I’ve used my Google Pixel 10 Pro for a little over two weeks, and I’m impressed with the improvements Google’s made in that short period. I’ve received two updates, and I can notice a difference.
It’s evidence of a larger shift I’ve witnessed in Google over the last few years. The company listens to consumer feedback and has done a better job than any other manufacturer in focusing on the user experience.
Unfortunately, that’s more than I can say about my experience with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra after almost nine months. Samsung has been slow to improve, and its promised Galaxy AI features haven’t lived up to the hype.
Google’s done more in two weeks with the Pixel 10 than Samsung’s done in nine months with the Galaxy S25 Ultra — and it shows.
Magic Cue received a glow-up
Google made changes quickly
I understand why some users were underwhelmed by Magic Cue when the Pixel 10 launched. The feature didn’t do everything Google promised, even though I still found it helpful.
Magic Cue did an adequate job of knowing when someone was asking about my schedule, giving me a prompt to open up my calendar. When my wife asked me to remember to do something, Magic Cue offered to help me set a reminder.
The prompts were passive and easily ignored, which is just what I want from my AI — there when it’s useful but quiet in the background when I don’t want it.
I’m encouraged by Google’s progress with the Pixel 10, partly because of the stark contrast to Samsung’s stagnation with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Recent updates expanded the service, bringing it more in line with Google’s promises. Magic Cue now correctly identifies when I’m being asked about a specific calendar entry and will display the information.
I sent a text from another phone asking where I had lunch with my wife last Thursday. Magic Cue pulled up the name of the restaurant and the address, ready for me to send back as a response.
Magic Cue still has a long way to go, and I’m eager for third-party app integration. However, Google is already working on it, which is an important point.
Daily Hub didn’t need to go away
Google should’ve worked on it live
Daily Hub is Google’s answer to Samsung’s Now Brief. It’s a composite of relevant information about our day.
I’ll admit it wasn’t the most useful feature. It showed me the weather and my upcoming events. I appreciated that Daily Hub recognized my bowling season was starting and offered suggestions on apps to help me track stats throughout the year.
Still, the feature needed work, and even though it was only a public preview, Google decided to pull it from Pixel 10 devices while the company works on improvements.
I disagree with Google pulling Daily Hub, but I appreciate the company’s efforts to enhance the promised features.
Google hasn’t been kind to new products that initially flop, so I’m encouraged that the company is taking the time to get Daily Hub right.
I also like that Daily Hub wasn’t intrusive. It sat in the upper-left corner of your Google Discover page, and it never felt like it was wedging its way into the user experience, which is more than I can say for some other company’s AI products.
Samsung needs to go back to the drawing board
Galaxy AI needs an overhaul
I’m encouraged by Google’s progress with the Pixel 10, partly because of the stark contrast to Samsung’s stagnation with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Promised AI features are still more of a nuisance than anything, and I avoid using Galaxy AI whenever I can.
Now Brief isn’t useful in its current form, and unlike Daily Hub, it’s pushed in your face constantly. Its cryptic messages live in the Now Bar on my lock screen, and I’ve yet to have an enticing reason to use Now Brief.
Samsung added parking spot reminders and traffic updates, but they are cumbersome to set up, requiring too much input on my part. I want AI to work for me in the background, not give me homework.
Samsung doesn’t have a feature like Magic Cue for Galaxy AI, and I get frustrating results when I attempt to use its multimodal capabilities.
I was told the Galaxy S25 Ultra was a worthy upgrade because Galaxy AI would transform the user experience, but I haven’t seen that. My frustration is compounded by Samsung’s lack of progress.
I may disagree with Google pulling Daily Hub, but at least it shows the company is making an effort.
Google’s listening to users, and it shows
Google has done a wonderful job with the Pixel 10, and the company has come a long way in the last few years.
There was a time when Google felt tone-deaf, completely ignoring legitimate complaints from users. That’s no longer the case, as Google’s efforts to improve Gemini show.
I wish I could say the same for Samsung. I want to pair a functional Galaxy AI with the same level of performance I get from my Galaxy S25 Ultra; I just need Samsung to listen to users.
-
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
- SoC
-
Google Tensor G5
- RAM
-
16GB
- Storage
-
256 GB / 512 GB / 1TB with Zoned UFS / 1 TB with Zoned UFS
- Battery
-
5200mAh
- Operating System
-
Android 16
- Front camera
-
42 MP Dual PD selfie camera
The Pixel 10 Pro XL packs all the same features you’ll find on its less expensive siblings, along with a few exclusive features like a 6.8-inch display and faster charging.
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- SoC
-
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- RAM
-
12GB
- Storage
-
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Battery
-
5,000mAh
- Ports
-
USB-C
- Operating System
-
Android 15 and One UI 7
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra leaves the Note-like design behind for the very first time. With flat edges, curved corners, and a massive 6.9-inch display, this is a modern flagship through and through — and yes, that S Pen is still here too.
