What you need to know about switching to Pixel.

Valk had used Apple devices for years, but after his boyfriend bought him a Google Home smart speaker in 2016, he began to think about switching over. But, like many users, he was worried about making the transition to a new operating system. He didn’t want to lose his messages and photos, or worry about time-intensive migration processes.

The ease and convenience provided by his Google Home convinced him to begin his transition to all Google products, including Pixel, Nest Hub Max, and a Fitbit. “I love how the phones, Pixel Buds, and Pixel Watch work together,” said Valk. “I am also excited about the tablet.” And, since Google Pixel devices work seamlessly with most others – even if they aren’t made by Google – he can switch at his own pace.

It’s easier than ever to set up a new Pixel device. In about 30 minutes, you can copy over your data from any iPhone or Android phone and sync your cloud content. It takes just five steps from Android, and six steps from iOS. Valk used the Quick Switch Adapter cable that came with his Pixel phone to transfer everything over.

As Valk discovered, joining Team Pixel doesn’t mean you have to leave what matters to you behind – like your apps and your years of phone contacts. All of your texts from Android Messages, iMessage, or WhatsApp will copy over to your Android Messages app, and your camera roll will transfer over as well. On top of that, you’ll be able to take advantage of Call Screen, Magic Eraser,² Photo Unblur,³ and many other features unique to Pixel.

After AC Monroe transitioned to Pixel, he found that the Feature Drops helped keep his device running like new.¹ “I love that we get updates first and get Pixel-exclusive features,” he said. Pixel is getting better all the time, and you shouldn’t miss out on new features just because you have an older device. With Feature Drops, these updates will be pushed to your phone automatically.¹ And Pixel 8 and later phones also get security updates for at least seven years from when they’re released.

Valk says everything stayed the same when he switched to Pixel, including communicating with his family. The only difference: “They’re jealous of the photos I can take,” Valk jokes.

Since the first Pixel was introduced in 2016, people have been drawn to its pro-level camera and intelligent, helpful features, and each successive model has improved through advances in both software and hardware. 

Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro feature Google’s most advanced smartphone camera. It has unique features that use machine learning to create better pictures, such as Magic Eraser, which lets you remove objects,² Face Unblur, which sharpens blurry faces, and Night Sight, which helps you take better low-light photos. And Pixel 9 Pro has the highest quality zoom on a Pixel ever, across the entire zoom range.⁴

With Real Tone, Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are the most inclusive cameras. Google partnered with image experts, both in the US and around the world, to help evaluate Pixel’s camera and make sure darker skin tones are represented beautifully and accurately.

All of this adds up to a better overall phone experience. Says Monroe: “I’ll never use any other phone. I’ve had iPhones and Motorolas. Never again.”

Timothy Matthieu Valk and AC Monroe are Pixel Superfans, members of Google’s community for people who love Pixel products. Superfans gain access to private events, exclusive Q&As with product and engineering teams, limited-edition merchandise, and other surprise perks. Interested in joining the community? Learn more about becoming a Superfan.