Google Pixel Flagships: 5 Drawbacks You Shouldn’t Ignore

Google has come a long way in making its Pixel phones a solid choice for many users. I’ll admit, some features even tempt me to switch from my reliable Samsung. But while the mid-range Pixel phones offer great value, I don’t feel the same about the Google Pixel flagships.

Google Pixel Flagships Lose Value Fast

Google Pixel flagships lose value quickly compared to other premium phones. For example, the Pixel 8 Pro launched at $999, but now its trade-in value at the Google Store is just $225—about 77% less, and the phone isn’t even two years old.

In comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro Max started at $1199 and still gets around $630 in trade-in—only 47% less. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, also priced at $1199 and over two years old, still offers a solid $580—just a 52% drop.

Even if you try to sell Pixel phones on marketplaces, you’ll get slightly more than the trade-in value, but they still don’t hold value as well as iPhones or Samsung flagships.

Paying full price for a phone that quickly drops in value—especially when it’s often discounted—doesn’t feel great. Apple keeps iPhone prices steady, which helps them hold their value longer.

Limited Availability and Repair Support for Pixel Phones

Google Pixel flagships are not as easy to buy or repair as iPhones or Samsung phones. Unlike Apple or Samsung, Google doesn’t have a wide global presence. Only a select few countries including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and several regions of Europe and Asia, are authorized to sell Pixel phones. In many areas, Google does not offer them directly; instead, third-party retailers do.

You may be able to import a Pixel phone if you reside outside of these supported areas. This may make it more challenging to acquire help and make warranty claims.

Even in countries like the US, finding a Google-authorized repair center isn’t easy. Unlike Apple or Samsung, which have plenty of service locations, Pixel users often need to mail in their phones for repairs. That means waiting days for something that Apple or Samsung could fix in a few hours.

In the US and Canada, Google promises spare parts for three years. But in other places, getting official parts is harder. Apple and Samsung usually keep parts in stock for older models too, making repairs more convenient.

Poor Battery Life and Slow Charging on Google Pixel Flagships

Battery life is still one of the biggest problems in modern smartphones. Most brands seem to think that “all-day” battery life is enough, but many users want more. There’s a growing buzz around new battery technologies like silicon-carbon batteries, which are currently only found in some Chinese flagship phones. People clearly want better battery performance—and fast.

You might already know that battery size isn’t everything. Software optimization and the efficiency of the processor also play a big role. That’s why iPhones, even with smaller batteries, often last longer than their Android rivals.

For me battery life is a top priority, especially since I don’t upgrade my phone often. Unfortunately, Google Pixel flagships still fall behind in this area. Their battery life is okay, but for a phone that costs nearly $1000, “okay” isn’t good enough.

When the battery drains quickly due to poor optimization or an inefficient chip, you have to charge more often. This wears out the battery faster over time, reducing the phone’s lifespan—something I want to avoid.

Charging speed is another weak point for Pixel phones. The Pixel 9 Pro supports only 27W charging, which is quite slow for a premium phone. Even the XL version, with 37W charging, is still far behind the competition.

Some say slower charging is better for battery health, but fast charging doesn’t do much harm—especially before the battery hits 70%. And for people on the go, fast charging offers real convenience.

Phones like the OnePlus 13 support 100W charging, which can take a 6000mAh battery from 0 to 50% in just 13 minutes. That kind of speed means you won’t have to worry about your phone dying during travel or emergencies—something Pixel users still have to deal with.

Google Pixel Flagships Have Weaker Performance and Storage Speed

Google Pixel flagships fall behind when it comes to performance and storage speed. It’s not just about efficiency—the Tensor chips also lack raw power. While the difference isn’t massive, phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip feel smoother and faster in everyday use.

You don’t need top-end power for basic tasks like calling or browsing, but it really helps with things like 4K video recording, video editing, gaming, and multitasking. I often do these things, so I appreciate a phone that can handle them easily.

Pixel phones also have weaker thermal management. They heat up and start slowing down quicker than rivals. It’s not a huge problem, but enough to notice during heavy tasks. The Pixel can still play demanding games, but it doesn’t feel as effortless as using a Samsung flagship.

Storage speed is another problem. The majority of other top Android phones use UFS 4.0 storage, which is faster than the UFS 3.1 storage used in Google Pixel flagships. Large games or social media feeds will take longer to load, apps will open more slowly, and file transfers will take longer.

Fewer Accessories for Google Pixel Flagships

Unlike iPhones, which get a wide range of third-party accessories—from MagSafe wallets and battery packs to premium car mounts and camera tools—Google Pixel flagships don’t receive the same level of support. You’ll find basic cases and screen protectors, but the variety is much more limited.

For example, it’s harder to find car mounts or photography accessories designed specifically for Pixel phones. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you like customizing your phone setup with useful add-ons, it’s something to think about.

More Software Bugs Than Other Flagships

Another issue with Google Pixel flagships is the frequency of software bugs. Compared to brands like Samsung or Apple, Pixel phones are known to have more random glitches—like unexpected reboots, app crashes, or touch response issues—especially after big software updates.

Part of this is because Pixel phones are the first to get new Android features. While that’s exciting, it also means they sometimes deal with stability issues early on. If having a bug-free phone is important to you, this could be a concern. These minor problems might be fine in a mid-range phone, but not in a flagship that costs around $1000.

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Conclusion

Google Pixel flagships give you clean Android software, great cameras, and quick updates. But they also have downsides—like average battery life, slower performance, fewer accessories, and lower resale value.

For some people, the Pixel’s strong points make up for these issues. But if you want a phone that feels complete, like a Samsung Galaxy or iPhone, it’s better to know what to expect before you buy.