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Pixel 3 Fails to Convince iPhone Users to Switch to Android

More than one-third of Pixel 3 and OnePlus 6T buyers in Q42018 switched from a Samsung device. Less than one in five previously used an iPhone, Counterpoint Research says.

Angela Moscaritolo
 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Planning to ditch your Samsung smartphone in favor of the Google Pixel 3 or OnePlus 6T? You're not alone.

Previous Samsung smartphone owners are driving sales of the Pixel 3 and OnePlus 6T, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. Overall, more than one-third of Pixel 3 and OnePlus 6T buyers in the fourth quarter of 2018 switched from a Samsung device. Less than one in five switched from an iPhone.

Breaking it down, 51 percent of those who purchased a Pixel 3 during the quarter previously used a Samsung smartphone, the market research firm said Monday. Just 18 percent upgraded from an iPhone, 14 percent switched from a Motorola handset, and 17 percent ditched other phones.

Counterpoint Research Pixel 3 OnePlus 6T buyers

"The Pixel was built to lead Android innovation and be a device to sway the iOS base over to Android," Counterpoint Research Director Jeff Fieldhack said in a statement. "Over 80 percent of [Pixel 3] volumes are coming from its Android partners. This is probably seen as a disappointment."

Meanwhile, 37 percent of those who bought a 6T during the quarter jumped ship from Samsung, Counterpoint said. Just 16 percent switched to the 6T from an iPhone, 15 percent upgraded from an LG phone, and 32 percent previously used other types of devices.

"Both the Pixel and 6T devices show that there is room to innovate in the market," Fieldhack said. "While Samsung and Apple are dwarfing others in size, marketing spends, and consumer perception, there are pockets of users that are still interested in alternatives."

The Pixel 3 and OnePlus 6T both earned "excellent" ratings in PCMag's reviews and Editors' Choice awards.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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