Google Pixel takes aim at iPhone
Google phones go high end with the introduction of the Pixel and Pixel XL, clearly targeting Apple's iPhone 7 and 7+. Ever since Google acquired Motorola in 2012 right up to its dumping of Motorola to Lenovo in 2014, it was obvious that Google wanted to be a serious player in the mobile world. That deal saw Google retaining a vast majority of patents and finally Google partnered with a struggling HTC to create the Pixel phones with off-the-shelf components, but that won't be the case in the future. In fact, Google intends to build its own custom parts, pushing out suppliers like Qualcomm. They seem to be adopting Apple's own philosophy in reaching this goal. So, is it any good compared to the iPhone? For starters, It has the highest rated smartphone camera. Ever. With an overall DxOMark Mobile score of 89, Pixel, the latest Google smartphone, is the highest-rated smartphone camera we have ever tested. Its image quality scores are impressive across the board, but it is particularly strong in providing a very high level of detail from its 12.3MP camera, with relatively low levels of noise for every tested lighting condition. It also provides accurate exposures with very good contrast and white balance, as well as fast autofocus.The Pixel’s strong scores under a wide range of conditions make it an excellent choice for almost any kind of photography. As with any small-sensor device, results are excellent in conditions with good and uniform lighting. But in addition with a f/2.0 Aperture, images captured indoors and in low light were very good and provide a level of detail unexpected from a smartphone camera. With flash, its auto white balance and detail preservation are excellent, making it suitable for indoor portraits, and even for photographing indoor events as long as there is some additional ambient light to help even out the flash.
What about video? The Pixel racked up excellent results in DxOMark's tests, consistent with other top-scoring smartphones. Autofocus is provided by a combination of laser detection (LDAF) and phase detection (PDAF). The Pixel can also record 4K video at 30fps, and 1080p video at up to 120fps. According to DxOMark, Pixel’s biggest innovation is an enhanced version of Google’s HDR+ multi-image capability. First introduced in some of its Nexus phones, the upgraded version in the Pixel combines several RAW images in near-real time to create one enhanced JPEG image with lower noise and extended dynamic range as the final result.The Pixel activates the Google Camera app’s Auto HDR+ feature as its default camera mode. The Pixel determines whether it needs to use multiple images to get lower noise and better dynamic range, then switches HDR+ on as needed. It also does a good job of detecting rapid motion in the scene, avoiding the ugly artifacts often found in images from other HDR systems. But, the Pixel lacks the iPhone 7 Plus's telephoto lens and future depth-of-field capacity, but is faster and has better optics.. However, both iPhone 7 models pack faster f/1.8 rear lenses than the f/2.0 glass on the Pixel. The Pixel has very few weaknesses when it comes to image quality, but It does suffer from some inconsistency in repeated autofocus, and artifacts can appear in low-light shots as indicated in DxOMark's tests. However, being a native Google devices, Pixel smartphones will have Google Photos built in, making it easier to back up and search for photos. Pixel is the first phone with the Google Assistant built in. Its kinda like Apple's Siri where you can have a natural conversation with Google to find answers or get things done on the go. Say "Ok Google" or touch and hold the Home button and your Assistant is ready to help. Ask it for a brief update on your day or to play a video on YouTube. Look up traffic on the way home from work or where the nearest KFC is.
Google also showed off its new virtual reality headset for mobile devices, Daydream View. The viewer holds a smartphone, while the user has a hand-held remote to control what's happening on screen.The Pixel phones are the first Daydream-ready devices. It will be available in slate, snow and crimson colors, and costs $79 when it launches in November. Daydream will launch with 50 partners and a slew of games. The company is also working with Warner Brothers to bring immersive environments to the device, and the headset will support Netflix, HBO and Hulu.
Goole uses 2.5D Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 on the front display and back glass to accent the aerospace grade aluminum body. The glass on the back also features Pixel Imprint, their fingerprint sensor, which is placed on the back of the phone where your finger expects it. You can even swipe it to access your notifications. And the battery that lasts all day and charges fast is pretty impressive — up to seven hours in 15 minutes as claimed by Google. The Pixel comes in 2 sizes, a 5-inch Pixel ($649) and 5.5-inch Pixel XL ($769). The prices are the same as the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus. The devices, which are available for pre-sale come in three colours: quite black, very silver and really blue (limited edition model). Website: https://madeby.google.com/phone/
