Is The Google Pixel Still Lagging Behind OnePlus And Samsung?

Indeed, the first models, Pixel and Pixel XL made a splash when they came out, with unmatched cameras, light software, Android 7.1, and unlimited cloud space for photos and videos at Google Photos. It was a huge success at first, a success that seems to have faded over time. What has happened?

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A Giant Struggling

Despite its initial success, Pixel phones failed to keep up with the competition's prices and specs. In 2019, while the technological part kept improving, Google decided to invest in awkward-looking designs. The Pixel came with bezels of different sizes on top and bottom. The top one was massive, showing that the design team was none the wiser about design taste, even after the nosedive of the previous year.

In 2020, the Pixel 5 showed some clear developments. The design was no longer repulsive, and needless features like radar gave space to more RAM. The battery was also improved to a 4080mAh, reverse charging, fingerprint sensors, and lower prices. The low prices were kept for the 2021 lineup, which was already more competitive than the preceding one.

Google Pixel and Online Games

Pixel phones were first aimed at users who wanted to take many pictures and have limitless space to store them. It doesn't mean that this phone isn't fit for gaming, but there are better options in the market for mobile gaming.

Although Pixel phones and tablets aren't the best for running heavy mobile games, they're still good for playing online games, such as slots and other casino games. You can have a look here at the best free slot games for iPad and Android phones.

'Bathtub Notch'

Pixel's dominance remained in 2017 when they released the cute and powerful 'Panda Pixel'. Officially called Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, the nickname came from the black and white design.

This version also came with Android 8, the most advanced Android system at the time, and a high-quality camera unit equipped with image stabilisation. It also came with increased storage space, 64GB, double that of its predecessor. Then, the Bathtub Notch arrived.

The Pixel 3 lineup became infamous for the design of the XL model. It came with an inexplicably large notch on the screen for no reason whatsoever. The unloved notch rendered the model the nickname 'bathtub notch' and entered the history of smartphones as one of the most hated designs yet.

This is not to say that the new lineup didn't come with improvements, though. It came with Android 9, Snapdragon 845 chip, and an IP68 rating. Still, it failed to deliver decent battery life, and its specs weren't enough for buyers to choose it over other flagship models.

Comparisons

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The new Pixel 7 is more expensive than the OnePlus 10 Pro, though the latter has a few superior features, such as an AMOLED screen, reverse wireless charging, and a front camera of 32MP. Ultimately, the new OnePlus 10 can cost a few hundred bucks less than Google's smartphone.

Compared to Samsung's top model, the Galaxy S22, it's still a bit cheaper. Yet, the new Galaxy has many superior features regarding cameras and processing; the Pixel 7 has more battery life.

There are three cameras on the S22 against only two on the Pixel 7 lineup. The new Galaxy also has a superior screen, with 120Hz, against Pixel's 90Hz. Although Pixel 7 has a slightly larger screen, the S22 has an AMOLED screen, while the Pixel is still OLED. Unsurprisingly, it also comes with a higher price tag, which many users might find worthwhile.

The Next Lineup

Google's brainchild seems to have recovered from the bathtub notch trauma and is back on track with competitiveness. It's true that it's no longer the dominant option for photography lovers and tech crazes in general. However, it still brings some pretty awesome features, like extended battery life, 8GB of RAM, and wireless charging, among other perks.

The next lineup, the Pixel Fold, will be released in 2023, and there are rumours about its specs already. It will probably have an AMOLED screen and a 64 MP Sony camera. Additionally, it will be foldable, as the name suggests. We can expect improved cameras, RAM, and storage capacity, too. Pixel phones have lost their initial edge but seem to be finding their way back to the top shelves; that being said, only time will tell.

Samuel Daniel

Update 20 December 2022