Tag: pixel

Google Pixel 2

Into Droid Leave a comment

Overview:

The Google Pixel 2, unveiled in 2017, was the successor to the original Pixel. Google continued its emphasis on camera capabilities, software experience, and the integration of the Google Assistant. The Pixel 2 aimed to refine the experience of its predecessor while addressing some of its criticisms.

Features:

  • Operating System: Launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, with the promise of direct and timely updates from Google.
  • Display: 5.0-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 64/128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: 12.2 MP rear camera with laser and phase detection autofocus, optical and electronic image stabilization, and an 8 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 2700 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted), USB Type-C, water and dust resistance (IP67), stereo front-facing speakers, and deep integration of Google Assistant.

Pros:

  • Camera Excellence: The Pixel 2’s camera was lauded for its outstanding performance, especially in low light and for its portrait mode, even without a dual-camera setup.
  • Pure Android Experience: The Pixel 2 offered a stock Android experience with the added benefit of prompt updates.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: The addition of IP67 certification was a welcome improvement over its predecessor.
  • Performance: With the Snapdragon 835 and 4 GB RAM, the device delivered a smooth and responsive user experience.
  • Front-Facing Stereo Speakers: The stereo speakers provided a richer audio experience compared to many competitors.

Cons:

  • No Headphone Jack: Google’s decision to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack was controversial and not well-received by all users.
  • Design: While the build quality was solid, the design, especially the large bezels, felt somewhat dated in comparison to the competition.
  • Battery Life: The 2700 mAh battery was adequate but not exceptional, especially when compared to some other flagship devices.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2017, the smartphone market saw several innovations and design shifts. The Google Pixel 2 faced competition from:

  • iPhone 8: Apple’s offering with its A11 Bionic chip, wireless charging, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Samsung Galaxy S8: Known for its Infinity Display, premium design, and robust feature set.
  • OnePlus 5T: Offering high-end specs with a more affordable price tag.

Launch Date:

The Google Pixel 2 was announced in October 2017 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Display Issues: Some early users reported issues with the Pixel 2 XL’s display, including muted colors, blue shift, and burn-in. While the standard Pixel 2 was less affected, it wasn’t entirely immune to these concerns.
  • Audio Quality: Some users reported buzzing and clicking sounds in the earpiece during calls.
  • Software Bugs: As with any new device, there were occasional software bugs, though Google was relatively prompt in addressing them with updates.

Conclusion:

The Google Pixel 2 built upon the foundation set by its predecessor, offering an even better camera, improved build, and the latest software features directly from Google. While it faced stiff competition and had its share of controversies, especially concerning the display, it solidified Google’s position in the premium smartphone segment. For those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem or those prioritizing camera and software experience, the Pixel 2 was a compelling choice.

Google Pixel

Into Droid Leave a comment

Overview:

The Google Pixel, launched in 2016, marked a significant shift in Google’s smartphone strategy. Moving away from the Nexus line, which was known for offering a pure Android experience at a relatively affordable price, the Pixel was positioned as a premium device, directly competing with other flagship smartphones. Google emphasized the Pixel’s camera capabilities and the integration of the Google Assistant.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially launched with Android 7.1 Nougat, with guaranteed software updates due to its direct lineage from Google.
  • Display: 5.0-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 Quad-core.
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 32/128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: 12.3 MP rear camera with laser autofocus, dual-LED flash, and an 8 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 2770 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted), USB Type-C, and deep integration of Google Assistant.

Pros:

  • Camera Performance: The Pixel’s camera was one of its standout features, producing excellent photos, especially in low light.
  • Pure Android Experience: Being a Google device, the Pixel offered a bloat-free, stock Android experience with prompt updates.
  • Google Assistant: The Pixel was the first phone with Google Assistant built-in, offering a seamless voice assistant experience.
  • Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 821 and 4 GB RAM, the device was smooth and responsive.
  • Unlimited Photo Storage: Google offered unlimited storage for photos and videos at full resolution on Google Photos for Pixel users.

Cons:

  • Design: While the build quality was solid, the design was considered somewhat generic and lacked water resistance.
  • Price: Unlike the Nexus line, the Pixel was priced at a premium, which was a point of contention for some Nexus enthusiasts.
  • Lack of Expandable Storage: The absence of a microSD slot was a downside for some users, especially those opting for the 32 GB variant.
  • Battery Life: The 2770 mAh battery was decent but not exceptional, especially when compared to some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2016, the smartphone market was highly competitive. The Google Pixel faced competition from:

  • iPhone 7: Apple’s flagship offering with its A10 Fusion chip, water resistance, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Samsung Galaxy S7: Known for its premium design, excellent camera, and water resistance.
  • OnePlus 3: Offering high-end specs at a more affordable price point.

Launch Date:

The Google Pixel was announced in October 2016 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Microphone Issues: Some users reported problems with the microphone, where it would fail intermittently.
  • Lens Flare: The camera, while excellent, sometimes exhibited lens flare in certain lighting conditions.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: There were occasional reports of Bluetooth connectivity issues, especially with in-car systems.

Conclusion:

The Google Pixel represented a new direction for Google, emphasizing premium hardware, a top-tier camera, and deep software integration. While it was a departure from the more affordable Nexus line, it showcased Google’s vision for Android and set the foundation for future Pixel devices. The phone was generally well-received, especially for its camera and software experience, though it had its share of criticisms and challenges.