality features that Samsung has tried to replicate on its recent flagship phones, but it needs more improvements.
3. You want a specific hardware design
Both Samsung and Google phones have their own design language, but Pixel devices arguably look better than the two. Their visor look has evolved and is now paired with some of the coolest colors on the smartphone. This combination makes Pixel phones more attractive than Galaxy devices.
Too: Best Google phones in 2026: How is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold?
Even if you’re on a budget, the Pixel 10a will give you more fun color options than the Galaxy A57 5G.
author’s choice
It’s a tough choice because the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are my favorite travel earbuds, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the only foldable that’s truly dust-resistant. However, I like One UI more than Google’s Pixel UI for its personalization options, and the privacy display is one of my favorite smartphone features.
I would choose Samsung because of the current generation’s lightweight phone designs and better cameras.
