Pixel phones: 6 enticing reasons to buy a Google smartphone today

Are you looking for a smartphone with Google Photos, Chrome, Gmail and the Drive integration? If so, a Pixel might be a good choice for you. Google offers a few iterations of its Pixel phones, including the Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 4A, and Pixel 5. The latest versions Google smartphones, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, are also coming soon.

Read more: The Pixel 6 is coming, but should you buy a Google Pixel 3, 4 or 5 instead?

The Pixel can take great phones as well. But it’s not just about having a great camera and luxurious hardware – the software and services that a phone is tied to are also important. Let’s go into a few of them.

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Unlimited storage for Google Photos

One of the main reasons to get a Pixel is the unlimited storage in Google Photos. unlike others non-pixel handsets, Pixel phones have no data limit for backing up photos to the cloud. The photos you take on a Pixel will be saved in their original quality, and not automatically compressed to save space. The extent of this benefit varies depending on the pixel you choose: if you can find the first one Pixels phone released in 2016, you should be able to download photos in original quality for the life of the device.

Newer Pixel phones, including newer ones Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G, allow unlimited photo downloads with compressed storage saving quality. Google describes the rules for each Pixel phone on this support page.

Sadly, it looks like the Pixel 2020 phones will likely be the last to get unlimited storage. Google doesn’t plan to extend this benefit to the next wave of Pixel phones, according to multiple reports from The Verge and Tom’s Guide, among others.

No bloatware, ever

The threat of unwanted apps, services and often redundant software features continues to plague most Android phones subsidized by US mobile carriers. This is not the case with Google Pixel handsets. What you get is the pristine Android operating system as Google originally designed it, not obscured by weird skins, proprietary overlays, or weird user interfaces.

New updates of the Android operating system

Along with unlimited photo storage, Google is committed to making updating its Pixel phones a priority. Whenever a new version of the Android operating system or a new security patch is rolled out, it will arrive on Pixels first. This includes new features that are separate from full operating system updates. And for the real adventurers, the Pixels also have early versions on the beta versions of Android.

Google Fi is always an option

While not a massive force in the wireless carrier market, it does offer its own cellular service for mobile devices. Called Google fi (not to be confused with Google fiber), this MVNO-style system offers pay-per-view data plans. It also uses technology that enables seamless switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks during voice calls.

All Pixel phones come in versions specifically designed to run on Google Fi. These phones are also unlocked so that you can transfer them to another carrier if you wish. Things get a bit tricky, however, when choosing a 5G Pixel like the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G. Google sells three varieties of each: Verizon, Google Fi (unlocked) and unlocked (no 5G). These handsets will work on all major US carriers. That said, not all of them are compatible with every carrier’s 5G network.

Crush this spam

If you are constantly assaulted by a deluge of unwanted scams or shady marketing calls, then you will find this Pixel feature compelling. The Pixel Call Screen feature in the phone app works with Google Assistant to prevent robocalls from reaching you. Together, they can either prevent unknown callers from ringing your phone or filter calls for you in real time.

A good phone deal

Right now, one of our favorite phones on the market is the $ 499 Pixel 4A 5G. Compatible with 5G cellular networks, this handset comes with an excellent ultra-wide camera, as well as a large OLED display. It also enjoys strong software support from Google and the promise of timely updates for up to three years. And at $ 200 less than the Pixel 5’s price tag at $ 699, it’s a really tempting alternative.