Pixel 2 Vs Galaxy S9 Plus Did Anyone Actually Regret Switching

In 2017 and 2018, two flagship smartphones dominated conversations among tech enthusiasts: the Google Pixel 2 and the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus. One represented pure Android excellence with AI-driven photography; the other offered a feature-rich experience with a dual-camera setup, expandable storage, and a larger screen. Many users made the switch between ecosystems—some from Samsung to Pixel, others from Pixel to Samsung—and years later, the question remains: did anyone actually regret it?

This article dives into real-world experiences, hardware longevity, software support, and ecosystem loyalty to uncover whether switching between these devices was a decision users came to regret.

The Core Differences That Shaped User Decisions

The Pixel 2 and Galaxy S9 Plus were built with different philosophies. The Pixel 2 focused on clean software, fast updates, and class-leading camera performance despite having only a single rear lens. In contrast, the Galaxy S9 Plus emphasized versatility—dual cameras, a high-resolution AMOLED display, expandable storage via microSD, and a headphone jack.

These differences influenced early adopters’ choices. Users who valued timely Android updates and minimalist design leaned toward the Pixel. Those who wanted multimedia flexibility, multitasking features like DeX, or a more traditional smartphone layout often chose the S9 Plus.

“Switching from Samsung to Pixel felt like decluttering my digital life. But I missed the multi-window mode within a week.” — Daniel R., former S8 owner who switched to Pixel 2 in 2018

User Regret: Who Was Happy, and Who Wished They’d Stayed?

Regret isn’t always about hardware—it’s often rooted in ecosystem integration, daily usability, and long-term support. To understand actual regret rates, we analyzed forum discussions (Reddit, XDA Developers), customer reviews, and follow-up upgrade patterns.

Among users who switched from Galaxy to Pixel, common regrets included:

• Lack of expandable storage (no microSD slot)
• No headphone jack (removed in Pixel 2)
• Smaller battery leading to shorter daily endurance
• Fewer customization options in stock Android at the time

Conversely, users who moved from Pixel to Galaxy S9 Plus often cited:

• Frustration with inconsistent speaker quality on the Pixel 2
• Desire for a larger screen for media consumption
• Better multitasking capabilities on Samsung’s One UI
• Superior build materials and IP68 rating consistency

Tip: If you rely on physical media or offline content, missing expandable storage can become a daily inconvenience—not just a spec sheet issue.

Performance and Longevity Comparison

Both phones launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, ensuring similar baseline performance. However, real-world longevity diverged due to software support and optimization.

Feature	Google Pixel 2	Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
OS Updates	Android 11 (final update)	Android 10 (officially), unofficially to Android 13 via custom ROMs
Battery Capacity	2,700 mAh	3,500 mAh
Storage Options	64GB / 128GB (no expansion)	64GB / 128GB / 256GB (expandable up to 400GB)
Headphone Jack	No	Yes
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68
Final Security Patch	January 2020	July 2021

While Google promised three years of OS updates, the Pixel 2 received its final major update earlier than many expected. Samsung, despite slower initial rollouts, extended security patches longer for the S9 series, partly due to enterprise demand.

By 2021, both devices showed noticeable slowdowns, but the S9 Plus generally maintained better app compatibility due to higher RAM (6GB standard) and broader developer testing on Samsung devices.

Real Example: From Pixel Enthusiast to Galaxy Convert

Alex M., a photographer and early Pixel fan, purchased the Pixel 2 XL at launch for its computational photography. He praised the camera’s dynamic range and low-light performance, calling it “the best point-and-shoot camera available.”

But by mid-2019, Alex found himself struggling with storage limits. His habit of shooting in HDR+ meant rapid accumulation of large image files. With no microSD option and cloud upload delays on metered connections, he began missing shots.

He also noted that the smaller battery didn’t last through full-day shoots, and the lack of a headphone jack complicated audio monitoring during video recording.

In early 2020, he upgraded to a used Galaxy S9 Plus. Though he missed the immediacy of Google Photos integration and faster OS updates, he gained:

• Expandable storage (added 256GB card)
• Longer battery life under heavy use
• Dual SIM support while traveling
• Better screen visibility outdoors

“I don’t regret switching,” Alex said. “The Pixel taught me what great software could do, but the S9 Plus fit how I actually work.”

Expert Insight: Ecosystem Lock-In and Decision Fatigue

“People don’t just buy phones—they buy ecosystems. Switching means relearning workflows, replacing accessories, and sometimes losing data continuity. That friction causes regret, even if the new device is technically superior.” — Dr. Lena Patel, UX Researcher at Mobile Futures Lab

Dr. Patel’s observation highlights a key factor: regret often stems not from specs, but from disruption. Users deeply embedded in Google services (Photos, Assistant, Gmail) found Samsung’s heavier skin jarring. Meanwhile, Samsung Pass and Dex users missed those features when moving to Pixel.

Actionable Checklist Before Switching Phones

Before making a cross-ecosystem move, consider this checklist to minimize post-purchase regret:

1. Evaluate your storage needs: Do you store music, videos, or apps locally? If yes, avoid phones without expandable storage.
2. Test daily drivers: Try using only one hand for navigation—does the size feel natural?
3. Check update policy: How many years of OS and security updates does each brand promise?
4. Assess accessory compatibility: Will your current chargers, headphones, or car dock work?
5. Simulate your workflow: Use a loaner or demo unit for a day to test camera speed, app switching, and battery drain.
6. Review cloud sync: Ensure your contacts, messages, and photos migrate smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Pixel 2 camera really outperform the Galaxy S9 Plus?

In controlled conditions and low light, yes—the Pixel 2’s HDR+ and Night Sight (added later) delivered more consistent results with less noise. However, the S9 Plus offered optical zoom via its dual-lens system and better subject tracking, appealing to users who preferred manual control.

Is it worth buying either phone today?

As daily drivers in 2024, neither is recommended for primary use. App compatibility, security risks, and degraded batteries make them impractical. However, they remain excellent backup or Wi-Fi-only devices for kids or secondary tasks.

Why did some Pixel users regret removing the headphone jack?

Beyond convenience, the removal disrupted workflows for gym-goers, commuters, and professionals using wired headsets. Bluetooth latency and battery concerns made adapters or wireless earbuds an imperfect substitute, especially in 2017 when the transition was still new.

Conclusion: Regret Depends on Expectations, Not Specs

So, did anyone actually regret switching between the Pixel 2 and Galaxy S9 Plus? Yes—but not uniformly. Regret emerged most strongly when expectations clashed with reality: a power user choosing the Pixel for its camera but underestimating storage limits, or a multitasker opting for the S9 Plus only to find delayed Android updates frustrating.

The lesson isn’t about which phone was objectively better—it’s about alignment with personal habits. The Pixel 2 excelled in simplicity and AI-powered photography. The Galaxy S9 Plus won on flexibility, durability, and multimedia functionality.

🚀 Thinking about switching phones now? Reflect on your non-negotiables: battery life, storage, software updates, and ecosystem fit. Share your own switch story in the comments—your experience might help someone avoid regret.