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Google Pixel 8 Pro display deep dive: Brain finally meets brawn
What happens when Google uses premium components?
The Pixel lineup has developed a mixed reputation over its lifetime. On the one hand, Google often pushes the needle for what smartphones can do, creating unique solutions to complex problems a lot of people might have. These include things like Call Screening to combat spam calls, Now Playing to identify songs around you, or the new Best Take camera feature, which can swap out faces in a photo with a more appealing one. Google also leverages its software talent to try to make the most out of the components used in its phones, often punching above its weight against competitors, which might use similar parts.
Google Pixel 8 Pro performance test: A good step forward for Tensor
It still falls behind this current generation, however
Google's Tensor chipsets have been the subject of controversy in the past. The first Tensor was power-hungry, thermally inefficient, and overall just a sub-par chip that immediately felt dated to many when it launched. Tensor G2 was a minor improvement, all things considered, but it did go a long way to fix some of those problems. Now, Tensor G3 is here, along with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and it's more than just an iterative change.
Google Pixel 8 review: The best base model flagship of them all
The Pixel 8 brings a new chip with some very capable AI prowess, but the rest of the package is also polished and near Pro level
Of the big three flagship phone series, the Google Pixel line enjoys the most parity, meaning the gap between the base model and Pro Pixels isn't too drastic. That's not the case with Apple, which gives Pro iPhones newer silicon and more premium build material. Samsung, too, gives the Ultra better main and zoom cameras as well as a stylus. But the Pixels? There really hasn't been much that separates the Pixel Pro from the standard version other than screen size and a zoom lens. This is great news for Pixel fans who want to save a bit of money because they don't have to feel like they're getting a significantly inferior device.
Google Pixel Watch 2 review: Second time's the charm
The Google Pixel Watch 2 fixes the glaring flaws of the first watch and keeps what worked. The price is still perhaps too high, though
The original Google Pixel Watch was an ambitious wearable that aimed to fix Google's previously broken Wear OS ecosystem while also being Android's answer to the Apple Watch. For a first attempt, the watch was a hit-and-miss affair. It had a sleek design, unique shape, and the ability to receive and respond to text messages directly, the latter of which many third-party Android smartwatches fail at. But battery life was objectively terrible, the Exynos chip was slow, and Fitbit integration got in the way more than it helped.
Google Pixel 8 Pro review: A giant leap for smartphone AI
The Google Pixel 8 Pro's generative AI capabilities are legit, and I can't put the phone down
It is beyond cliché at this point to say the appeal of a Google Pixel phone, and what separates it from other best phones on the market, is its software. But it's true more than ever this year. I don't think any single hardware component of the Google Pixel 8 Pro can be called the best or even top three in its category. The iPhone 15 Pro phones have thinner display bezels; Chinese Android flagship phones bring higher-tier camera hardware; Samsung's speakers and haptics are superior; and the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is likely going to beat the Tensor G3 in every conventional benchmark. I don't even think the Pixel 8 Pro produces noticeably better images than the Pixel 7 Pro cameras.
Google Pixel Fold review: An impressive first attempt
Google's introduction into the foldable world is here, and it's almost everything I could've hoped for.
The Google Pixel Fold, perhaps the most anticipated piece of hardware from Google in a long time, is finally here. While the recently released Pixel Tablet has been another device that's garnered a fair bit of excitement, it's this foldable that's gotten tech fans in a frenzy. Sure, folding a functioning display in half is really cool, but it's also the first in this growing category from Google, with the hope it would bring fan-favorite software, a different shape, and Pixel's photography prowess into the space.
Peak Design Everyday Case for Pixel 7a review: A case meant for accessories
Peak Design's Everyday Case for the Google Pixel 7a is only great if you plan to use it with the company's other accessories.
While most case manufacturers usually try to provide appeal in the form of looks or protection with their products, Peak Design has gone with a different approach. It's been creating cases that look good and provide solid protection, with a slim, sleek form factor, but each case also features an inset square that is used to offer compatibility with other Peak Design accessories, like charging stands, mounts, and wallets. The company's Everyday Case for the Google Pixel 7a is no different.
Google Pixel Tablet review: The best Android tablet experience ever
Google finally optimized Android for widescreen devices, which is great for the future of Android tablets.
Apple products are quite successful in all their respective product categories, but the most dominant Apple product is probably the iPad. Ever since its introduction in 2010, the iPad has led the global tablet market share, sometimes accounting for half of all tablets sold worldwide. Android tablets never could catch up in sales or mainstream recognition despite attempts by just about every major Android phone manufacturer. Google too tried its hand at the tablet very early in the game with a series of Nexus tablets, but they were budget offerings that lacked polish.
Hands on: The Google Pixel Tablet is what the Android ecosystem needs
The most exciting part of the Google Pixel Tablet is what it means for Android
Over the last year, Google has been expanding its Pixel lineup in some big ways. After six generations of just making smartphones, it introduced the Pixel Watch and teased the Pixel Tablet last fall. At Google I/O, the Pixel Tablet officially launched, along with the Pixel Fold.
It's a device that's been rumored for a long time now, and frankly, the Google Pixel Fold is a device that we were all hoping would be good. After all, we've seen four generations of Samsung foldables now, along with plenty of competitors in other markets. With the Pixel Fold launching at I/O and OnePlus poised to launch a foldable in Q3, the US is finally about to get some choice when it comes to foldable smartphones.
