Google Pixel telephones are famend for his or her trendy design, cutting-edge efficiency (due to the Tensor chipset), and, in fact, their excellent digital camera high quality. Nonetheless, those that have used non-Pixel Android units could discover that some options they took with no consideration are lacking on the inventory Android.
On this write-up, we’ll discover a few of these options and why they matter for a greater consumer expertise. We can even evaluate how different Android producers implement them and the way Google can enhance its personal software program sooner or later.
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Android Options lacking on Pixel telephones
At all times on Show: Certainly one of my greatest gripes with Pixel telephones is that a lot as they do have always-on show (AOD) it’s restricted to solely displaying the time and notifications. And even that can not be personalized in any method. Come to consider it, there’s nothing referred to as AOD in Pixel telephones (solely a setting to all the time present time and data). I dare say it is a missed alternative, as AOD may be a good way to personalize your telephone and make it extra useful.
Switching cell information: Secondly, switching between cell information networks on Pixel smartphones is a check of persistence. I discover it extremely inconvenient and time-consuming to should rummage by means of the settings each time I need to change cell networks. It’s galling that Google hasn’t carried out a easy fast toggle for this within the notification bar, like different Android telephones have. It kind of seems like Google by no means meant their Pixel telephones to be twin SIM.
Prohibit entry to cell information: Moreover, you may’t limit cell information entry to particular apps. This can be a main situation for me as a result of I like to manage which apps can use my cell information and which of them can solely use Wi-Fi. This helps me save information and keep away from undesirable fees. For instance, I limit cell information entry to apps like Instagram and TikTok in order that I don’t by accident blow by means of my information after I’m on the go. On most different Android telephones, you may simply limit cell information entry for particular person apps within the settings. Nonetheless, on Pixel, you may solely activate or off cell information for all apps without delay.
Display screen Recorder: Pixel telephones lack a local display screen recorder that may seize audio and video from any app. Which means that customers should depend on third-party apps, which may be unreliable and tough to make use of. In the event you’re given to recording your display screen, Pixel received’t have your again, I’m afraid.
Double faucet to sleep: One other characteristic that has grown on me over time is the flexibility to double-tap the display screen to sleep. It’s a easy gesture that’s extremely handy for me. Nonetheless, on Pixel telephones, the one choices you get are to make use of the facility button (which may be fairly loud within the useless of the night time) or watch for the display screen to black out by itself. And don’t inform me to flip my telephone. I really desire it on its again. Most different Android telephones mean you can double-tap the display screen to place it to sleep. I had taken it with no consideration all this whereas solely to get a impolite awakening.
SMS verification code autofill: Now, I’m undecided if it is a localized bug on my Pixel or a basic situation, however SMS verification code autofill doesn’t appear to work for many apps on my Pixel, even when the SMS verification codes autofill service is turned on. It has solely labored on one app of the handfuls I’ve. I don’t learn about different Pixel customers, nevertheless it’s a problem for me, as I’ve to manually kind within the verification codes from SMS messages each time I log in to sure apps or web sites. Most different Android telephones can autofill these one-time password (OTP) codes when you permit the characteristic in settings. It’s a type of options you by no means take into consideration till it breaks.
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Three-finger swipe: Final however in no way least, the three-finger swipe to take screenshots shouldn’t be supported on Pixel telephones. This personally isn’t a deal breaker. The native screenshot methodology has its personal benefits. For instance, I can edit, share, or copy hyperlinks or photos fairly simply. This isn’t as fast or simple because the three-finger swipe, however it’s extra highly effective and versatile.
The genuine Pixel Expertise
Let me make this clear, these lacking options don’t take away from the gem that’s Pixel. Pixel telephones provide a greater all-round expertise than most Android smartphones regardless of these shortcomings. That mentioned, the shortage of those options will not be deal-breakers for everybody, however they actually affected my satisfaction and pleasure of the telephone. However not by a lot.
We have now written this submit to focus on among the challenges you may face when switching on Pixel telephones and to not discourage you from making the shift. I hope Google will tackle these points in future updates or fashions, and make Pixel telephones extra user-friendly and customizable.
Picture by Samuel Angor on Unsplash
