The Pixel lineup has at all times been seen because the purest expression of what Android may very well be, however after utilizing latest generations, I don’t suppose Google’s telephones deserve that status anymore.
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Latest Pixels have been stricken by reliability points
Many latest Pixels have suffered from widespread {hardware} issues, and this isn’t simply me pointing to a couple Reddit complaints or having an remoted dangerous expertise. These issues have been so constant that even Google has acknowledged them.
Google has needed to launch prolonged restore applications for not less than one cellphone in each technology from the Pixel 5 collection to the Pixel 8 collection, normally due to battery or show points. That is 4 consecutive generations with issues severe sufficient to require a devoted restore program.
Screenshot by Raghav – NAR
Supply: https://assist.google.com/pixelphone/reply/16043453?hl=en
I would not be stunned if comparable issues present up for the Pixel 9 or Pixel 10 collection within the coming years. Till Google proves it will possibly make telephones that final greater than 2 or 3 years with out main points, it is arduous to suggest one.
Even apart from these points, everybody I do know who owns a Pixel has complained in regards to the mobile modem not being nice. That is due to each reception points and the battery draining shortly whereas utilizing cell information. All informed, Google has plenty of work to do on the {hardware} aspect.
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The {hardware} continues to be lagging behind rivals
The Pixel has at all times been a software-first cellphone, and for probably the most half, that was effective. Google’s Tensor chips had been by no means competing with the strongest choices from Apple or Qualcomm, but it surely did not matter as a lot while you had been getting an nearly flagship-like expertise at a less expensive worth.
The Pixel 7 launched at $599 and was arguably one of the best cellphone you can purchase in that worth phase. It did not have the cutting-edge {hardware} of the iPhone or Samsung flagship of the time, however the cheaper price and the wonderful software program options greater than made up for it.
Sanuj Bhatia / MakeUseOf
However that steadiness does not exist anymore. The Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Professional now begin at $799 and $999 respectively, placing them in the identical worth bracket as flagships from Samsung and Apple. At that value, the worth proposition vanishes.
For context, Google’s new Tensor G5 chip really performs worse in benchmarks than the four-year-old iPhone 13. On high of that, there are different compromises, like sticking with slower UFS 3.1 storage even on the bottom Professional mannequin, or downgrading the digital camera sensors on the common Pixel 10 in comparison with the earlier technology.
If I’m spending flagship-level cash, I count on flagship-level {hardware}. No quantity of software program options could make up for that.
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Pixel-exclusive options hardly ever keep unique
As I discussed, the Pixel has at all times been a software-first cellphone by design. One of many greatest promoting factors of the unique Pixel was limitless cloud storage for images and movies. However nowadays, Google is joyful to convey its options to different gadgets as effectively.
As an example, you need to use Google’s Magic Eraser characteristic on different Android gadgets and even iPhones. And all of the Gemini options that Google spends hours showcasing in its occasions work simply as effectively on my Samsung cellphone.
Zarif Ali / MakeUseOf
Zarif Ali/MakeUseOf
That mentioned, a couple of options, like Name Screening, are nonetheless unique to the Pixel. However most of those options finally present up elsewhere within the type of options.
For instance, Apple introduced its personal variations of Circle-to-Search and Name Screening as among the options in iOS 26. If you’re getting the identical options or options constructed proper into the OS, the Pixel line has undoubtedly misplaced what was its greatest appeal.
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Pixel cameras are not the undisputed finest
I used to suggest a Pixel to anybody who cared about cameras. Even in MKBHD’s blind digital camera take a look at, the budget-friendly Pixel 7a managed to beat telephones that value far more. Google nonetheless has an edge in software program processing, however with each new technology, it appears like the corporate cares much less in regards to the cameras and extra about pushing AI, leaving actual smartphone digital camera innovation behind.
As an alternative of meaningfully bettering the {hardware}, Google appears to be taking shortcuts by counting on AI to repair images and movies after the very fact. Annually, the highlight is on generative AI tips like describing edits to Gemini or Video Increase, which implies all of your images find yourself on Google’s servers since these options require the cloud.
Justin Duino / MakeUseOf
It’s not about how good the images look once I pull out my cellphone and snap a shot. As an alternative, Google is targeted on layering in a bunch of options that attempt to rescue an in any other case common photograph. That entire “repair it in put up” mindset solely works to a degree.
This example has gotten so stagnant that I discover myself preferring iPhone images now. That is one thing I wouldn’t have believed two years in the past, given how a lot I’ve at all times disliked Apple’s heavy-handed HDR processing.
Whereas there are nonetheless causes to get a Pixel, I’d suggest sticking to Samsung. You find yourself with most of Google’s options anyway, plus {hardware} that truly feels prefer it’s definitely worth the worth. Proper now, if you’d like the true Android expertise, it’s Samsung main the way in which—not Google.
