Coming from a Pixel 7 Pro the single biggest upgrade is the fingerprint sensor. Dramatic improvement. I turned it off before; it actually works now.
Magnetic charging is nice. The first party charger stand is just OK. I find it slightly less comfortable to hold because of the more squared sides, though I appreciate the flat front glass and the fact that it sits on tables without wobbling.
The convenience of fingerprint sensors is clear, but I can't imagine ever using one in the US. Police being able to compel your fingerprints means it's just not an option. Its never been an issue for me, there really wouldn't be much harm in it, but this idea that the state can break into my castle because it's only my fingerprint protecting it and not a passphrase is so weird, so unfortunate.
I have a pixel 7 pro and never really had issues with the fingerprint sensor :shrug:. Regardless, never buying Google again because of their decision to lock down apk installs.
Likewise, my P7P's fingerprint sensor seems fine. I am similarly concerned about the APK installation lockdown. I may go GrapheneOS on my next device from day 1.
This does worry me. If it goes through I may switch to iPhone. The freedom to install native code on my own device without a gatekeeper is the reason I put up with inferior hardware. If I can't have that then I might as well have the better hardware at least.
Why not grab a used Pixel 9 to avoid giving Google any money, and GrapheneOS to avoid giving them any data?
The 7 Pro is still good enough for my day to day for now. My next upgrade is going to be camera focused and I'll choose accordingly. I don't even mind importing a Chinese phone as long as I can still use nfc payments.
Security hygiene involves disabling biometrics. At least in the us: what you know has stronger protections than what you have.
That's what lockdown mode is for.