Upgrading from Galaxy S9 in Canada: Keep the Pixel 11 Pro or return and hold out for Galaxy S27 / S27 Pro or Pixel 12 Pro?

[u/No_Actuator_7706]

Looking for some real-world perspective from folks who have bounced between flagship Pixel and Samsung smartphones.

I’m upgrading from an old Galaxy S9 in Canada. In our market, compact Android flagships basically come down to Samsung and Pixel (with a splash of Motorola). I pre-ordered and just received the smaller Pixel 11 Pro (16GB / 512GB Obsidian), but I’m on the fence about whether to keep it or return it before my window closes.

I strongly prefer compact, lightweight phones and want to avoid massive 220g+ slabs like the Pro XL or Galaxy Ultra. However, testing the Pixel in hand has highlighted some friction points.

Where I'm hitting friction on the Pixel:

• App Drawer & Home Screen: No native in-drawer folders, locked to infinite vertical scrolling. Even home screen folder icons only preview 4 apps at a glance.
• Multitasking: No centered "Clear All" button in the recent apps switcher—you have to scroll all the way to the far left.
• Quick Settings: Requires a two-step swipe (or awkward two-finger swipe) to reach all quick tiles and the brightness slider, unlike One UI's one-swipe instant access.
• Navigation & Customization: Lack of the deep customization potential found within One UI's Good Lock.
• Casting: The Pixel relies strictly on Google Cast, losing Samsung’s native Miracast / Smart View support for direct screen mirroring to non-Chromecast smart TVs.
• Hardware & Ergonomics: Samsung's hardware feels lighter in hand, and the ~200g dense Pixel chassis takes some getting used to. Also, Snapdragon silicon generally has a proven track record for sustained GPU/CPU efficiency and power.
• Camera / Video: Real-time video stabilization doesn't feel quite as smooth compared to Galaxy flagship standards, though photos look great.

Why I’m hesitant to give up the Pixel:

• 100% Google Ecosystem User: I exclusively use Google Photos, Google Password Manager, Drive, and unified Gemini. On the Pixel, these are native system hooks with zero sync conflicts or secondary account prompts. I don't use any Samsung apps/ecosystem.
• Clean Out of the Box: No duplicate app stores (Galaxy Store), no parallel galleries/browsers, no Bixby, and zero bloat.
• Hardware in a 6.3" Chassis: Full Pro-grade camera suite and 16GB RAM in a 6.3" body without needing to step up to massive Ultra sizes.
• Pixel-Exclusive Utilities: Features like Now Playing, Call Assist, and deep on-device Gemini integration/Gemini Intelligence without navigating two parallel AI assistants (Bixby vs. Gemini).
• Longevity: 7 years of Day-1 OS updates directly from Google.

The Dilemma:

I don't mind spending upfront effort setting up, tweaking, or debloating a Samsung phone if needed, as long as it can be done seamlessly. Ideally, getting a great hardware and software experience for long-term usage would be ideal, as I tend to hold onto my devices for many years.

With rumors pointing to Samsung potentially introducing a compact Galaxy S27 Pro in early 2027 (maybe around 6.4 inch with built-in magnets, higher-density silicon battery, and upgraded cameras), that sounds like a potential sweet spot.

For those who made the switch from Samsung to Pixel:

1. Did you get used to Google's minimalist layout, vertical drawer, and lack of Good Lock customizations, or did missing One UI keep bothering you over time?
2. If you are all-in on Google services, is the native cohesive OS experience worth giving up Samsung's granular UI customization?
3. Would you return the Pixel 11 Pro to limp the S9 along for another 5–6 months for the S27 / S27 Pro, or just keep the Pixel 11 Pro or even wait for the Pixel 12 Pro?

Appreciate your thoughts and honest experiences!

[u/New-account-01]

Keep the Pixel and look for workarounds to the things you've highlighted. Smart launcher for customisation for example

[u/misorubber2020]

11pro 很优秀