Tag: Google Pixel

Best Cameracentric Phones for Photography Enthusiasts in 2023

The modern world is dominated by pixels, lenses, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect shot. Having a smartphone with superb cameras instead of the actual camera is the trending nature of today’s generation. So, here, we present a lineup of smartphone marvels that aren’t just phones – they’re visual sorcerers, capturing moments with finesse and flair.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Say hello to the smartphone camera maestro that not only dances circles around its price tag but also throws some slick moves at the iPhone 15 Pro and casually outshines the iPhone 14 Pro Max without breaking a sweat. The flagship smartphone from Google is like the James Bond of the smartphone universe – smooth, suave, and armed with a camera license to thrill. The name is 8 Pro, the Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t take photos; it gives them a spa day. With a new RAW capture feature, it unleashes the full potential of its 50MP sensor, making other cameras look like they’re stuck in a pixelated time warp. And if you’re feeling like the Spielberg of your own life, the pro controls mode hands you the director’s chair, letting you tweak and twist your images to perfection.

The camera mix is like a gourmet meal for your visual taste buds. It’s got a higher-megapixel wide-angle lens that’s sharper than your grandma’s wit, and a telephoto lens so good, it might as well have a superhero cape. Video? It’s taken a leap from Pixel 7 Pro, though it’s still trying to catch up with the iPhone Pro Max – like the underdog in a blockbuster movie, getting there but not quite stealing the spotlight.

With a design sleeker than a catwalk model, a screen mightier than a superhero’s punch, and the promise of software support for seven whole years (yes, you heard right), it’s basically the Benjamin Button of smartphones, ageing like fine wine. So, if you’re looking for a smartphone that’s more than just a status symbol, consider your search officially over. Cheers to the phone that’s as smart as it is pixel-perfect!

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the reigning monarch of camera phones, a visual virtuoso that laughs in the face of photographic challenges. With more lenses than a bug’s eyes and features that could make a Swiss Army Knife jealous, this phone is the superhero of snapshots – there’s no photo it can’t conquer. Sure, other phones might flex slightly better muscles in specific situations, but the S23 Ultra is the Virat Kohli of the camera world, handling everything from macro close-ups to nocturnal escapades to zooming in on the neighbour’s barbecue three blocks away.

The 12MP ultrawide and the dynamic duo of 3x and 10x 10MP telephoto sensors might feel like your old pals, but hold on to your selfie stick – the S23 Ultra throws a plot twist. Out with the old 108MP primary sensor, in with the new 200MP powerhouse, making Samsung the Beyoncé of smartphone photography, slaying the game with unprecedented resolution. The S23 Ultra’s 200MP Adaptive Pixel Sensor is like a maestro conducting a symphony of pixels, ensuring a consistent and jaw-dropping experience that would make even the toughest critics break into applause.

Now, for those who like to dive into the nitty-gritty of photography, the Expert RAW mode is your backstage pass, belting out up to 50MP of pure visual genius. Feeling a bit extra? Snap a 200MP still (in jpeg form), because why settle for anything less than the full sensor’s glorious detail? While other Android phones are stuck in the stone age, Samsung’s playing chess, ensuring your pics and videos get the red carpet treatment, leaving your followers in awe and envy. It’s a visual masterpiece in the palm of your hand. Say cheese, world!

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the Chuck Norris of smartphones. It’s a pocket-sized powerhouse thicker than a bowl of oatmeal but packs a punch that will leave you wondering if you accidentally bought a superhero’s gadget. Sure, it’s got some girth, but don’t let that fool you. The little beast boasts a footprint so compact, it’s practically doing yoga in your pocket. And photographers, rejoice! The camera and power combo is like a match made in tech heaven – an offer you can’t refuse.

I’m not saying it’s perfect, as there’s no pro mode for manual photography, but the automatic mode’s photo processing is like the Gandalf of phone photography – you shall not pass without capturing stunning shots. The 5x telephoto camera is like having a spyglass that sees further and clearer than your nosy neighbour peeping through the curtains. Beautiful natural blur on portraits? Say no more – the Pro Max has got your Instagram game covered.

The iPhone 15 range has joined the 21st century by adopting the USB-C port. It’s like Apple finally realised we’re not living in the era of dial-up internet anymore. Now, you can connect to monitors and camera accessories with the ease of a hot knife through butter. The price is up there in the stratosphere, but think of it as an investment in your happiness. The iPhone 15 Pro is like that reliable friend who never lets you down – powerful, long-lasting, and always ready for a good time.

