TL;DR – Is A Pixel Phone Worth It?
Are Google Pixel Phones Good?
They’re cheaper than Apple and Samsung’s flagship models, the A-series phones are brilliant value options, and the camera tech and software (inc. bundled AI smarts) make for a hell of a compelling proposition. Add in 7 years of updates and, yes, Pixel phones are definitely good.
Google had some real QC issues with its Pixel phones. But from the Pixel 7 onwards, these “issues” appear to have been fixed. The latest models from Google are brilliant phones with excellent, useful features that any user will appreciate.
— Richard Goodwin, Technology Editor
Pixel Phones Features & Benefits
7 Years of Android Updates on Pixel 8 series and Pixel 8a
Cheaper flagship option than Apple or Samsung
Packed with useful, well thought out AI features that actually make a difference
Fast Android updates. As soon as a new build is released, you get it.
Latest and Greatest
Latest Google Pixel Phone News
All the latest news, leaks, rumors and updates about Google’s ever-expanding lineup of Pixel phones…
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My Main Gripe With Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold – It’s The Camera…
Google had an opportunity to make its Pixel 9 Pro Fold unbeatable in the foldable space but it didn’t – and you have to wonder why? The newly launched Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (quite a mouthful) starts from $1799.99 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1099. Big price difference, right? It is. But…
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Google is Throttling The Crap Outta The Pixel 9’s Tensor 4 CPU
Anyone hoping for big performance gains on the Tensor 4 inside the Pixel 9 series should probably look away right now… Google’s Tensor chip has never been a true Snapdragon / Apple A-series chip competitor when it comes to overall performance grunt. But that was never the point: Tensor was about making your phone smarter…
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Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 9 Pro XL: What You Need To Know Before You Buy
Google gets it, so why doesn’t Apple? With Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, you can have it all the same – or with a bigger display. Simple. TL;DR: Which is Best? The Pixel 9 Pro or The Pixel 9 Pro XL? So, you’re trying to decide between the Pixel 9 Pro and the…
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Google’s Video Boost Now TWICE As Fast On Pixel 9
Video Boost is a cool feature, especially if you want to upload in 8K. With the Pixel 9 series, it is now TWICE as fast with processing too Google is stepping up its game to challenge the iPhone’s dominance among content creators, particularly the Pro Max. The Pixel 8 earned it a few, new fans.…
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Google’s Team Pixel Exposed: Coercing Creators for Pixel 9 Praise
Want early access to the Pixel 9 for review? You better be nice about it or you’re off #teampixel… The idea of “paid reviews” is nothing new; they happen every day all over the place, from Forbes to USA Today and of course on social media. But have you heard about “relationship-based” agreements, whereby creators…
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18 Reasons The Pixel 9 Pro XL is A Content Creator’s Dream
Apple’s got most content creators locked to iPhone. But the new Pixel 9 Pro XL has Apple’s iPhone whipped in more ways than one – here’s what you need to know… If you create content for a living and you predominantly use a phone, there’s a few things you need: lots of storage, a brilliant camera,…
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Google Pixel 9 Launch Recap: Specs, New Features, Design & AI…
From its release date to new potential models and price hikes, here’s literally everything you need to know about Google’s Pixel 9 series… The Pixel 8 series earned Google plenty of new fans, especially with the Pixel 8a – that phone is incredible for the price. But as the nights grow warmer, the advent of…
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Is Google Finally Building An “Ultra” Pixel Phone? Meet The Pixel 9 Pro XL
You can have the standard Pixel 9, the Pixel 9 Pro, or if you’re feeling really flush, the Pixel 9 Pro XL which could be Google’s first ultra-premium model… Recent reports suggest that Google is about to shake up its Pixel lineup in 2024 with a new model – the Pixel 9 Pro XL. If true,…
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Is the Pixel 6 Worth Buying in 2024? A Closer Look
Should you buy a Pixel 6 in 2024? Here’s everything you need to know – the good, the bad, and the possibility of making it useable for longer. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro were OK phones when they came out, but they weren’t anything to write home about. Not compared to Google’s newer models like…
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Pixel 8a New Colors & Storage Option Revealed
No price hike, a new Tensor CPU, an updated camera, and a selection of new colors, including a new limited edition hue Google might not be doing too well with its core business. Profits are up but it is now hard to find anyone that has a good word to say about Google Search. With…
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Google Pixel 8a: Everything You Need To Know
The Pixel 8a is now official with a $499 price tag and plenty of updates and new features – let’s dig in… After 12 months of speculation about its price and alleged features, the Pixel 8a is now official and available to buy. If you were worried about price increases, you needn’t have been – the Pixel…
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Pixel 8a Deals UK – All The Plans In One Place
How much is the Pixel 8a on contract? It’s more affordable than you think – here’s the best Pixel 8a deals for the UK… Pixel 8a Deals £19 per month ID MOBILE ✓ Calls & Texts: Unlimited ✓ Handset: FREE ✓ Data: Unlimited (5G) ✓ 24 months £14.99 per month VODAFONE ✓ Calls & Texts: Unlimited…
Latest Pixel Phones
Google Pixel 8 Series
Discover everything you need to know about the Pixel 8 Series in our ultimate guide. From the latest specs and features to expert reviews and comparisons, we’ve got you covered. Click now to explore the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and find out which one is the perfect fit for your needs.
