The "need" to explain at length about the switch is curious however
Where did you get that quote from? I don't know that he felt at all compelled to explain. But as a tech writer who reviews tech for a living, I find what and why he chooses as a daily driver to be of interest. And as he has been Apple-centric for a good many years, others might be interested in knowing why he switched.
"I've been so enthusiastic that I've often been accused of saying those things because I'm an Apple fanboy."
Well, there's that, then.
particularly since his needs won't translate to everyone else.
But that's irrelevant (depending on your context), although they will translate to those who can read and read tech articles. And understanding what he wants in a phone compared to what I or any reader wants is helpful in making a better choice in future tech purchases.
At no point does he say "This is why YOU SHOULD BUY the Samsung." Only an idiot would ignore what he said and adopt an "If it's good enough for Andy, it's good enough for ME!" attitude.
I've been a long time reader of Ihnatko and watch him regularly on
MacBreak Weekly, and listen to his podcasts. I find him to be one of the very most objective tech reviewers and he'll state a bias if he has one rather than disguise it as universal fact.
So he states what bothered him about the iPhone and what he likes about the Samsung. If somebody not intimately familiar with either or both reads the series, they'll learn a lot and can apply it to their needs, as appropriate. Whether they do or not is up to them. It's a lot like what happens here, except with rampant objectivity.
I find that translates very well.