From iPhone to Pixel 8 Pro: A 10-Year Comparison

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Switching from Android to iPhone
3. Contemplating between Pixel and Samsung Galaxy
4. First Impressions of the Pixel
5. Design and Build Quality
6. Display and Brightness
7. Color Profiles and Display Preferences
8. Always-on Display and Fingerprint Scanner
9. Face ID and Biometric Authentication
10. Summarized Feature and Initial Issues
11. Camera Performance
12. Haptics and Tactile Experience
13. Performance and Tensor G3 Chip
14. Battery Life and Potential Downgrade
15. Google Ecosystem Integration
16. Built-in VPN Feature
17. Final Thoughts and Comparison with iPhone
18. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Ten years ago, I was a devoted Android user until I made the switch to the iPhone 5s in 2013. Now, after a decade, I find myself back in the realm of Android. As a tech enthusiast and content creator, I feel the need to familiarize myself with both iOS and Android to provide a well-rounded perspective on devices. Recently, I had to make a decision between the Google Pixel and the Samsung Galaxy. In this article, I will share my first impressions of the Pixel and talk about my experience using it as someone who has been using an iPhone for the past few years.

Switching from Android to iPhone

When I initially switched from Android to the iPhone, the transition felt refreshing. The iPhone offered a sleek design and a user-friendly interface. However, as I immersed myself deeper into the Google ecosystem for work and personal use, I realized the convenience and integration that Android devices provided. Thus, I decided to explore the world of Android once again.

Contemplating between Pixel and Samsung Galaxy

As I pondered over my options, I narrowed down my choices to the Google Pixel and the Samsung Galaxy. Both devices had their own strengths and weaknesses, but I ultimately chose the Pixel due to its latest release and my desire to have a firsthand experience with the newest technology. Additionally, I didn't want to invest in the Samsung Galaxy S23, only to have the S24 announced shortly after.

First Impressions of the Pixel

Upon unboxing the Pixel and holding it in my hands, I was immediately struck by its stunning design. The visor-like appearance gave it a futuristic aesthetic, reminiscent of helmets worn by characters in science fiction movies. The rounded back of the phone added to its overall appeal and made it comfortable to hold. Although the phone feels slightly top-heavy, it doesn't pose any significant issues for me. In fact, I appreciate the lighter weight compared to my Current iPhone, which can feel cumbersome at times.

Design and Build Quality

The Google Pixel exudes a flagship-level quality, except for one minor flaw that I discovered early on. There seems to be a rattling sound coming from the device, which I initially attributed to the volume rocker. However, even when I hold the phone tightly, the rattling persists. While this isn't a deal breaker for me, it is somewhat disappointing to encounter such an issue on a phone with a premium price tag.

Display and Brightness

The Pixel boasts a Super ACTA display, as Google dubs it, which offers exceptional brightness and vibrant colors. I rarely find the need to use the display at full brightness, as it tends to be overly intense for my preference. However, one feature that I particularly appreciate is the extra dim option, which allows me to dim the screen beyond its default settings. This is especially useful when using the phone in low-light conditions, as it prevents any discomfort caused by excessive brightness. Upon exploring the display settings, I found two options for color profiles – natural and Vivid. While some may prefer the more desaturated look of the natural profile, I personally lean towards the vivid profile for its vibrant and captivating visuals.

Always-on Display and Fingerprint Scanner

The always-on display feature, coupled with the fingerprint scanner, has proven to be quite convenient in my day-to-day usage. Unlike previous phones where I had little use for the always-on display, the Pixel's fingerprint scanner placement makes it a more practical feature. With the always-on display enabled, the fingerprint scanner is always ready for use, and the visual indicator helps in accurately placing my finger for quick and seamless unlocking. Although the face unlock feature works well, I find myself relying more on the fingerprint scanner due to the enhanced convenience provided by the always-on display.

Summarized Feature and Initial Issues

One of the notable features enabled by Google Assistant is the summarized feature, which I was eager to try out. However, I initially faced difficulties in utilizing this feature as it kept throwing an error message stating that it wasn't available on my phone. I carried out various troubleshooting steps, including updating the Android OS and checking for any Relevant updates, but the issue persisted. After further investigation, I discovered that enabling the magic editor feature seemed to resolve the problem. Although this may seem unrelated, it appeared to be the key to enabling the summarized feature. With that hurdle overcome, I have now been able to enjoy the convenience of having articles and online content summarized, allowing me to quickly grasp key points without needing to Read lengthy Texts.

