Android boss says very few Samsung users switch to Pixel phones

Samsung is getting a lot of competition from Apple and Xiaomi, but it is still the world's biggest smartphone brand. It is also getting competition from Google, which develops Android, on which Samsung's smartphones and tablets are based. However, Samsung might not have a reason to worry about Google's Pixel smartphones.

Very few Samsung smartphone users switch to Pixel phones

During an interview with analyst Ben Thompson, Rick Osterloh, the Senior Vice President of the Platforms & Devices team at Google, said very few Samsung users are switching to Google's Pixel smartphones.

Since Google is not only developing the Android operating system for smartphones, tablets, and TVs but also selling its own lineup of devices based on Android, it could create a conflict of interest. So, Google has to be careful about what it does to not make its OEM partners like Samsung unhappy.

Just after Rick was made the head of platforms and devices at Google, he met Samsung MX boss TM Roh and said, “Our partnership has never been stronger. I'm thrilled about our collaboration on AI and the many opportunities ahead for both companies.” As a result, many new AI features from Google, including Circle to Search, Gemini, and Gemini Live, rolled out to Samsung phones earlier than (or at the same time as) Pixel devices.

The story continues after our Galaxy Z Flip 6 review video below.

Google's partnership with Samsung has never been better. Both firms are now working closer than ever to bring new kinds of devices, features, and services to the Android ecosystem. Both firms co-developed Wear OS 3 by merging the best features of their respective smartwatch operating systems. Google also merged Nearby Share into Samsung's Quick Share. Both firms also announced integration between Google Home and SmartThings.

So, they both seem to be trying to strengthen the Android ecosystem with their strengths (Samsung hardware and Google software/platforms). Both firms are also working on an extended reality (XR) headset that runs Android, and Samsung could launch it later this year.