It was an excellent yr for Google, however particularly for its cellular division. The jury’s nonetheless out on whether or not {hardware} gross sales will match the standard of its newest telephones however in all instances the telephones we noticed from Google in 2021 deserve respect.
Winner: Tensor
Google’s custom-developed chip Tensor might be the corporate’s greatest win. It permits developments in machine studying and computational pictures that Google would not have been capable of obtain through the use of an off-the-shelf Qualcomm chip.
The processor has two Cortex-X1 cores, as an alternative of the same old one, which suggests the Tensor is a lot highly effective.
Largest of all, the TPU (Tensor Processing Unit, after which the entire chip is known as) has a machine studying engine that’s constructed for “the place ML engines are heading, not the place they’re immediately.” This part of the Tensor chip handles new digicam options, together with the brand new HDRnet algorithm for capturing video and an up to date language mannequin utilized by Google Assistant that allows improved translation pace and accuracy.
This mannequin additionally permits the brand new Stay Translate options constructed into Pixel 6 and 6 Professional. There’s additionally a “Context Hub” which handles background duties or “ambient experiences” just like the always-on show and Now Enjoying options with out draining energy.
However most significantly, Tensor is one other differentiator for the Pixel line of telephones, like Android 12, which makes them stand out among the many Galaxies, iPhones, Redmies, and Realmies of the world.
Winner: Pixel 6
The €599 Pixel 6 is likely one of the best telephone suggestions in 2021 (even simpler throughout its pre-order when bundled with free premium headphones). It is outfitted with the Tensor chip, has the brand new 50MP Samsung-made digicam, the brand new Pixel design, wi-fi charging, IP68 ingredient safety, and the next refresh charge show – 90Hz.
That foremost digicam particularly proved an excellent performer in our evaluation – day or evening, shifting the Pixel firmly again within the excessive echelon of cameraphones.
A bit smaller at 6.4-inch (although at 207g it is not actually small), the Pixel 6 additionally has a say within the ‘extra compact telephone’ dialog.
And, the Pixel 6 provided nice battery life as effectively.
Winner: Pixel 6 Professional
The Pixel 6 Professional added an even bigger show and battery, greater refresh charge – 120Hz vs 90Hz – and a 4x periscope zoom.
It is also so much cheaper than direct rivals from Samsung and Apple, which was additional exasperated throughout the Pixel 6 Professional’s pre-order interval when it was bundled with free headphones.
Nevertheless, many individuals would possible forgo the €200 premium and go for the shut Pixel 6 as an alternative, however that is nonetheless a win for Google.
Winner: Android 12
Android 12 rolled out to the Pixel line in early October and it introduced a whole lot of enhancements – the brand new theming system, the brand new Materials You design language, new widgets, the higher efficiency, and a complete new concentrate on foldables.
Google’s imaginative and prescient for Android 12 is colourful, easy, and effectively thought out. However it should look nothing prefer it once you get it in your Samsung, Motorola, or OnePlus. Every maker has its personal type and out of doors of some new widgets, or the choice to match the accent shade to the wallpaper, little of what the Pixel’s Android 12 seems to be like will make it to any non-Pixel telephone.
Winner: Pixel 5a 5G
The Pixel A line of telephones is normally well-received within the markets it sells. Particularly within the US, the place on the time of writing the Pixel 5a 5G is at a decrease $399 worth. For that, you get an excellent retail package deal with an 18W charger, USB-C cable, and a USB-A to USB-C adapter, wonderful battery life, stable picture high quality, and water resistance. To not point out a spot within the first line of software program updates.
Until you have acquired a greater deal on a Samsung Galaxy A telephone, or dwell in a spot the place Redmi and Realme promote telephones, the Pixel 5a 5G is hard to beat.
Winner: Pixel Buds-A
The Pixel Buds-A are simply €99/$99, which supplies them a leg up on rivals from Apple and Samsung. They sound nice and have ample, if not awe-inspiring endurance.
Paired with a Google telephone the Pixel Buds-A supply tighter integration, like hands-free Assistant entry, real-time translations, notifications learn in your ears, or real-time navigation.
Loser: Pixel Fold
Google was confirmed to be engaged on a foldable telephone. It was supposed to point out how Android 12 works on the shape issue and to have a giant, probably 7.6-inch, inside show, a hideaway selfie digicam, and naturally – good cameras and Tensor.
Pixel Fold mock-up
However Google reportedly determined in opposition to releasing the Pixel Fold, as a result of it did not suppose the telephone can be aggressive. Unhappy.
