Phone Shopping

One of my ongoing quests is to build an Android ecosystem that allows for easy or even seamless transition between devices.  Those devices will include a phone (well, duh), tablet, watch, and laptop.  This is a fairly common combination of devices but like others, I have my own unique wants and needs.  To build the mobile ecosystem, its best to start with the core device: the phone.  How do I choose though?  This is when those wants and needs should be defined.

 

What am I looking for?  What will I use it for?

• Camera: I have kids so I require a camera with a fast shutter and wide aperture.  Telephoto helps too for soccer games.  A strong macro would help especially since I take lots of nature pictures.
  
• Strong signal: my classroom is an interior room in a concrete cinder block dystopian hole.  I need a phone that'll fry an egg with radiation to get service.
  
• Flat display
• Heat management

Google Pixel 8 Pro 

Pros

• Google is the primary force behind Android so Google's devices get Day 1 updates.  
• A flat screen.  Curves are best reserved for cars and...  Well, not phone screens.   
• Camera.  Reliable.  Predictable.  Consistent. 
• The budget choice.  Can be found used for under $300 or new for slightly more.
  

 Cons

• Tensor.  Since Google went the Apple route with custom silicone, the Google branded Tensor line has had a lot of issues.  Tensor wasn't Google's first foray into custom chips although they typically used a Snapdragon with a specialized processing unit for photos.  Going further back, Google played with the chip in the Moto X, using a slightly slower (and cheaper) chip for a very interactive voice assistant. 
• Thermal issues.  Tensor tends to run hot and the phone struggles to cool it.  I dealt with this on the Pixel 7 Pro where the phone practically shut down in the summer because it was too hot.
  

Google Pixel 9 Pro

Pros

• Updated modem and processor!  The 9 still has Tensor but now we're talking about a Tensor 4.  A newer generation must be better, right?  Right?!  The Tensor certainly isn't up to Snapdragon standards (not current Snapdragon anyway) but it is making solid improvements.  There's also a newer modem that improves data connections.
• Satellite connection.  The new modem also means satellite messaging.  Helpful for remote areas, I suppose.
  
• Vapor chamber.  The answer to thermal management is to add a space for heat. 
• Camera.  Goes without saying.  The camera is awesome.
• Rounded corners.  Almost too round but very comfortable to hold.
  

Cons

• Charging.  Not just the slower charging but also the protocol.  It maxes at 37 watts.  However, to hit that speed, the charger needs to support USB-C PPS with 21 volts.  It is oddly specific and very difficult to find a charger (besides the official Google one) that supports 21 volts on PPS.  
• Modem.  Wait?  What?  I listed that as a Pro and it is.  There's a new modem in the 9 series which has improved speeds.  When I tried the 9 Pro XL, it still had difficulty connecting to AT&T from inside my classroom.  For comparison, the OnePlus 12 connects on 5G+ and I have used my phone as a hotspot multiple times.  So improved but not fixed.
• Heat.  
  
• If it ain't broke, update the software so it is.  This happens to all the companies, to be fair, but when you develop the core software, you're expected to keep it stable.  The December 2024 update possibly caused the problems I experienced.  Makes me feel better about the hardware and even less confident in the software.
• Camera controls.  After using OnePlus, the controls feel very sparse.  I could adjust a lot on OnePlus or decide to save photos and videos in high efficiency formats that save space.  Pixel is the point and shoot of the bunch.
  

OnePlus 12 

Pros 

• Price.  OnePlus sells new devices for used prices.  Reminds me of when Daewoo sold cars in the US.  A brand new Daewoo was the same price as a used Toyota.  There's usually a reason for that too.
• Charging.  OnePlus and charging go together like Nutella and bananas.  Charging speeds are crazy fast in comparison to the others here.  
• Android updates.  The 12 received OxygenOS 15 (based on Android 15) by early December.  The 11 is currently receiving OOS15. 
  