Camera Performance

The camera performance of the Pixel is undoubtedly impressive. Although the photos may appear slightly processed due to Google's reliance on AI, the results are visually appealing. The colors are vivid, and the exposure consistently adapts to capture faces accurately. One interesting aspect is the audio eraser feature, which effectively removes background noise such as wind during video recordings. While I initially assumed it would simply detect and remove any noise that wasn't my voice, it provides separate sliders to adjust the removal of wind, voice, and other forms of noise. I have yet to test its effectiveness thoroughly, but the initial results are promising.

Haptics and Tactile Experience

The haptics on the Pixel provide a strong tactile experience. As soon as I started using the phone, I noticed the powerful vibrations, which are particularly noticeable during screen recording or when receiving notifications. While this adds to the overall premium feel of the phone, I did find the intensity slightly overwhelming when typing on the keyboard. Fortunately, there is an option to adjust the haptic feedback, but I wish it allowed for a slightly lower intensity specifically for keyboard typing. It may take some time to get accustomed to this level of haptic feedback, but I will Continue to evaluate its impact in my review.

Performance and Tensor G3 Chip

The performance of the Pixel, powered by the Tensor G3 chip, has been more than sufficient for my needs. Although the benchmarks may not match up with some competing devices, I find that the overall performance is satisfactory in most situations. However, I did encounter moments where the AI features, such as the magic editor, felt slightly sluggish. This could be attributed to the high level of processing power required for such features. Tasks like selecting and removing objects from photos or shooting high-resolution RAW images with simultaneous RAW and JPEG capture sometimes experience noticeable delays. While this is understandable, I do believe there is room for improvement in terms of optimizing performance for these specific scenarios.

Battery Life and Potential Downgrade

The battery life on the Pixel has been commendable, easily lasting me throughout the day. However, considering the availability of the more affordable Pixel 8 without the pro features, I might consider downgrading to that model. The Pixel 8 offers a smaller display and battery, as well as excludes the temperature sensor. While these compromises may seem significant, they make the Pixel 8 an appealing option, especially when considering the price difference. As I continue to test the battery life and evaluate my usage Patterns, I will make a final decision on whether the pro features outweigh the benefits of the Pixel 8.

Google Ecosystem Integration

Using the Pixel has made me realize the extent to which I am deeply entrenched in the Google ecosystem. With pre-installed apps and seamless integration across devices, the transition has been incredibly smooth. The ability to access my documents, photos, and files seamlessly across my computer and phone is invaluable. It's clear that Google has prioritized the user experience and aims to provide a Cohesive ecosystem that simplifies daily tasks and enhances productivity. This comprehensive integration further solidifies my inclination towards choosing the Pixel over the Samsung Galaxy.

Built-in VPN Feature

One notable feature of the Pixel is the built-in VPN, which is accessible through the Google One app. This convenient addition eliminates the need for third-party VPN apps and allows users to toggle the VPN on and off directly from the Google One app. While I am unsure if this feature is exclusive to Google One subscribers, having a VPN readily available within the device is a welcome addition, especially in today's digital landscape.

Final Thoughts and Comparison with iPhone

In conclusion, my experience with the Google Pixel has been largely positive. While I don't see myself completely abandoning the iPhone ecosystem due to factors like FaceTime and family connections, the Pixel has made a compelling case for itself. The design, display, camera capabilities, and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem have impressed me. As I continue to explore and evaluate the Pixel's features and performance, I will provide an in-depth review outlining its strengths and weaknesses compared to the iPhone.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel offers a strong contender in the Android realm. Its sleek design, impressive camera performance, notable features, and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem make it an appealing choice for tech enthusiasts and users seeking an alternative to iOS devices. While it may not be perfect, the Pixel showcases the advancements in Android technology and provides an excellent user experience. As I Delve deeper into my Journey with the Pixel, I look forward to sharing my comprehensive review, which will delve into even greater Detail about its capabilities and functionalities. Stay tuned!