I bought a used Pixel 8 in 2026; Android 17 makes it feel brand new
It's 'new wine, old bottle,' I guess
While Samsung and Google are popular Android brands, there are several features that neither offers as well as other manufacturers. For instance, the OnePlus 15, available in the US, offers 80W charging, while Huawei, Xiaomi, and OPPO provide phones with even higher charging speeds, up to 120W in some cases. In the US, 30-60W charging is more common, but these supercharging methods have become more efficient and battery-friendly over time.
Additionally, IR blasters, once common in Android devices, have become scarce, but can still be useful in controlling older electronics. The feature is less prevalent in the US, but can be found in some European flagship phones like the Xiaomi 17. Another feature missing from Samsung and Google devices is app cloning, which Xiaomi's Second Space allows.
This feature provides a separate user profile with its own apps, wallpapers, and settings, enabling users to keep sensitive apps private. Moto Actions, another feature not available on Pixel and Samsung phones, utilizes hardware sensors to recognize intricate gestures, allowing users to control their device without unlocking the screen or even waking it from sleep, making it ideal for one-handed use and use with gloves or dirty hands.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- 5 of my favorite Android features you won’t find on Samsung or Pixel phones androidauthority.com
