It looks like Google is stealing at least some customers from Apple. A new interview with Rick Osterloh, Google's senior vice president of devices and services, has revealed which smartphones people are most likely trading in for Pixel phones.
Stratechery's interview is about the Pixel, Android, and the history of smartphones. In the interview, Osterloh explains that very few Samsung owners are trading in their device for a Pixel phone. Instead, it seems that the majority of users have either abandoned the iPhone or are people who had already left the market.
When asked where the customers come from, Osterloh said, “They come from a lot of people, some of whom have left the market and also from Apple, but ultimately we think what we're trying to do is gain market share in Android as a whole. My main goal is to try to improve the competitiveness of Android, improve our innovation, improve the problems that we're able to solve for users at all levels. But we've certainly had problems in the premium space that we want to try to solve.”
Google phones have always had a strange place in the smartphone market. While they’re often affordable, their chipsets have generally left something to be desired compared to other devices like the Galaxy S24, which is likely what Osterloh means by “issues in the premium space.” However, the company is working to improve some of its hardware issues with a new modem and a switch of chipmakers from Samsung to TSCM.
However, for anyone looking to upgrade to the Pixel series, now is the perfect time thanks to the recent announcement of the Pixel 9 series at the Made by Google event. The new phones feature an upgraded Tensor G4 chip and a host of AI features. Google has also looked to bring as many new features to the device as possible, making AI faster and more secure.
Apple losing a few customers probably won't mean much to the company, but it does prove that what it's doing isn't working for everyone. The company probably thought the release of Apple Intelligence would help, but the delays have dampened that expectation somewhat.
In the meantime, let us know if you've made the switch to a Pixel phone or are considering doing so. Also, check out our hands-on review of the Pixel 9 and our review of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL to see what you might be missing.