Google Pixel 7a

The Google Pixel 7a – is the Cinderella of budget camera phones, proving that you don’t need a royal budget to capture breathtaking moments. In fact, it might just be the belle of the ball, giving its pricier sibling, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, a run for its money in the photo quality department. The 7a is priced at midrange money, so Google had to make a few sacrifices. Compared to its elder siblings, there are fewer cameras onboard, and wireless charging is a distant fairytale dream. But hey, who needs a magic carpet when you’ve got Google’s wizardry?

Google’s not one to flex muscles in the hardware gym; it prefers a PhD in cleverness. The Pixel 7a is no exception. Armed with the Google Tensor chip – think of it as the Dumbledore of smartphone brains – it boasts features like an under-display fingerprint scanner, unlocking your phone with a touch so discreet it’s practically a secret handshake. And let’s not forget the AI photo editing powers – it’s like having a personal Photoshop sorcerer in your pocket. Sure, it might not bench-press as much as its beefier counterparts, but the 7a is a camera ninja. 

Google’s software magic transforms it into a powerful shooter, snapping pics that make other budget phones blush. And who says budget can’t be stylish? The 7a mounts its stuff with a design so playful, it’s practically doing the cha-cha in your hands. So, while the hardware might be sipping a decaf, the Pixel 7a is a budget superhero, delivering a bang for your buck that feels more like a dynamite explosion. Who needs wireless charging when you’ve got brains, beauty, and budget brilliance?

Vivo X90 Pro

Tired of seeing the prominent names? Now, you’ll see a different name in the list. Armed with a 1-inch primary sensor that’s practically the Beyoncé of the camera world, the Vivo X90 Pro is the Picasso of smartphone photography. If cameras were superheroes, the X90 Pro would be the one with a cape and a dazzling smile. Accompanying this camera juggernaut is a 50MP telephoto sensor, a.k.a. the portrait lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, because who needs limits when you can go wide and wild? 

Now, we’ll admit, there were a couple of bumps in the road when we first took this camera for a spin – the watermark on photos and the beauty mode for portrait shots were like uninvited guests at a party. Our advice? Disable those party crashers pronto. The Zero Shutter Lag feature is like having a magical genie that grants your photography wishes in the blink of an eye. Lighting is on point? It’s like catching the perfect moment before it even realises it’s perfect. And the sensor? Oh, it’s so high-quality, it practically moonlights as a professional photographer. 

And let’s not forget the selfie camera, a 32MP resolution wizard that turns every selfie into a masterpiece. The natural depth of field effect is like having a built-in Instagram filter that says, “I woke up like this.” The portrait camera is a rockstar, but let’s spill the beans – the bokeh effect is like having a backstage pass to a rock concert. The X90 Pro is a magic show in your hands, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. So, if you want a smartphone that’s more camera than a phone, say hello to the Vivo X90 Pro.

Google Pixel 8 Pro (Review) – Shaping Tomorrow, Today

Sometimes, I think even companies have the same twisted fate as ordinary people. Mr XYZ wanted to become an astronaut, but due to family pressure, he became a CA. Same with Pixel phones, they wanted to become a camera, but you know, society came in between. The company launched the Google Pixel 8 Pro along with the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel Watch 2 on 4th October 2023.

I’ve been living with the Pixel 8 Pro for the last couple of weeks, and so far, it has been a tremendous experience. When we received the Google Pixel 8 Pro, it seemed like an ordinary phone due to its basic user interface. But once you spend a few hours with the phone and check out the features it has to offer, it becomes the beast you have been looking for for years, and then there’s no going back.

Design

The Pixel 8 Pro is a visual stunner, setting a new standard for Google’s smartphone design. Swapping the glossy rear glass for a frosted matte finish, the rear side of the phone not only exudes sophistication but also enhances grip, ensuring one-handed use is effortless. The design continues to impress, with glossy aluminium rails seamlessly merging with the visor-style camera bar on the back. Each iteration refines this aesthetic, making it more rounded and integrated into the device’s build.

The Pixel 8 Pro has shed the squared-off corners of its predecessor for a more pleasingly rounded and comfortable feel. The curved display is replaced with a flat 6.7-inch screen, offering a user-friendly experience. Exploring the device’s edges, you’ll discover a USB-C port and a sim tray at the bottom, with power and volume keys conveniently positioned on the right edge. Unlike some Android devices, there’s no fingerprint sensor on the lock button – it’s cleverly tucked beneath the screen.

