I don’t understand why Pixel phones are not more popular. I prefer the stock android experience over Samsung’s OneUI and they are usually less expensive.
I don’t know if you count the A series but most people I know buy that and not the S series, and that’s usually much cheaper than a pixel. Also I feel like it’s an unpopular opinion here but I really like OneUI and once you get used to it, it may not be convenient to change back to stock.
Pixels are sold in fewer markets.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixel_8
Even fewer for older Pixels, so it’s been a deterrent for their growth.
In contrast, S23 will launch in 55 countries.
High price/performance, constant random hardware issues (on the previous generation the lens glass would shatter because who would have thought glass on metal contact is a bad idea), and a new software bug every two months that drains your battery and fucks something else.
Marketing.
The Galaxy brand was firmly established and well known before the Pixel brand even existed. People say it’s performance or hardware issues but 99% of consumers don’t know (or care) about that at all. Google really only started spending on marketing for Pixel a couple years ago and the sales numbers reflect that.
The Pixel 6 was my last Pixel, and it probably will be for awhile. I’m all set on the Tensioner CPU and the very lackluster 5300 modem " same modem 6 through 8" and UFS 3 memory, Samsung is light years ahead on hardware. Install Nova launcher and deboat Samsung apps through ADB and Install Google apps, will give you near Pixel software experience. Plus I personally cannot stand the camera visor design. Maybe if the Pixel hardware gets better in the 9 I will go back but only time will tell.
Those battery life numbers are… Ouch