There should be an inherent time frame people think about, phones from 8 or 9 years ago are not relevant in any aspect to todays talking points for both sides of the aisle.
Can't speak on the Pixel (I've heard great things), but I have an S23+ and it works pretty great for me. I don't play a lot of games or anything if that's what you're looking for though
Samsung hardware is a lot higher quality, but the Pixel is cheaper. I've had to return a pixel to Google 5 times before so I don't buy those any longer for myself.
The last time I tried a Samsung phone I returned it the same day I got it. The competing OS elements from Samsung's ROM and the standard Android UI were really really off-putting to me. I can get an app having a unique style, but this was different OS elements looking and working differently.
I have used Samsung since the first Galaxy S I think and didn't understand the bloat everyone is talking about until I remembered I've used the Nova launcher for nearly all of them. You can also remove the Samsung apps if you want.
If you are able to get the the Pixel with a deal, go for it. Pixels don't retain much resale value, like Samsungs. For example, the Pixel 6a launched at 450, now it's in the Google Store at 250.
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