I never thought I’d write these words. If you had told me a year ago that I’d be tapping this article out on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, sipping coffee while my once-beloved iPhone 16 Pro Max gathered dust in a drawer, I would’ve laughed. I would’ve called you the traitor.
But here we are.
After 18 years inside Apple’s walled garden, I’ve stepped out — and honestly, I’m not looking back.
A Long Love Affair with Apple
My journey with Apple started back in 2007, with the original iPhone. That little touchscreen marvel was love at first swipe. From there, it was one seamless upgrade after another — iPhone 3G, 4, 5S, X, and eventually the 16 Pro Max. Along the way, I bought into the full Apple lifestyle: MacBook, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, HomePods — the works.
I wasn’t just an Apple user. I was the Apple guy.
But somewhere along the way, things started to feel… stale.
Cracks in the Veneer
It wasn’t just about features or specs. It was the vibe. Each year’s iPhone launch felt more like a software patch wrapped in brushed aluminum — familiar, safe, and increasingly unexciting. Don’t get me wrong, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great phone. But “great” had stopped being enough.
Then one night, down a familiar tech YouTube rabbit hole, I saw an unboxing video for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Something about it clicked. The design. The camera. The boldness. I told myself I’d try it “just to understand Android better.”
Famous last words.
My First Week with the Galaxy S25 Ultra
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the S25 Ultra felt fresh. The matte finish, titanium trim, and expansive curved-edge AMOLED display hit differently. The in-display fingerprint sensor was fast and futuristic. And that 6.6-inch “Infinite Vivid” display? Stunning. Even my iPhone 16 Pro Max looked dated next to it.
Easy Setup, Zero Regrets
Samsung’s Smart Switch made the transition surprisingly smooth. It pulled over my photos, messages, and apps better than expected. I assumed I’d feel nostalgic powering down my iPhone one last time.
I didn’t. It felt like upgrading, not defecting.
What Made Me Stay
One UI 7: Modern, Clean, and Customizable
I always thought Android was clunky. Turns out, I was wrong — or at least, out of date. Samsung’s One UI 7 is beautifully polished. Gesture navigation is smoother than iOS, and the customization? Chef’s kiss. I can actually tailor my phone to how I use it — not how Apple thinks I should.
Also, no constant nags about iCloud storage, Apple TV+, or Fitness+. It’s just… my phone.
The Camera Is That Good
Let’s talk about the camera — because wow.
The 200MP sensor on the S25 Ultra delivers absurdly sharp images. Low light? No problem. Action shots? Easy. The 10x periscope zoom alone is worth the switch. I’ve been snapping moon shots, street portraits, and wild close-ups that I never even attempted with my iPhone.
And Samsung’s built-in photo editor is like Lightroom-lite — powerful, but simple.
AI Features That Actually Matter
I was skeptical of the AI buzz, especially since Apple’s “AI” mostly amounted to minor suggestions. But Galaxy AI is the real deal:
Live call translations
Smart message rewriting
PDF summarizing
I use these features daily, not just to show off. They make my phone feel like a true assistant — not just a screen.
Battery Life That Breaks the Cycle
The S25 Ultra gives me nearly two full days on a charge. When I do need juice, the 65W fast charging gets me to 80% in about 25 minutes. And Wireless PowerShare? Game-changing. I charge my earbuds and watch off my phone like I’m in a sci-fi movie.
The Samsung Ecosystem Isn’t What It Used to Be
Sure, I miss AirDrop a little. But Samsung’s Quick Share is decent — and the broader ecosystem? Legitimately impressive.
My Galaxy Tab syncs beautifully. Galaxy Buds Pro switch seamlessly. Even my Windows laptop connects smoothly via Samsung Flow. And don’t sleep on Samsung DeX — a desktop mode that turns your phone into a mini computer. It’s been surprisingly useful for work on the go.
What I Miss — And What I Don’t
I won’t pretend everything’s perfect. I miss:
iMessage (especially with friends and family still on iOS)
AirDrop (it’s just too convenient)
But those two things haven’t outweighed the freedom, flexibility, and fun of Android. Between RCS, WhatsApp, and Signal, I haven’t felt left out.
Why I Finally Switched
In the end, this wasn’t just about cameras, AI, or specs. It was about rediscovering joy.
After 18 years, Apple felt… expected. Samsung made my phone feel exciting again — like it was part of the future, not just an incremental update.
Will I ever go back? Never say never. Apple might win me back when they finally enter the foldable space (rumored around 2027). But for now?
I’m Team Galaxy, and loving it.