Google Pixel 8a Series
Uncover the secrets of the Pixel 8a, Google’s most affordable and feature-packed smartphone yet. Our comprehensive guide dives into the phone’s impressive specs, camera capabilities, and unbeatable value. Click now to learn why the Pixel 8a is the ultimate choice for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on quality.
Google Pixel Fold
Unfold the future of smartphones with our in-depth guide to the Pixel Fold. We’ll walk you through the device’s innovative design, multitasking capabilities, and signature Pixel features that set it apart from the competition. Click now to discover why the Pixel Fold is the perfect blend of productivity and portability.
Why Google Pixel?
Before we explore the details of each Pixel model, let’s consider why consumers choose Pixel phones over other options on the market:
- Pure Android Experience: Pixel phones run a clean, bloatware-free version of Android, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user interface.
- Timely Updates: As Google’s flagship devices, Pixel phones receive prompt software updates and security patches directly from the source.
- Exceptional Camera Quality: Pixel phones consistently rank among the best smartphone cameras, thanks to a combination of high-quality hardware and advanced computational photography techniques.
- Integration with Google Services: Pixel phones offer a seamless experience across Google’s ecosystem, including Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google Assistant.
History and Evolution of Google Pixel Phones
The first Google Pixel and Pixel XL were released in October 2016, marking Google’s entry into the smartphone market as a manufacturer.
Prior to this, Google had partnered with various OEMs to release Nexus devices, but the Pixel line represented a shift towards a more controlled, in-house approach to smartphone design and development.
Over the years, Google has introduced numerous innovations and improvements to the Pixel line, including:
- Night Sight: Introduced with the Pixel 3, Night Sight uses advanced computational photography techniques to capture stunning low-light images without the need for a flash.
- Google Tensor Chip: Debuting in the Pixel 6, the custom-designed Tensor chip enhances performance, efficiency, and machine learning capabilities.
- Computational Photography: Pixel phones utilize techniques like HDR+, Portrait Mode, and Super Res Zoom to improve image quality and enable advanced camera features.
Key Features of Google Pixel Phones
Camera Technology
One of the standout features of Google Pixel phones is their exceptional camera performance. Pixel devices consistently rank among the best smartphone cameras on the market, thanks to a combination of high-quality hardware and advanced software processing.
Some of the key camera features include:
- Night Sight: Captures stunning low-light images without the need for a flash.
- Portrait Mode: Delivers professional-looking bokeh effects for both rear and front-facing cameras.
- HDR+: Improves dynamic range and reduces noise in challenging lighting conditions.
- Super Res Zoom: Uses computational photography techniques to enhance digital zoom quality.
Software and Updates
Pixel phones run a pure, stock version of Android, free from the bloatware and unnecessary modifications often found on other devices.
This not only provides a clean, intuitive user interface but also ensures that Pixel users receive timely software updates and security patches directly from Google.
Google guarantees at least three years of software updates for Pixel devices, ensuring that users can enjoy the latest Android features and security improvements for an extended period.
Google Assistant Integration
Google Assistant is deeply integrated into Pixel phones, offering a range of helpful features and voice-activated functions.
Users can access Google Assistant by simply saying “Hey Google” or by squeezing the sides of the phone (on select models with Active Edge).
Some of the key Google Assistant features on Pixel phones include:
- Voice commands for making phone calls, sending messages, and controlling smart home devices.
- Contextual recommendations based on your location, time of day, and recent interactions.
- Integration with Google Lens for real-time translation, product recognition, and more.
Design and Build Quality
Pixel phones have undergone significant design changes over the years, but they generally feature a minimalist aesthetic with high-quality materials.
Recent models, like the Pixel 6 and 7, have introduced a distinctive camera bar design that sets them apart from other smartphones on the market.
Pixel phones typically feature aluminum or polycarbonate bodies with Gorilla Glass protection for the display. They also offer water and dust resistance, with most models achieving an IP68 rating.
Battery Life and Charging
Google has made significant strides in improving the battery life of Pixel phones over the years.
Recent models, like the Pixel 7 and 8, offer a substantial improvements over their predecessors, with many users reporting all-day battery life under normal usage conditions.
Pixel phones also support fast charging, with some models offering wireless charging capabilities. For example, the Pixel 7 supports 30W fast wired charging and 20W fast wireless charging with a compatible charger.