I've always appreciated Google's Pixel phones for their clean Android experience and cool features like Call Screening. But, after switching back to a Pixel 10 Pro, I can't help but notice some useful functionalities that other brands have nailed. It's not about ditching the Pixel vibe; it's about making it even better.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when a game or social media reel blasts sound, rudely interrupting my music. It's especially jarring for someone like me who's sensitive to sudden loud noises. Several Android interfaces, such as Samsung’s One UI, offer individual app volume controls. This fantastic feature gives you precise control over the sound of each app. So, you can mute those annoying game ads while keeping your music playing smoothly.

Another nifty trick I miss is the ability to control music playback with the volume buttons when the screen is off. Samsung and Motorola have this down. When it's cold and I'm wearing gloves, it's so much easier to just hold down a button to skip tracks rather than fiddling with the touchscreen or my earbuds. I shouldn't need a third-party app for something this simple on my Pixel!

I spent some time with an iPhone 16 Pro last year and fell in love with Photographic Styles. These aren't your typical filters; they act as a preset that applies to all your photos, giving them a consistent look. And you can still tweak them later if you want! The current Google Photos filters, in my opinion, are quite limited. Implementing a similar Photographic Styles feature would allow us to instill some character into our Pixel photos, which is quite needed.

Widget stacks are another feature I sorely miss. You can stack numerous widgets and scroll through them directly on your home screen. Imagine having quick access to your earbuds controls, calendar, weather, and more, all from one spot. It's practical and visually appealing, and I'm hoping Google will incorporate it soon.

Live Updates are also an iOS feature that's quickly been embraced by Android skins. Google has them on Android, but they're not quite there yet. For instance, media controls in Live Updates are bundled by other brands like Apple and Samsung. A small pill displaying the song or album artwork appears next to the front camera, and tapping it reveals playback controls. That's missing from the Android 16 implementation. I hope Google at least provides users the option of adding music to live updates.

And automation? The Pixel's automation options are severely lacking compared to Samsung's Routines or Apple's Siri Shortcuts. Samsung Routines, for example, have a crazy number of categories for triggers and actions, allowing for some complex automations. It highlights how lackluster Google’s efforts are in this area.

Freeform windows, or pop-up apps, have been around in Android for years, but Google hasn't fully embraced them on their phones. While they seem to be focusing on tablets, I'm disappointed they're not prioritizing it for phones.

Finally, gesture controls. The old Moto X had these down perfectly. A simple chop motion activated the flashlight, while a twist of the wrist launched the camera. They're incredibly intuitive and make using a Motorola phone a breeze. While the Pixel has a double-tap back gesture, it's just not as reliable or as versatile.

Overall, I adore my Pixel 10 Pro and what Google has done with Android 16. Still, borrowing some of these features from other manufacturers would make it even better. If these features became standard on Android, it'd benefit everyone, not just Pixel users.