Now that the Google Pixel phone is out there and available for purchasing, the main question here is whether the phone is worth the switch from Apple iPhone to the pure Android device.
The latest Apple smartphone is the iPhone 7 and in order to answer the above question, we are looking at how the new Google Pixel phone really compares to the iPhone 7. There will always be that iOS vs Android debate, but one thing for sure is that these two platforms are much more mature than they were half a decade ago.
Some will be put off with the Google Pixel price tag of $649, but this is actually what Apple values the iPhone 7 at. The question is does it really match its price tag and category as well?
Here are some of the features that the Google Pixel phone has and remain a dream for iPhone 7 users.
Unlimited cloud storage
Google Pixel users can enjoy unlimited cloud storage for their photos and videos without altering their original quality. As for Apple iPhone 7, the storage capacity is capped at 5GB. One would argue that the iPhone 7 offers a 256GB storage option, but still, this will ask for $849. In comparison, the premium 128GB variant of the Google Pixel is priced at $749.
VR support
The Google Pixel comes baked with support for the company’s Daydream VR. Apple has not made its intentions in the VR world clear, but it seems the company could take the AR direction, basing on recent comments made by CEO Tim Cook.
Great camera
The Google Pixel comes with a 12.3MP snapper at the back. According to industry experts DxOMark, this sensor has a rating of 89, which is the best ever for a smartphone. While Apple made some improvements on the size of the 12MP snapper on the back of the iPhone 7, it will struggle to match what Google has to offer. Perhaps where Apple wins the game is on the iPhone 7 Plus, where you get a dual-lens camera setup that also packs some cool tricks.
Bigger battery
The Google Pixel has a 2770mAh battery capacity. When compared to the 1960mAh used on the iPhone 7, the Pixel phone promises a longer battery life than the Apple phone. The story is the same when it comes to the larger models, with the Pixel XL getting a 3450mAh battery as compared to the 2900mAh unit on the iPhone 7 Plus.
Fast charging
Apple once again failed to pack the iPhone 7 with fast charging technology, but this is something Google could not miss to include on the Pixel. The Android world embraces it and so does Google. With just 15 minutes of charging, you will still be using your Google Pixel 7 hours later.
Google Assistant
Even though Apple has Siri, the new Google Assistant simply rocks. The Assistant is baked into the OS and device, allowing users to summon it regardless of the screen they are on. In fact, GSMArena has been quick to point out that the Google Assistant is far much ahead of the likes of Siri and Cortana.
Roomy display
The Google Pixel has a 5-inch 1080p AMOLED screen that promises quality views, even for watching movies and other videos. The iPhone 7, on the other hand, is slightly smaller at 4.7 inches, offering a 750p resolution.
Headphone jack
Unlike Apple and its iPhone 7 models, the Google Pixel kept faith in the 3.5mm headphone jack. You can still use that old pair of headphones on this phone without going through the hassles that iPhone 7 users go through, for instance, using an adapter or converter.
Google Project Fi
Google Project Fi is getting hotter and hotter each passing day. The carrier recently introduced group plans, joining the likes of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile in offering the same services. Google Project Fi charges $20 per month and you get unlimited calling and texting domestically. If you need data, the charges stand at $10 per GB. The coolest part is that in case you don’t use the whole 1GB data in a month, you will be refunded the balance, which can then be used to fund the next subscription.
Despite the many aspects that the Google Pixel beats the iPhone 7, the latter also a few perks of its own. The ever-impressive 3D Touch leads the way. The company also upgraded the Home button such that it is now pressure-sensitive, giving back haptic feedback with actions depending on the amount of pressure exerted. In short, the 3D Touch functionality has somehow found its way to the Home button of the iPhone 7.
Google Pixel comes with IP53 certification for water and dust resistance. This is nowhere near what you get on the iPhone 7, which has IP67 certification.