Android Authority has identified five Android features that its writer wishes Google and Samsung would borrow from rival phones, starting with charging speeds and ending with hardware shortcuts that work without waking the display.
The comparison is a wishlist, not a claim that Pixel and Galaxy devices lack useful extras. Zac Kew-Denniss writes that the two brands have strong update support and many exclusive features, especially for North American buyers. His point is that competitors still offer ideas worth copying.
Faster charging and more flexible profiles
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra tops out at 60W charging, while the Pixel 11 Pro family reaches 45W, according to the roundup. The writer contrasts those figures with phones from Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo that can reach 120W or more. He also notes the tradeoff: the fastest systems tend to rely on proprietary chargers and can put additional stress on batteries.
Another gap is the IR blaster, which can turn a phone into a remote for televisions, audio gear and some air conditioners. The feature is now uncommon in major U.S. flagships, but remains available on selected OnePlus and Xiaomi devices.
For running separate accounts, Samsung offers Secure Folder and Dual Messenger. The article argues that Xiaomi's Second Space goes further by creating a separate user profile with its own lock screen, apps, wallpaper and notifications.
Hardware gestures and glanceable controls
Motorola's Moto Actions use movement sensors for shortcuts such as twisting a phone to open the camera or making a chopping motion to activate the flashlight. Because the gestures rely on motion rather than an on-screen control, they can work while the display is off.
The final example is Nothing's Glyph system, which uses rear LEDs or a dot-matrix display for contact alerts, timers, camera countdowns and small tools. Google has introduced its own HiLight indicator, but the writer considers Nothing's implementation more developed. The five picks reflect one reviewer's priorities, and availability varies by model and market.