Display

The latest flagship device from the house of Google boasts a miraculous display like Maxwell’s 201* vs Afghanistan in ODI Mens CWC’2023. Google showcases its hardware prowess with the Pixel 8 Pro’s exceptional display. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 2992 x 1344 pixel resolution, featuring noteworthy upgrades. The 120Hz refresh rate offers seamless scrolling and smooth animations, with a remarkable ability to scale down to 1Hz, conserving energy for various tasks. The brightness levels are impressive, reaching up to 1,600 nits for HDR content and 2,400 nits at peak brightness, surpassing even the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Whether in the bustling streets of Mumbai or the tranquil sunsets of Goa, the Pixel 8 Pro’s screen remains effortlessly visible. It may not show a stark difference compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but Google’s attention to detail ensures you never need to think about it. Furthermore, the screen’s ability to dim significantly is a welcome feature, ideal for using the phone in a dark room without disturbing a sleeping partner. Beyond the enhanced refresh rate and brightness, the Pixel 8 Pro’s screen impresses with its sharpness, vibrant colours, and perfectly symmetrical bezels. 

Performance

During my initial days with the Google Pixel 8 Pro, I hinted at potential disaster due to the troubled history of Google’s Tensor chips. However, the game has changed with Tensor G3, the powerhouse within the Pixel 8 Pro. In my extensive hands-on experience with the Pixel 8 Pro, I’ve pushed it to the limits—gaming, multitasking, streaming 5G videos, and snapping photos. So far, Tensor G3 emerged as a true champion, effortlessly handling every task without breaking a sweat.

The dreaded overheating problem that haunted earlier Tensor chips seems to be a thing of the past. Sure, there was a brief moment of warmth during an intense gaming session over a shaky 5G connection, but it was a rarity. The Pixel 8 Pro’s thermal performance has been commendable, with only occasional warmth during heavy usage, a far cry from the discomfort of its predecessors. Tensor, it seems, has finally found its stride.

Camera

The 50MP main camera, with an f/1.68 aperture, boasts 21% more light sensitivity and 2x optical zoom. The 48MP ultrawide camera, featuring an f/1.95 aperture, offers a 105% increase in light sensitivity and an enhanced macro mode, allowing shots from 2 centimetres away. The telephoto camera, now at 48MP, enjoys a 56% boost in light sensitivity and retains its 5x optical zoom.

The Pixel 8 Pro captures outstanding shots effortlessly, whether it’s a well-lit scene or a dimly lit ambience. The 5x telephoto camera may not reach the heights of a 10x optical zoom, but its quality shines through, delivering detailed images with consistent colours. The Pixel 8 Pro ensures that in 2023, the legacy of exceptional Pixel photography remains unshaken. Just point, tap, and confidently expect a stellar image.

AI Photo Editing

Google Pixel 8 Pro offers premium-level AI photo editing features such as Best Take, a standout feature that rescues imperfect group photos. It’s not face recreation; it’s face perfection. The Pixel 8 Pro empowers you to sculpt your photographic narrative effortlessly with the realm of the Magic Editor. The tool transforms Google Photos into an AI-powered Photoshop, allowing you to erase, move objects, alter the sky, and more.

Verdict

The Pixel 8 Pro is a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and functionality, undoubtedly one of the best Android smartphones of the year. Google has elevated its hardware game, offering an unparalleled software experience. So, the Pixel 8 Pro stands tall amongst all its rivals. It’s not just a phone; it’s a triumph.

Ratings – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Google Pixel Fold is Already Breaking!

It has been just over a week since Google’s first-ever foldable device hit the market. However, even before the device could reach the hands of mainstream customers, the Google Pixel Folds are breaking up! Several reports and complaints on the Internet have mentioned that the Pixel Fold’s display is breaking with some users even sharing photos of the broken display.

One Pixel Fold user started noticing a bright pink line over the display just mere hours after they started using it. Additionally, another Pixel Fold owner posted photos of dents on the inner screen of the device. This is a matter of grave concern as more and more users have been coming forward and sharing that their Pixel fold devices are breaking up!

Pixel Fold in the pickle

While dents and display issues are surely not to be taken lightly, Ron Amadeo from Ars Technica shared that his Pixel Fold device died after using it for just four days. In his case, the device died after some debris got caught between its screen protector and the bezel. When the phone was shut close, the debris punctured the display resulting in the device dying entirely. Users around the world have also witnessed a popping sound with the Pixel Fold’s hinge when opening the phone.

So… why is this happening?

