Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Samsung is the biggest smartphone manufacturer in the world, and for good reason. It has a global reach through various distribution channels, offers great phones at just about every price point, and promises long-term software support for most of its handsets. Over the years, it has also positioned its brand as reliable, trustworthy, and to a point, even premium, convincing people to part with their money.
However, no company is perfect. Samsung phones are generally among the most expensive on the market, their flagship series falls behind some of its competitors when it comes to features like fast charging, and pushing out the latest software updates often takes more time than we’d like. Pair that with various issues over the years, including the infamous Note 7 fiasco, and it’s understandable why some consumers would rather stay away.
But if not Samsung, then which brand should you buy and why? What does each one offer that Samsung doesn’t, and where does it fall short? Let’s take a look at five brands I recommend if you’re looking for a Samsung alternative.
Which phone brand would you consider switching to from Samsung? 3147 votes Google Pixel 37 % OnePlus 20 % Motorola 12 % Sony 6 % Nothing 8 % I'd never switch from Samsung 16 %
Google Pixel
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
As someone who has been a Pixel user for years, Google’s phones are the first alternative I recommend. There are a few key reasons for this, including a lengthy seven-year software support promise, unique AI-powered features, and fast software updates. Pixels get the latest version of Android on day one, while Samsung users often have to wait months for the same update.
The software is also cleaner and comes with less bloatware — a problem that’s only getting bigger on Samsung devices. The high-end Pixel 10 series can rival Samsung’s Galaxy S25 phones on just about any level, and there’s also the Pixel 9a, which is arguably the best phone you can get for around $500. Regardless of which you choose, you can expect a fantastic camera experience, something Pixels have always been known for.
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