The Lowdown On Google’s Pixel Phone
Just when you thought Google might be releasing its grip on that whole quest for world domination thing, the Internet giant has produced its first smartphone. As you might expect from a google product it seems to be attracting admiring glances from those looking for an impressive iPhone alternative.
This is remarkably good timing for Google with Samsung currently experiencing difficulties. The Pixel phone certainly seems to have made an impact. Of course, google has been involved in partnerships to create the Nexus before but this is the first time it has entered the smartphone arena on its own. It was responsible for the design, engineering and branding of the Pixel although the phones are actually being put together with a little help from HTC. Retaining for prices straying from $649 in the US, £599 in the UK and AU$1,079 in Australia, this is a phone that has been quick in gathering its share of fans.
If you do not want Samsung why is the Pixel so great?
There is no doubt that Samsung produces the best Android phones around, but if you are wary of buying into that product right now then the Pixel is a very classy alternative.
The joy of using Google Assistant
If google does anything really well it’s searching for things. This is probably why Google Assistant is so good to use. It does not matter what you ask the device, you should be able to get it to come up with an authoritative answer for you. This also means that you can use Google assistant to do everything from scheduling appointments to translating phrases and getting directions. It’s a device that is arguably as useful as having a real life assistant to work with. In fact, much like an actual person, the Pixel is meant to learn more about you as you use it, thereby making it more useful and accurate.
If you have used any other digital assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, Cortana or the previous Google product Google Now you will probably be surprised at just how good this assistant is at conversation. You can have what feels like a genuine to and fro conversation with it. This makes for a far friendlier experience then you may have encountered previously. One of the downsides of the assistant is that it does not always hear what you ask first time. Once it does hear it responds fairly quickly though.
A very impressive camera
One of the most impressive aspects of the Pixel is that it has a very cool camera. Google has made much of this and has pushed the fact forward as a major selling point. If you have seen the camera power of the iPhone 7 Plus in action then you may be surprised to know that the Pixel can capture even better images. If you want shots that have color and precision then you will not be disappointed with those produced while using the Pixel.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Pixel’s camera is that even images captured using the flash look natural. It’s hard to even tell that a flash was used.
The camera on the Pixel is certainly excellent but it is not perfect. Video can be shot in 4K but the device does not have optical image stabilization. The software that is used instead does help to steady the video playback but it gives the content a sort of surreal feel to it.
Some more of the good stuff
It seems safe to say that the Pixel phone has been well received. Here are some more of the highlights:
- It runs Android 7.1 Nougat.
- You can send GIFs inside Google Keyboard which is a fun and useful experience.
- The phone comes with a night light setting which means you can have the yellowish tint that comes with many other smartphones.
- The phone has a built in fingerprint reader for added security.
- The pixel actually feels great to hold and use; it also looks impressive.
There is not too much difference between the Pixel and the Pixel XL. The only benefits of the XL version are that it has a bigger and sharper display and the battery is bumped up. Other than that you are getting pretty much the same great looking product no matter which one you choose.
If you are looking for an Android alternative to the currently slightly out of favor Samsung then the Google Pixel phone could be just what you need. It looks great and it weighs just right. It also comes with an impressive camera so get a first rate phone and excellent image capturing all in the one package.