While there is no objective answer for why the Google Pixel Fold devices are specifically dying, there is a general answer. Foldable displays are incredibly fragile compared to standard smartphones. The folding devices use Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) which allows the screen to fold. On top of it is a plastic screen protector to ensure the glass is protected.

However, if any tiny little bit of debris gets under the protector or the glass then it can easily damage the screen. Whenever the user shuts the device close, it presses dust and debris against it which leads to the folding displays breaking up. In response to user complaints, Google spokesperson Alex Moriconi advised them to reach out to support to investigate.

 

Pixel 7a – Best Android Midranger?

Google Pixel devices have often delivered the best of Android money can buy. Emphasis on the ‘money’ part cause these devices DO NOT come at a cheaper price tag. However, Pixel’s A series phones have been a delight as they bring you all the Android greatness at a considerably cheaper rate. This year around, the Google Pixel 7a undoubtedly brings more value for your money with a higher refresh rate, solid camera setup, and wireless charging. But is that all? Let’s find out – 

A Notable Upgrade 

Google has definitely built upon the complaints of the Pixel 6a and introduced better features in its latest midrange offering. This time around, we have a higher 90Hz refresh rate and wireless charging which was missing in the Pixel 6a. Now, we understand that the competition offers a 120Hz refresh rate at this price point but we’ve got to give credits where credit is due. Surprisingly, the higher refresh rate is turned off by default in the settings and users need to it on manually. The display is vibrant and watching content on it is a treat for sure.  What is new is also the face unlock feature which was missing in the Pixel 6a. There’s also an under-display fingerprint sensor that is snappy and works like a charm. 

Moving on, the back of the device is unapologetically plastic but looks and feels premium to hold. The colour variant we’re using is called ‘Charcoal’ with other variants like Sea and Snow available too.  It looks similar to the Pixel 7 which could confuse a lot of consumers out there. 

Superior Cameras

The camera placement is now similar to the flagship Pixel 7 devices and the sensors here might as well be the best in performance in this price range. The Pixel 7a is capable of clicking some amazing shots with an upgraded 64MP primary lens as compared to the 12.2MP lens in the 6a. The beast of a primary lens is coupled with an ultrawide 13MP lens. In front, we have a 13MP selfie lens which is a winner. The camera setup is capable of clicking some stellar images even in low light conditions which will leave you pleasantly surprised. There’s no telephoto lens here and the device relies solely on digital zoom for its pictures which starts to lose details beyond 3x and 4x. Overall, the camera setup is sweet, capturing crisp images in almost every condition. Check out the samples below – 

Inside the hood

The right side of the device features a volume rocker and a lock button which click really well so all of us anxious folks can legit spend their time clicking them, though I wouldn’t advise that.  One drawback could be the absence of a dual or hybrid slim slot as it features a single slot. Users can use an e-sim in case they want to use two numbers, but no physical slot for the same. 

Where Pixel 7a wins is with its Tensor G2 chipset which is the same chip powering the higher variants – Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. We have 8GB RAM and 128GB Storage. That’s it… No Virtual RAM, no 256GB or 512 GB storage options. Just the simple 128GB Storage – take it or leave it! 

Inside the hood, we have a 4385mAh battery running the game which might sound small to people but performs real well in real-time usage. I could easily get through my day with a single charge and moderate usage on the Pixel 7a. However, what’s underwhelming is the 18W charging support which lags way behind the competition and takes too long to charge from single to triple digits. It takes me around 2 hours on average to juice this device up to a 100 which is not ideal in the current scenario where some devices survive a day with just half an hour of charge. While we have wireless charging here it clocks out at 7.5W which Is underwhelming but alright. 

Just one concern

Now that we have established that this indeed is one of the best midrange devices available in India right now, Let’s jump on something that does not work with the Pixel 7a. It Heats Up! It heats up to the point where it is noticeable.. On average usage and clicking photos, the device becomes considerably hot on the sides which will alarm the users. Sometimes the device was also noticed getting warm on standby which was surprising. However, it cools down as quickly as it heats up. 

Verdict 

The Pixel 7a is one of the best midrange devices you can buy right now. It squeezes a premium smartphone experience into a much smaller and cheaper device which genuinely gives the standard Pixel 7 a run for its money. It’s got Google’s premium chipset, and a bigger 90Hz screen. The original Android experience with Google’s homegrown OS and also five years of support. If you’re interested in a no-nonsense device which does not overwhelm you with bloatware and performs wholeheartedly then the Pixel 7a is indeed the one for you. At 43,999 the Pixel 7a is a winner!

