Our verdict

DOES the Pixel offer enough to lure other photographers away from the iPhone? I’d say it does. Apart from the less- effective lens blur feature, the sheer effectiveness of the Pixel’s HDR+ JPEG processing and fast AF, combined with very attractive extras such as unlimited Google Photos storage, make it a formidable rival. It’s a closer run thing with the iPhone 7 Plus, with its dual camera feature, 2x optical zoom and waterproofing, but this also comes at a premium price (there is a larger version of the Pixel, the Pixel XL, but the camera is identical – I suspect the XL will be differentiated more from the standard Pixel when both are upgraded). Google has also made it as easy as possible to transfer data from an iPhone via a supplied cable. I’ve never looked back since changing to the Pixel, and the few interface niggles I’ve mentioned diminish over time. I no longer feel guilty about using a smartphone more than my ‘main’ camera, and while the Pixel is never going to replace a full-frame SLR for my professional wedding or portrait work, I’m very happy to use it for day-to- day photography. Sorry Apple, it’s looking like my new romance will stand the test of time…