Google Pixel will be officially launched in Malaysia on August 14. The eight-year wait for Google to offer their device since the Nexus was discontinued received an incredible response if the comments left by readers are anything to go by. But is the Pixel really worth buying? This article will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the Pixel device so that readers can make the best choice before buying.
Software Support For 7 Years
As we often say, Samsung and Google are the two companies that offer Android support and security patches for 7 years. With long-term support, there is no need to worry about unpatched security vulnerabilities, you can use the device for a longer period. The investment of buying a flagship device that is definitely sold at a premium price will feel worthwhile because it is guaranteed to be used more sites than other Android devices that are only supported for five years.
Fastest Updates
The updates provided by Google are as fast as Apple. As soon as Android updates are announced, you can download them on the same day. This is a similar experience to the Apple ecosystem. It's common knowledge that if you buy another company's Android phone, the wait for a new Android version will take several months and depends on the market. If you're the impatient type to wait for updates, the Google Pixel is the best choice for you.
The Best In Class Camera
Since the first generation, the camera performance on the Google Pixel is the best. Despite not using the biggest sensor, the latest and with the farthest zoom system, Google's camera system often delivers the best photos. For years Google has been using machine learning (ML) to improve the quality of the images taken. Yes, the picture taken is not the "real" one as taken using a Sony Xperia 1 VI. But the majority of users want the picture taken to look perfect in one shot without having to edit it first.
Lack of Fat Apps and Ads
Continuing the application theme, the Android operating system used is the most lightweight and original. No fat application. No advertising. There are no installed apps that simply take up storage in the newly purchased device. We are quite averse to the bloated apps and advertising inherent in new devices. Like Apple, the Pixel war is holy from third-party apps that are often not needed at all by the owner.
Not the Most Powerful Landmark Device on the Market
For a flagship device, the Google Tensor chip has been confirmed to be no match for the latest Snapdragon or Dimensity chips. Google has said Tensor's focus is on offering high AI capabilities and not the best processing power on the market. Although the Pixel 9 series will use the new Tensor G4, some leaked information shows that it will perform lower than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Dimensity 9300.
Last year Pixel 8 buyers complained that the device got hot when playing games like COD Mobile and Genshin. It raises the question is it worth buying a flagship device with a less powerful chip and not so optimized for gaming? This is the same question as buying a Huawei device which is also sold at a premium price but the processing power is only mid-range.
Basic Android Without Extra Features
After years of using One UI, OxygenOS, ColorOS, MagicOS or any other Android launcher, switching to Pixel with native Android may cause users to notice some missing features such as stylus support, automatic GIF creation and . Each manufacturer adds features that are not present in AOSP. So Pixel buyers will have to relearn how to use Android without the "extra flavors". Some can get used to it, but many later regret it.
Persistent Heating Issues
Tensor chips are not only not the most powerful but also have heating issues that have been reported for generations. When an underpowered chip is forced to run first, it has to work so hard that it heats up. This in turn reduces battery performance. Over the years Pixel has been designed for specific markets that have cold climates. Heating issues are reported to occur during the summer. Can the Pixel be used without this issue in Malaysia which is all year round "summer"? This will be answered in just a few weeks.
Post-Purchase Support Still Lackluster
Post purchase support is very important as we never know when a breakdown may occur. Smartphones are a daily necessity and many customers want replacement services to be done in just one day. The main reason the Pixel isn't sold in Malaysia is that Google doesn't have a customer service center.
During the Google Nexus era, the task of repairing devices in Malaysia was held by the manufacturer. Nexus 6P by Huawei, Nexus S by Samsung and Nexus 4 by LG. Who will repair the Pixel in Malaysia? So far only the major telcos offer pre-orders to customers. Is it under the responsibility of the telco after this? In terms of post-purchase service, it is still sketchy in Malaysia.