Google Pixel 7a review: The best midrange phone with flagship-level features
The $499 Pixel 7a looks, feels, and performs just like the Pixel 7, which just six months ago was a highly-rated flagship phone.
There used to be a clear line separating the flagship Pixel series from the mid-range A phones. The former would be powered by the best Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, while the latter would settle for a lower-tier Snapdragon silicon. But that line blurred with the Pixel 6 series when Google began using its own silicon and gave the subsequent 6a series access to the same chip.
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra camera test: The two best camera phones (in North America)
The Google Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are the two most high-profile Android in North America, and they also have the two best cameras
If you're in the market for a new flagship phone and camera performance is an important factor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 7 Pro are probably the two best options to consider (unless you live in China, in which case there are other major contenders). While the iPhone 14 Pro is still the video recording king, its still photography lags behind both of these Android flagships. The Pixel 7 Pro and S23 Ultra pack main cameras with larger sensors, more pixels, and zoom lenses with superior periscope technology compared to the iPhone. But which one of these has the better camera? If you're looking for a complete comparison between these two phones, we have one too.
Google Pixel 7 display review: Tempering expectations
At its price point, can the OLED of Google's base offering compete with those of other companies?
Launching at $599, the Pixel 7 is Google's base offering that's seated between the company's flagship and budget phones. It's still one of the most bang-for-your-buck phones in 2022 thanks to having the same excellent main camera sensor and processing as the Pro model. If you want a competitive point-and-shoot camera with Google's software experience, the Pixel 7 is a great choice.
Google Pixel 7 Pro display review: The Android state of color
It's known for its software smarts, can Google's hardware let its screens stand up against the competition?
Beyond reading the blurbs of "higher peak brightness!" every year, people often wonder if there are any other tangible improvements in yearly display upgrades. Besides, if other outlets are reporting color reproductive claims that are "indistinguishable from perfect," what more can they really improve upon?
Google Pixel 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: The most heated Android flagship battle of 2022
If you want a new Android flagship phone, the Galaxy S22 Ultra or Pixel 7 Pro are near the top of your lists -- but which phone is better?
The Google Pixel is in an interesting spot. It is technically the default Android phone because it is made by Google, but because Samsung has been making phones for so much longer, and has such a wider global reach, it is instead Galaxy phones that are considered the default Android phone in the eyes of many casual consumers. And so, every time a new Android flagship comes out, it has to be compared to the latest Samsung flagship.
Google Pixel 7 Pro review: Google finally delivers a true Android flagship that just works
The Pixel 7 Pro arrives with a new custom processor, improved cameras, and more to lead Google's smartphone efforts.
If you remember the mayhem caused by the Google Pixel 6 Pro from last year, then you'll also recall how simply divisive it was. Many Pixel fans will attempt to rewrite history and state that it was the best thing since sliced bread, but it was anything but. It was a good smartphone with a lot of problems, and in the case of the Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google has attempted to right a lot of those wrongs by approaching the same recipe with alternative ingredients.
Google Pixel 7 review: Pixel hardware finally gets great enough to match best-in-class software
The Google Pixel 7 finishes what the Pixel 6 started. It's a refined, intelligent smartphone that shows off Google's vision. Read our review!
Ever since its birth in 2016, the Google Pixel series has offered excellent software performance but subpar hardware. The original Pixel had a hilariously thick chin bezel that served no purpose (it didn't house any buttons or sensors); the second Pixel had display quality issues; the third Pixel had that hideous notch on the XL; the fourth Pixel replaced that notch with a bulky bezel housing a 3D facial scanning system that didn't always work; and the Pixel 5 neither used a flagship processor nor premium build materials. Winds of changes arrived with the Pixel 6, the first Pixel phone to offer beautiful hardware to match the industry-best software. But even then, there were still hardware quirks, including a display that didn't get bright enough and an in-display fingerprint scanner that was frustratingly slow.
Google Pixel Watch review: An overpriced beauty that's half Wear OS, half Fitbit
The Google Pixel Watch looks good, feels good, but costs a lot for what you get. It's half Fitbit, half Wear OS, but not great at either.
Google has been long rumored to be working on a Pixel Watch -- for years, in fact. It took a long time for it to eventually come to fruition, and with it comes a lot of Google's trademark software smarts. While the watch itself has been shrouded in controversy thanks to perceived large bezels, a high price tag, and a poor battery life, I've found that Google has still nailed the fundamentals of a decent smartwatch. It's very much a "first-gen" product, but that was to be expected.
Google Pixel 7 Pro camera review: Top-tier camera flagship that improves upon the Pixel 6 series
The Google Pixel 7 Pro has a stellar camera system, though everyone knew that it would. Just how good is it, though? Check out our review.
Google's Pixel 7 series arrived to much fanfare. With promises of improvements in the form of Tensor G2 and more software features than ever, the company has very likely released its best flagship smartphone yet. While we haven't had a lot of time with the Google Pixel 7 Pro just yet (and so, our full review will be coming at a later date), we've prioritized using the camera to get a feel for how things may (or may not) have improved.
Google Pixel Watch hands-on: It looks so much better in person
The Google Pixel Watch is a stunning smartwatch that is hard to believe as a first-generation product. Here are our early thoughts!
Alongside the Google Pixel 7 series, Google also introduced its first-ever smartwatch -- the Google Pixel Watch. It's been shrouded in controversy ever since its first unveiling thanks to rumors of outdated hardware, a large bezel, and potentially poor battery life. We got to play with it at the company's launch event in New York City, and I have to admit that I'm a bit of a believer now.