Google’s Pixel phones have a lot to offer.
Juan Garzon / CNET
Are you looking for a smartphone with Google Photos, Chrome, Gmail and the integration of Google Drive? If so, a Pixel might be a good choice for you. Google offers many iterations of its Pixel phones, including the Pixel 4A and Pixel 5, and now the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro who come with the company Internal Tensor Chip.
Pixels phones are known to take great photos. But it’s not just about having a great camera and luxurious hardware – the software and services that a phone is tied to are also important. Let’s go into a few of them.
Read more: CNET Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Comments
Unlimited storage for Google Photos
One of the main reasons to get a Pixel is the unlimited storage in Google Photos. unlike others non-pixel handsets, Pixel phones have no data cap to save photos to the cloud. The photos you take on a Pixel will be saved in their original quality, and not automatically compressed to save space. The extent of this benefit varies depending on the pixel you choose: if you can find the first one Pixels phone released in 2016, you should be able to download photos in original quality for the life of the device.
Read more: Google Pixel 6 vs 6 Pro vs Pixel 5 vs 5A
Pixel phones will benefit from unlimited storage on Google Photos. Other handsets will not.
Sarah Tew / CNET
Later Pixel phones, such as the newer ones Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G, allow unlimited photo downloads with compressed storage saving quality. Google describes the rules for each Pixel phone on this support page.
Sadly, it looks like the Pixel 2020 phones will likely be the last to get unlimited storage. Google doesn’t plan to extend this benefit to the next wave of Pixel phones, according to multiple reports from The edge and Tom’s Guide, among others.
Read more: What is Pixel Pass?
No bloatware, ever
The threat of unwanted apps, services and often redundant software features continues to plague most Android phones subsidized by US mobile carriers. This is not the case with Google Pixel handsets. What you get is the pristine Android operating system as Google originally designed it, not obscured by weird skins, proprietary overlays, or weird user interfaces.
Pixel phones have access to beta software like new versions and features of the operating system.
Google
New updates of the Android operating system
Along with unlimited photo storage, Google is committed to making updating its Pixel phones a priority. Whenever a new version of the Android operating system or a new security patch is rolled out, it will arrive on Pixels first. This includes new features that are separate from full updates to the operating system. And for real adventurers, Pixels have the first Android beta versions also.
All Pixel phones are available in Google Fi cellular network versions.
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Google Fi is always an option
While not a massive force in the wireless carrier market, Google does offer its own cellular service for mobile devices. Called Google fi (not to be confused with Google fiber), this MVNO Style system offers pay-per-view data plans. It also uses technology that enables seamless switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks during voice calls.
All Pixel phones come in versions specifically designed to run on Google Fi. These phones are also unlocked, so you can transfer them to another carrier if you want. For example, the Pixel 5A is available in unlocked and Google Fi (also unlocked) versions.
Things get complicated when you choose a Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, however. Google sells three varieties of each: Verizon, Google Fi (unlocked) and unlocked (no specific carrier). Models without a specified carrier will work on all major U.S. carrier networks. That said, they not all fully compatible with the 5G network of each operator.
Crush this spam
If you are constantly assaulted by a deluge of spam scams or shady marketing calls, then you will find this Pixel feature compelling. the Pixel call screen function in the phone app works with Google Assistant to prevent robocalls from reaching you. Together, they can prevent unknown callers from ringing your phone or filter calls for you in real time.
A good phone deal
Right now one of our favorite phones on the market is the $ 399 Pixel 5A. Compatible with 5G cellular networks, this budget handset has a great ultra-wide camera and a large OLED display. It also enjoys strong software support from Google and the promise of timely updates for up to three years. And at $ 500 less than the price of the $ 899 Pixel 6 Pro, or $ 200 less than the $ 599 Pixel 6, it’s a tempting alternative.
