Google sounds a ‘threat bugle’ for phone-makers with its Pixel
Google Price: Rs 57,000 & 67,000 When Google launched artificial intelligence (AI) — powered premium devices Pixel and Pixel XL earlier this month, the message was clear: The device with the personal Google Assistant built right in sounded the threat bugle for Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
The comparison is natural, especially in the absence of another flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which leaves Google and Apple fighting for the premium segment.
Google has been synonymous with innovation. This time, with a brand new Android OS Nougat and Google Assistant, Pixel devices are set to counter Apple's iOS 10 and intelligent assistant Siri.
The aluminum and glassbuilt device looks elegant and fits comfortably in the palm. Unlike Nexus 6P, which had a thin glass strip at the top, Pixel XL's back panel has almost one-third glass covering.
Putting an end to Android users' long wait, the Google Assistant in Pixel XL definitely has an edge over Apple's Siri.
Google Assistant can tell jokes, remember your passwords and even set the alarm for you in a clear voice.
The “Pixel Imprint” fingerprint scanner is located at the back and is extremely responsive. It not only unlocked the device in a split second but also accepted (authorized) half a fingerprint for unlocking.
While lock and volume up/down buttons are on the right of the Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protected AMOLED display, a nano-SIM slot sits at the left bumper of the device. Google has retained Type-C charging port that charged the 3,450 mAh battery in a flat 48 minutes.
The device with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 821 Quad core processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM will get first updates and free unlimited cloud space is not to be missed.
Google has put in a lot of accessories inside the box, including a two-way TypeC port cable ensuring OTG device support. With this cable, one can charge Pixel XL with another phone hav- ing a Type-C port.
The Smartphone runs like a charm on Android Nougat 7.1 — the only device till date to have it. The apps explorer icon is replaced by a pull-up App Drawer which is more convenient.
Pixel's 12.3MP rear camera with f/2.0 has been rated the highest ever 89 DxOMark Mobile score. It is very fast, responsive and has a video stabilizing mode. As expected, the photos in broad daylight were stunning. Even in “very low light conditions” the camera did not disappoint. Under natural light at 7 pm, the photos clicked without flash had clarity and while the photo taken with flash were sharper.As compared to shooting video in normal mode, we noticed a remarkable difference when we shot the same video with “Video Stabilization” on. There were low jerks and no picture distortion. — Sourabh Kulesh