Pixel 6 Vs S20 Has Anyone Actually Switched And Regretted It

When Google launched the Pixel 6 in 2021, it marked a turning point in the company’s hardware ambitions. With a custom Tensor chip, redesigned camera system, and aggressive pricing, it posed a serious challenge to Samsung’s Galaxy S20—once a flagship powerhouse released just a year earlier. Many Android users found themselves at a crossroads: stick with Samsung’s proven ecosystem or take a leap into Google’s new vision. But after years of real-world use, what do people actually say? Has anyone made the switch from the S20 to the Pixel 6 and lived to regret it?

The answer isn’t simple. While some users report smoother software, better photo quality, and longer support cycles on the Pixel 6, others miss the refined build, display quality, and accessory compatibility they had with the S20. This article dives into real user experiences, technical comparisons, and long-term usability to help you understand whether this transition was worth it—or not.

Performance and Software Experience

The core difference between the Pixel 6 and the S20 lies in their software philosophy and underlying architecture. The S20 ran Samsung’s One UI atop Android 10 at launch, offering deep customization, multitasking features like DeX, and integration with the broader Galaxy ecosystem. In contrast, the Pixel 6 shipped with Android 12 and introduced Google’s first in-house SoC, the Tensor chip, designed specifically for AI and machine learning tasks.

For many ex-S20 users, the shift to stock Android on the Pixel 6 was refreshing. Gone were the layers of bloatware and inconsistent update schedules. Instead, users got clean, fast updates directly from Google, often within days of release. “I used my S20 for nearly two years and only got one major OS upgrade,” said Marcus T., a developer from Austin who switched in 2022. “The Pixel 6 gave me three in the same timeframe. That alone made the move worthwhile.”

However, early adopters reported thermal throttling and inconsistent app optimization due to the newness of the Tensor chip. Some productivity apps that ran flawlessly on the S20’s Snapdragon 865 struggled under heavy loads on the Pixel 6. Over time, these issues improved with firmware updates, but initial frustration lingered.

Tip: If you rely on niche productivity tools or enterprise apps, test them thoroughly before switching. Stock Android doesn't always guarantee flawless third-party compatibility.

Camera Comparison: Night Sight vs. Zoom Mastery

Photography is where the Pixel 6 truly shines—and where some S20 loyalists felt conflicted. The S20 boasted a 64MP telephoto lens capable of 3x hybrid zoom and up to 30x digital zoom, making it ideal for distant subjects. Its 108MP main sensor (on Ultra models) delivered high-resolution detail in daylight. However, low-light performance lagged behind Google’s computational photography.

The Pixel 6, by contrast, uses a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide, both paired with advanced HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms. In side-by-side tests, the Pixel consistently outperforms the S20 in dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light clarity—even in challenging environments like dimly lit restaurants or night streets.

“The first time I took a night photo with the Pixel 6 after using the S20, I thought there was a filter applied. It was just… sharper, cleaner, more natural.” — Lena R., mobile photographer and tech reviewer

But the trade-off is optical reach. The Pixel 6 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying instead on digital zoom enhanced by Super Res Zoom. While impressive for software-based magnification, it can’t match the S20’s true optical zoom. Users who frequently photograph wildlife, concerts, or sporting events often cite this as a key drawback.

Build Quality and Daily Usability

The Galaxy S20 set a high bar for premium smartphone design: Gorilla Glass 6 front and back, IP68 water resistance, and a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display with QHD resolution. The Pixel 6, while modern with its two-tone aluminum and matte finish, uses Gorilla Glass 3 on the back and has a flat 90Hz OLED panel with FHD+ resolution.

In daily use, the difference in screen smoothness and brightness is noticeable. The S20’s display adapts seamlessly between 60Hz and 120Hz, conserving battery while delivering buttery scrolling. The Pixel 6’s 90Hz refresh rate, while smoother than 60Hz, doesn’t feel as fluid in comparison. Additionally, the S20’s curved edges, though polarizing, offered easier one-handed access for some users.

Feature	Galaxy S20	Pixel 6
Display Refresh Rate	120Hz adaptive	90Hz fixed
Rear Glass Protection	Gorilla Glass 6	Gorilla Glass 3
Water Resistance	IP68	IP68
Battery Capacity	4000mAh	4614mAh
Charging Speed	25W wired, 15W wireless	21W wired, 21W wireless (with compatible pad)

Battery life is another mixed bag. The Pixel 6’s larger battery generally lasts longer—often stretching to a full day and a half under moderate use. However, charging is slower, and Google’s Adaptive Charging, while helpful for battery longevity, can delay full charges overnight.

Real User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Jamal K., a project manager from Chicago, upgraded from his S20 Ultra to a Pixel 6 six months after its release. He loved Samsung’s multitasking features, especially split-screen mode during meetings and Dex integration with his Windows laptop. After switching, he found himself missing those capabilities.

“I thought the camera would be the biggest selling point—and it is. My photos are better. But I didn’t realize how much I relied on DeX for presentations. The Pixel doesn’t support that. I also missed the S Pen functionality I had with the Ultra. Switching felt like stepping down in productivity, even if I gained in simplicity.”

After nine months, Jamal traded back to a refurbished S21 Ultra. “No regrets going back. I still think the Pixel software is cleaner, but the S20 series fits my workflow better.”

His experience reflects a broader trend: users focused on photography and pure Android love the Pixel 6. Those embedded in Samsung’s ecosystem—especially with tablets, watches, or laptops—often feel disrupted by the transition.

Checklist: Should You Switch from S20 to Pixel 6?

Before making the jump, consider the following:

• Evaluate your ecosystem: Do you own Samsung accessories (Watch, Buds, Tab)? Will losing seamless pairing affect you?
• Assess camera priorities: Do you need strong zoom, or is low-light performance more important?
• Check update history: Are you frustrated with Samsung’s update speed? Pixel offers faster, longer support (up to 5 years).
• Test display preferences: Try both phones in person. Some find the S20’s screen superior in brightness and smoothness.
• Consider long-term value: Pixel 6 prices have dropped significantly, making it a budget-friendly flagship alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pixel 6 faster than the S20?

In everyday tasks like app launches and web browsing, both phones perform similarly. However, the S20’s Snapdragon 865 generally handles sustained workloads better than the early Tensor chip. For AI-driven features like Call Screen or Live Translate, the Pixel 6 has an edge.

Does the Pixel 6 have better battery life than the S20?

Yes, typically. The Pixel 6’s larger battery and efficient software allow for longer screen-on time. Most users report 1.2 to 1.5 days of moderate use, compared to the S20’s average of one full day.

Why do some people regret switching?

Common reasons include missing Samsung-specific features (DeX, S Pen, multi-device sync), less polished display quality, and initial bugs in Pixel software. Users deeply invested in Samsung’s ecosystem often find the transition jarring.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You

The question isn’t whether the Pixel 6 is objectively better than the S20—it’s whether it aligns with your needs. Technologically, the S20 remains a powerful device with superior hardware in several areas. But the Pixel 6 brings future-proof software, best-in-class cameras for most scenarios, and a commitment to long-term updates that Samsung historically hasn’t matched on mid-tier flagships.

Regret tends to stem not from hardware shortcomings, but from ecosystem disruption. If you value seamless integration across Samsung devices, staying put may be smarter. But if you prioritize clean software, excellent photography, and timely updates, the Pixel 6 delivers a compelling, modern Android experience.

💬 Have you switched from the S20 to the Pixel 6—or vice versa? Share your experience and help others make an informed decision.