Cons

• Cameras.  That Hasselblad branding sure looks cool and is great marketing.  It is not using Hasselblad cameras.  OnePlus mostly uses Sony sensors (which are fine!) with Hasselblad tuning.  That means the Hasselblad people tweak the photo processing for specific results.  The cameras can take great photos but I find the results mixed.  Many photos are slightly fuzzy and they lean heavily into yellow.  Outdoor pictures with plenty of light turn out great.  Then again, most phones can manage those conditions just fine.
  
• The United States is not a major market for OnePlus.  Not a huge problem but customer service is lacking in the States.  They also offer some exclusives and features to other markets, for example, the option to perform local updates (download the update and manually install from the device).  OOS15 also landed in India well before the US.
• After market accessories.  This is cases for the 12 while its the stylus for the Pads.  Its an inherit issue with less popular devices. 
• Proprietary charging.  SuperVOOC is the OPPO and OnePlus charging protocol.  While OnePlus devices will still charge with USB C, the fastest speeds require a SuperVOOC charger.  One is included in the box though.
• Minor bugs and fit/finish/polish issues.  These are numerous and small but not deal breakers.  One app overlaps in the top bar. 
  

OnePlus 13 

Pros

• Flat display. 
  
• Carbon silicone battery.  Higher capacity in smaller form factor than lithium batteries.  Also, safer.
  
• Improved cameras.  Early reviews compare the camera to the OP12.  Photos are typically better than the previous generation.  Some comparisons show better photos than the Pixel 9 or iPhone 16.  However, those results are inconsistent. 
  
• Modem or radio.  Not a big review topic anymore but at least one reviewer showed the OnePlus 13 could pull nearly twice the download speed as the Pixel 9 Pro.
  

Cons

• Software.  OnePlus has a reputation for leaving small bugs indefinitely.  I expect this to continue with the 13. 
  
• Previous issues: US market, charging protocols, accessories likely to continue.
• No mmWave.  Probably not a big deal for me as it has limited range, usually high density areas like stadiums or airports.  I'm more likely to use satellite connections than mmWave.
  

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Pros

• S Pen.  While a lot of users seem to forget it exists, the Ultra series is one of two phones that come with a built in stylus.  I don't normally need this level of touchscreen precision, I could certainly find uses.
  
• Anti reflective display.  Glare drives me nuts.  Its bad for the eyes. 
  
• Cameras.  Four rear cameras.  One is a whopping 200 mp.  They can take amazing stills outdoors and in low light. 
  
• Titanium.  For once, Apple did something first but Samsung was quick to copy.  The frame is made from durable, lightweight titanium.  A solid win.
  
• Flat screen.  First Ultra model with a flat display.  Easier to use with the S Pen.
  

Cons

• Action shots.  For all the camera seems to do right, action shots aren't one of them.  I've lost track of how many posts complain about blurry pictures of kids and pets.  The Good Lock Camera Assistant module was launched to deal with the problem but it persists.  
• Square corners.  Love it or hate it.  
• Grainy display.  Not sure if its the anti reflective coating or low light issues.  The screen can look terrible at lower brightness
• Ads.  Lots of ads.  The Samsung Store (or Galaxy Store or whatever...) is an excuse to push ads.
  

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Currently in preorder.

 

Pros

• Improved display.  This is the second generation anti reflective display.  Also with more durable glass than withstand scratches better.
• Slightly lighter than the previous S24 Ultra.
• Same reliable Samsung software.
  

Cons

• S Pen has lost functionality.  It is no longer Bluetooth which eliminates options like camera control.
• Pricing is still higher than OnePlus for the same processor but less RAM and storage.
• Stale.  While the corners are now rounded, there is little other progress or improvements.  For example, the camera system is virtually identical to the S24 Ultra which is notorious for shutter lag and blurry photos.
  

Honestly, I'm disgusted by the options in the United States.  Carriers have become more restrictive about device access over the last few years.  AT&T and Verizon publish whitelists with approved devices for their networks.  I could rant about private ownership of radio bands but that's another futile discussion.

Samsung is a safe option with widespread support and reliable software.  However, the blurry photos is reason enough for me not to choose it.  The Pixel can take stellar photos, but the modem is lacking.  OnePlus nails cellular connectivity, device speed, and charging while the camera can be inconsistent.