Skepticism creeped in when I heard Google was getting rid of the 'Nexus' tag and something called the Pixel was arriving. The Nexus lineup was definitely one of my favorites as Google offered way more than what the price tag would suggest. However, it has been a few months I am using the Google Pixel XL and if a change could drive in so much of innovation— we better get in every year.
Just Kidding!
Google Pixel is a revelation when it comes to smartphone excellence. Despite being a long-term iPhone user, I would recommend Pixel and Pixel XL to all the readers out here. In this post, I will be tabulating my thoughts and opinions regarding these flagship smartphones— sans any bias or influence.
An Overview
Needless to say, Google has had a long history when it comes to manufacturing and designing smartphones— even though 'Pixel' as a name is an entirely new concept. To be precise, the new Pixel and Pixel XL are exquisitely designed, flaunt the best-possible tech and even boast of great camera units. Lastly, the personal assistant is a path-breaking innovation and in sync with some of the best AI-modules—unveiled in 2016.
The Switch
The transition from iPhone 7 to the Google Pixel XL was pretty seamless and Android Nougat 7.1 did help my cause to a considerable extent. While I am still friends with my iPhone, the Pixel XL makes an integral part of my daily life. Moreover, the smoothness associated with this Android powered magnificence is downright enviable.
Let us meander through some of the highlights:
Camera
Trust me when I say Google Pixel and Pixel XL have the best cameras in the given class— especially when it comes to the HDR+ mode, autofocus and even low-light photography. While it would be wrong to pull out comparisons between the iPhone 7 and the Pixels— the latter fares better in certain areas.
The Assistant
If smartphone intelligence is even a metric, Google would score a perfect 10. Quite aptly, the Pixel smartphones are beefed up with the Google Assistant— the first for any Android equipped smartphone. The responses are better as compared to Siri and the results are surprisingly, clearer and more decisive.
Build and Design
While the Pixel is a tad smaller in comparison to the iPhone 7 Plus, the Pixel Plus is a much tougher competitor— courtesy a smaller and lighter chassis. In terms of materials used, the construction seems to be pretty identical.
User Experience
This is one point which I would like to put forth even though the iOS looks slightly more refined in terms of clarity and integration. Google, on the other hand, is fast catching up as the user experience seems to be top notch with Android Nougat on-board. Needless to say, the iPhones have already cracked the software-hardware cohesion code but now, when Google has started making handsets like Pixel and Pixel XL, a crown shift is more or less likely, in near future.
Battery Life
Pixel smartphones, all thanks to Nougat 7.0, come with a built-in Doze mode. This option enhances the concept of battery optimization and draws a bare minimum power provided the phone isn't being used— extensively.
Battery life, without the Doze in play, is identical to the iPhone 7 Plus but upon activation the results are exemplary.
The Drawbacks
Water resistance isn't a big thing for me but I would still like to mention as my iPhone 7 Plus resists liquid like a pro. Google Pixel or Pixel XL isn't the most protected handset, in terms of splash resistance but still does the job— to a minimal extent.
The rear camera on the Pixel XL is great but misses out on the optical zoom feature and fantastic RAW performances.
Bottom Line
I would again like to mention my love for the Nexus branded smartphones owing to the cost-effectiveness and an expansive specs sheet. The Pixel series, on the other hand, is exorbitantly priced but the feature sets are highly refined— as compared to the discontinued Nexus Lineup. While I am pretty happy with my iPhone 7 Plus, Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL are actually the best smartphones of 2016.
I can't wait for the new Pixel lineup for the year 2017.