- Google unveils new smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL
- Google’s Pixels have AI and Google Assistant integrated in them
- Apple’s iPhone series to face stiff competition
Obviously, the new Pixel and Pixel XL (5 inch and 5.5 inch) smartphones which were launched a few days ago by Google is not for an average person. To put simply, it is a premium product.
With lots of distinctive features embedded in it, the Google smartphone duo are perceived to rival Apple’s popular iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Personally, I don’t see iPhone 7 and Plus to rival Pixel and Pixel XL, considering it’s features which are not seen in iPhone 7 series or any other smartphone.
Although, the search giant has been producing its Android-based phones for the last few years under the “Nexus” brand. But this is not going to happen anymore.
Prices
Prices are N239,600 for the 5-inch handset at 32GB and N279,600 for 128GB, and N288,000 for 32GB XL and N328,00 for the 128GB.
How Google Pixel Will Beat any Other Smartphone, Including iPhone 7 & Plus
Google Assistant (Artificial Intelligence)
The phone is the first with Google Assistant, the voice-controlled software designed to respond to queries, check calendar appointments and send messages.
Apparently, it is one of the Pixel’s biggest features. Other Android phones may be the Google Voice Assistant, but the GA is more advanced and capable. It’s more contextually aware of what’s happening on your devices.
Camera
Google claims the Pixel has “the best smartphone camera ever made.” It is 12MP with a f/2.0 aperture. It also has “smart burst,” which works in a similar way to Apple’s Live photos, “HDR+” technology for low light photography and zero shutter lag. It comes with unlimited photo storage on Google’s cloud.
Suggested Read: Google’s Allo: A Smart Chat App With Artificial Intelligence
Here is what an industry expert has to say:
“There’s every reason to believe the Pixel could be a genuine iPhone killer, in a market that appears to be growing tired of the incumbents” Ernest Doku, a Mobile Phone Industry Expert from uSwitch, said:
“With a potentially market-leading camera, sleek design and a Google ecosystem stacked with the latest in AI and VR, this might just be the handset to inject a dose of cool back into the smartphone market.”
Daydream
With the Daydream embedded, you’ll be able to play VR games and watch video apps like Netflix, YouTube, and HBO directly inside the virtual reality experience.The Google’s pixel phones support Google’s virtual reality platform, Daydream. However, to enjoy an immersive experience you will need the new Daydream headset.
Voice and Chat Support
This feature is just unique in its way. I find this thrilling. The voice and chat support is different from the usual way of seeking support from your phone manufacturer. With the Pixel, if you encounter any issue with Pixel phone. All you need to do is to locate the settings menu and immediately launch a voice call or chat session with Google’s customer support team.
The Google support team are there 24 hours a day. From there, you can also choose to allow screen sharing so that the Google employee can control your device and show you firsthand how to fix whatever’s not working right.
Essential Features of the Pixel Smartphones
Pixel and Pixel XL, 5-inch and 5.5-inch display respectively.
Has the “best” smartphone camera, which is 12.3MP with a f/2.0 aperture
Glass back and high-end aluminum case
Comes in quite black, very silver and blue
Runs Android Nougat 7.1 with a tweaked aesthetic
Should I Buy
Why not? Although this is a premium smartphone, if you don’t like the idea of an iPhone 7 there’s a lot to suggest Google’s Pixels will offer, a decent alternative per se. These will be developed to Google’s spec so should have the best integration with Android on the market.