2023 was a strong yr for Google because it expanded its ecosystem of cellular units. The Pixel 8 sequence introduced some key upgrades that helped proceed Google’s ascension within the premium smartphone market. Pixel Fold marked Google’s first foray into the foldable world whereas the Pixel Pill was the ultimate piece in Google’s cellular ecosystem.
It wasn’t all clean crusing for Google although so let’s have a look at each the positives and negatives from the previous 12 months.
Winner: Pixel 8 sequence
The Pixel 8 duo are Google’s best flagships to this point. Each telephones acquired some notable {hardware} upgrades like brighter shows with slimmer bezels, new Tensor G3 chips and up to date ultrawide lenses. The signature Pixel design was barely revised with the visor on the 8 Professional now housing all three cameras and each telephones did obtain a bump in battery capability although their endurance continues to be behind that of Samsung and Apple flagships.
Pixel 8 lastly acquired a 120Hz refresh charge and the added temperature sensor on the 8 Professional is a pleasant social gathering trick however two issues separate Pixel from nearly another Android cellphone – cameras and software program.
The Pixel digital camera expertise is arguably the killer characteristic right here and it acquired higher in each {hardware} and software program with the brand new ultrawide cameras and expanded AI options like Finest Take, Magic Editor and Photograph Unblur. The AI capabilities additionally expanded to the software program facet with the brand new generative AI wallpaper creation software in addition to Pixel staples like name screening, real-time translation, and voice-to-text dictation.
One other key addition with the Pixel 8 sequence is their assured 7 years of spare components and software program updates which might set a brand new benchmark for smartphone help. Extra on that later.
The Pixel 8 and eight Professional tick numerous the fitting containers for a flagship machine. We hope Google will cease limiting its software program options outdoors its core markets and increase to extra areas within the coming yr.
Winner: Longer software program and {hardware} help
Backing up your new units with longer software program and {hardware} help is one approach to stand out although that is now required by regulation in Google’s residence state of California. With the launch of its Pixel 8 units, Google formally expanded its software program help to 7 years. Meaning Pixel 8 and eight Professional might be eligible for as much as 7 Android OS updates – that’s Android 21 or no matter it finally ends up being referred to as in 2030.
It is a main win for shoppers around the globe and we are able to solely hope extra Android OEMs will observe an analogous method with their upcoming flagships. The one disadvantage is that older Pixels gained’t get the identical 7-year promise for the reason that new software program help is for units operating the Tensor G3 chip.
The proper-to-repair motion additionally led Google to vow 7 years of spare components availability for its newest flagships. This deserves reward, particularly since extra customers are sticking to their telephones for longer they usually can now accomplish that figuring out repairs might be available.
Loser: Tensor G3
Regardless of all the hassle Google places into its customized Tensor chips, they’ve traditionally fared worse in efficiency and energy effectivity in comparison with their flagship Qualcomm and Apple counterparts. Whereas the Tensor G3 is Google’s greatest chip but, it nonetheless falls behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Apple A16 chips from final yr and that distinction is barely extra noticeable with the newer crop of competing SoCs.
Because it stands, Tensor G3 is the Achilles’ heel on the Pixel 8 sequence with sustained CPU and GPU checks present throttling in mere minutes and performing even worse than earlier generations Tensor chips. Hopefully, Google will treatment its errors with the Tensor G4.
Winner: Pixel Fold
After years of ready, Google lastly delivered its first foldable cellphone in 2023 with the uninspiringly named Pixel Fold. The machine not solely licensed Google’s dedication to the way forward for foldables however it additionally confirmed how one ought to look from the Android maker’s personal perspective.
Pixel Fold is without doubt one of the most stunning telephones to launch previously yr bringing that signature Pixel design to a compact “book-type” folding cellphone. Regardless of its 5.8-inch diagonal, the broad cowl display makes typing and navigating the UI that a lot simpler when it is folded whereas its 7.6-inch most important display leaves loads of room for multitasking and media consumption.
The trio of cameras on the again is probably not on the extent of the Pixel 8 Professional or its predecessor however you continue to get three significant lenses with a large, ultrawide and 5x telephoto. You additionally get the clear Google software program expertise with particular optimizations for the foldable type issue and the promise of being first in line for main Android OS updates.
Pixel Fold It does include the older Google Tensor G2 chipset which will be thought of a significant disadvantage and that steep price ticket is one other massive deterrent. Nonetheless, we now have to offer credit score to Google for a fantastic first chapter into its foldable cellphone journey.
Loser: Pixel Watch 2 charging state of affairs
Pixel Watch 2 is a notable enchancment over its predecessor with a sooner chipset and improved battery endurance however Google determined to go for a wholly new charging resolution making older chargers non-compatible.
Google opted for a brand new pogo-pin charger for the Pixel Watch 2 which whereas shared with Fitbit units continues to be as proprietary because it will get. Proprietary charging options are fairly widespread within the smartwatch and smartband market however not providing help for the widespread Qi wi-fi normal is an enormous disappointment in our eyes once we know that smartwatches from different manufacturers can simply high up their batteries with Qi wi-fi chargers.
