Familiarity of shape and size
Pixel phones are not very different in shape, size and weight from iPhone7 so there is a great deal of familiarity when you hold the phone. Both designs are clean and high-tech. But Google's look is not as smooth as Apple’s you might not get a completely premium feel with it but its metal body and you can certainly feel how sturdy yet light it is. It incorporates a two-tone partial glass back panel design on the rear, not sure why Google went with, I am guessing to add a different touch. And the fingerprint sensor on the back is a much better deal, trust me it’s easier, intuitive and non obtrusive. But yes, it’s not water resistant like the iPhone 7, this new feature from Apple has an edge only if you are a dropper. And yes you will get back your 3.5mm headphone jack!
Made by Google Phone
Now we know that iPhone users have had a very smooth functioning phone where the hardware and software have worked in tandem because both components were designed by Apple. And now here is Google with its ‘Made by Google’ Pixel phone that ensures that the software works uber smooth with the hardware. With Snapdragon 821 quad-core processor and 4GB RAM, it is easily the best Android experience till date. It’s super fast and super smooth. Now Android has been the most popular OS in India so we already know it’s good but you should know, Android on a Google phone works like a dream.
Google at your service
When you buy a Google phone you are part of the huge Google ecosystem. The phone is all set for Google Assistant, Google cast and even Daydream VR. So you know that you will get that similar special treatment like the one you are used to with Apple. And we already know that Google never stops building so you will get to experience all things Google first hand. And yes, don’t mistake it for any other Android phone, there is a lot that you can expect exclusively on Pixel from Pixel launcher to Smart Storage to Pixel Camera app and much more.
From Siri to Google Assistant, it’s a step up, believe me
As soon as I powered on, the phone quickly got me acquainted with the Google Assistant, it recognises your voice so that it’s ready for you every time you say “Ok Google”. Once you say those magic words, Google Assistant is at your service and it’s amazing how clearly it gets you almost every single time. The voice controlled assistant is no more a search interface it’s a super power chat thread where you can ask the assistant for weather update, calendar events, sports scores, restaurants, maps, of course jokes and much more. And your chats get better and better because the Assistant is constantly learning. And I can tell you that the Google Assistant is the most human, chat like user interface out there.
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Both Apple and Google have decided that their camera is the best, so if you have enough ‘Shot from iPhone’ pictures you can certainly try the Pixel camera. Pixel sports a 12MP, f/2.0 aperture, phase detection & laser autofocus, two-tone dual-LED flash, 1/2.3" sensor size, 1.55µm pixel size, HDR, geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panoramic capture, video at 2160p; 1080p; 720p. Basically it is capable of producing some really great shots with great colour and detail. I was completely trigger happy with the phone and there is almost zero waiting time between click and capture. And the bestest part about a ‘Made by Google’ phone is – wait for it - Google Photos app allows you backup all of your photos in FULL SIZE with ORIGINAL RESOLUTION for FREE. Yes, Apple fans you heard it right, you don’t have to reduce the quality of your zillion plus random clicks or pay extra to store your pictures, it’s all taken care of.
Storage Woes
Not having an expendable storage is nothing new for an iPhone user. Yes, there's no provision for microSD card expansion here too, but you know the drill. You have made it this far you can do it again. So look at it this way, this feature will also help cope up with whatever withdrawal symptoms you may have if you decide to move on to a Pixel phone from an iPhone. And the Pixel phones have only two storage options 32GB and 128GB.
Battery and Charger
Let’s first address the data cable, it is a lot sturdier than iPhone cables for sure. I am certain that it’s a great relief for iPhone fans as it has been a huge concern and an added expense over and above the expensive phone. Coming to the battery of Pixel phone, although it has 2,770mAh battery which may seem low on paper compared to other Android phones but Pixel has a solid battery life, with moderate amount of usage you can easily get a day’s battery that’s also thanks to Google Doze that essentially puts the phone to sleep when you are not using it. So if you are not using the phone, the phone is not using the battery. Wait there’s more, the phone is packed with the Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 support that makes sure it charges super quick.
Price is almost the same
Starting at Rs. 57,000, Pixel is pretty much in the same price range as iPhone 7 so for an iPhone user it can be seen as an easier move.. pssst.. It’s a whole other story how Google will be able to woo the Android users who are already using Android phones for much less.
So all you iPhone fans out there, if you ever had even a wee bit of interest in moving to an Android device, Google’s ‘Made by Google’ Pixel phone is your best bet - without losing out on the premium tag.