Oops, I did it once more.
After the Pixel 6 broke my coronary heart, I ended up going again to the Pixel 8. Feeling misplaced? Let me recap.
There I used to be, having fun with my expertise with my valuable Pixel 6, and issues have been going nice. It lived as much as my expectations; it made me comfortable. Sadly, it was not an ideal relationship. Roughly two years of short-lived happiness ended abruptly, and we broke up.
The rationale why I ended up dumping the Pixel 6 was easy: it simply wasn’t usable daily anymore. The machine would hold up on me, I had a ton of community issues, and the Bluetooth would solely play good when it was within the temper. Google did not design the Pixel 6 for sustained heavy utilization, and the cellphone simply could not take it anymore.
As soon as that was completed and dusted, my subsequent major machine was the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. This was partly as a result of I used to be curious and partly as a result of I needed to reaffirm my perception within the longevity of flagship telephones. This experiment had a extra cheerful ending, main me to conclude that Samsung’s phones age far more gracefully than Pixels.
Now, I’ve taken everybody — together with myself — abruptly and have cautiously switched again to a Google Pixel — the Pixel 8, to be extra particular. Earlier than you seize your pitchforks and torches, calm your self. No, I’m not a “hater” of both cellphone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, so I’ve no difficulty bouncing forwards and backwards between both model and even utilizing each concurrently.
What’s in the end a very powerful issue is not model loyalty. All I care about (and so must you) is an effective high quality product that is value my whereas and my hard-earned cash. However there’s extra to the story than simply curiosity.
Positive, I needed to check out the most recent Pixel to see for myself whether or not it had improved over the Pixel 6. However I used to be additionally sorely lacking a few Pixel-exclusive options that no different Android phone has.
Now Enjoying on the Pixel lock display screen
Now Playing is, in my view, essentially the most underrated Pixel characteristic of all of them. This music identification characteristic is seamless, automated, and so darn good at what it is speculated to do.
You not should ask, “Hey, what music is that?” as a result of the Pixel does it for you. It data the music with a time stamp, helps you to browse the checklist and favourite tracks, and you’ll even share songs proper out of the Now Enjoying app.
Overlook Shazam, Now Enjoying is the final word music tracker slash audio identification app, and it’s baked into fashionable Pixels. I attempted to make use of options on my Samsung, however nothing got here near this. There is not a lock display screen widget that is pretty much as good as this, both.
Yelling STOP at my cellphone’s alarm to show it off
It had develop into considerably of a bizarre custom for everybody within the family to start out yelling “STAHPP” at my Pixel each time the alarm would ring.
In case you were not conscious, you’ll be able to merely command your Pixel’s alarm to show off verbally when it goes off. This contains easy solutions like “snooze” or “cease,” however as a result of the alarm is fairly loud, you have to be a bit louder when chatting with your Pixel.
Name it an idiosyncrasy, however I missed screaming at my Pixel to show off the alarm. It is dumb, it is chaotic, however it’s additionally enjoyable. The truth that it confuses individuals hanging round you is an added bonus. It is an excellent dialog starter if something. Each cellphone ought to have this characteristic.
Pure, unadulterated inventory Android with a Pixel twist
After the Android 12 Material You facelift, Android on a Pixel is unmatched. The UI is mouth-wateringly delish to have a look at. Android 14 has a fair higher look, and I completely love the look of my Pixel 8 operating it.
Though One UI and dynamic coloration theming in addition to themed icons, it simply does not have the soul of a Pixel. The allure of the inventory Android cellphone lies within the little issues like the form of the Fast Settings menu, the clock, the At a look widget, and the fluid animations.
It is really easy to get used to the refined software program tweaks added by Google. I nearly forgot that each one telephones do not have the power to repeat textual content from nearly wherever or translate textual content chosen inside an app with out taking screenshots or any additional steps. Then there’s the Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser, all of which ship superior outcomes.
When you get used to Google’s spin on inventory Android, it is actually arduous to maneuver on from there. Regardless of switching over to Samsung’s better-functioning cellphone, I nonetheless yearned for these little built-in choices and skills. No one does cool, seamless software tweaks like Google does.
Peak Android images
This part is extraordinarily subjective, however I am the professional right here so bear that in thoughts earlier than bullying me within the feedback part. I’ve examined tons and tons of Android phones, and relating to image high quality and coloration, Google is the undisputed champ.
Between the iPhone 15, the Galaxy S24, and the Pixel 8, the Pixel wins the battle relating to images. Hand on my coronary heart, the Pixel 8’s digital camera is superior. I discover the digital camera app to be extra user-friendly, with simply findable and usable modes and simply higher images total.
I really like the colour tones and accuracy that the Pixel 8 delivers, with vibrant hues which are true to life. The extent of element is gorgeous, and the movement unblur kicks Samsung and Apple’s butts. Night time mode is phenomenal, too.
I am not right here to influence you that the Pixel 8 has the very best cameras. Image high quality is subjective to the attention of the beholder. For me, Google has the fitting formulation, however it won’t be the identical for you. Nevertheless, this was a giant characteristic that I craved when utilizing the Samsung cellphone as my major machine. And it is not simply my Pixel 8; my Pixel 6 may whoop the S22 Extremely with its palms tied behind its again. Images is Google’s forte, so if you happen to ever ditch a Pixel, you may miss the images expertise.
This does not make up for the poor construct high quality and longevity of Pixels basically, nor does it negate my poor expertise with the Pixel 6. Nevertheless, these options are sufficient to make me wish to give Google’s Pixel ecosystem one other shot. It makes me hope that the Pixel 8 does not stroll down the Pixel 6’s path, and although there is not any manner for me to substantiate this proper now, solely time will inform whether or not newer Pixels are constructed to final.