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

iPhone 14’s ‘Crash Detection’ feature fails to recognize collision

Apple launched the iPhone 14 lineup last month during its ‘Far Out’ event. The tech giant took a significant amount of the event to talk about its new crash detection technology. According to Apple’s own website, the crash detection feature is designed to detect severe car crashes. The latest iPhone 14 and 14 pro models can detect front, side, and rear-end collisions and rollovers in a range of vehicles like sedans, minivans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and much more. If a heavy collision occurs, the iPhone 14/14 Pro models sound an alarm or display an alert. If a user is unable to respond to the alert in 20 seconds, the device automatically calls emergency services. While this feature has the potential to save many lives, a new test has shown that the iPhone 14 was unable to recognize a car collision.

iPhone 14 fails to detect collision

A video from Wall Street Journal recently surfaced on the internet. In the video, a demolition derby driver can be seen ramming two different cars. The driver had placed the iPhone 14 model while wearing an Apple Watch Ultra in the vehicle. The driver also had a Google Pixel in the vehicle which has a similar feature. The testing showed that the Apple Watch Ultra worn by the driver was successful at detecting crashes. But on the other hand, the iPhone did not register the impact in the car. Check out WSJ’s video testing the devices’ Crash Detection features below:

 

The Google Pixel device did detect one crash inside the driver’s vehicle but neither of the two devices detect the crash during the second test. During the second crash test, the testers drove around the vehicles before crashing in to make the smartphones think the crash was legitimate. But the crash did not trigger the smartphone. As an important feature that was highlighted as one of the key reasons to get the new iPhone 14, this is surely a disappointing result. WSJ reached out to both Google and Apple after the tests. Apple revealed that the lack of data could be the reason why the iPhone 14 failed to detect the crashes. Not being connected to Apple CarPlay or not having the tester drive around the vehicle long enough could be the reason iPhone 14 failed to register the crashes.

Google Pixel 7 Series Prices Leaked

Google Pixel 7 is all set to launch globally and in India in the coming weeks. As the launch date of the devices comes closer, more and more details about the lineup are making their way to the internet. The company had teased the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro back at the Google I/O 2022 keynote event and now it seems like the price point of these devices has leaked.

Google Pixel 7 leaked price

The founder of APKMirror recently took to Twitter and shared a screenshot of the Pixel 7 series pricing listed in the internal pricing data from Target. To the unversed, Target is one of the biggest retailers in the US having offline retail stores across all US states. According to the leaked data, the Pixel 7 will be priced at $599 (around Rs 48,600) and the Pixel 7 Pro is expected to be priced at $899 (approximately Rs 72,990). Readers should note that the leaked prices are exclusive only to the USA and prices are subject to change in India. However, it is the same price Google Pixel 6 was launched last year in the states.

The price difference between the USA and India Pixel 7 variants is not exactly surprising as this has been witnessed in previous gen Pixel devices too. It was just a few weeks back when Apple launched the iPhone 14 Pro lineup in India at a whopping Rs 40,000 extra than what it priced in the USA. One way or the other, It is good news that Google is bringing the Pixel 7 series to India. It will be the first flagship offering from Google in India after Pixel 3 and 3 XL debuted way back in 2018.

The latest leak takes it a notch further to reveal the colors of the Google Pixel 7 series. Google will be keeping true its color naming scheme with device colors named Snow, Hazel, Lemongrass, and Obsidian. Previous leaks had suggested that the devices will be powered by the Tensor G2 chipset, an improved version of last year’s Tensor chipset which powered the Pixel 6 series. As one would expect, the Google Piel 7 series will come with Android 13 out of the box. Personalized features to videos, photos, and speech recognition are also expected with the Pixel 7 lineup.

Google confirmed the launch of Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro in India

Google launched the Pixel 6a in India in July 2022. The phone created a buzz around the country as it was very compact, and everybody just fell for its design, aesthetics and, of course, camera. Now, following the success of the Pixel 6a, the company confirmed the launch of the next generation series of Pixel smartphones in India – Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro through their Twitter handle.

The company also tweeted a sneak peek video of the upcoming Pixel 7-series, and no doubt the smartphone looks stunning at first glance. The Pixel 6-series launched in the US were priced at USD 599 and USD 899, respectively. The upcoming 7-series Pixel phones are also expected to be priced around their predecessor’s price segment.

The company is hosting an event on October 6, 2022, where they are expected to launch Google’s latest Pixel devices, from handsets to wearables. The successor of 6-generation Pixel phones will feature the Tensor G2 chipset, offering new personalised features for photos, videos, speech recognition and security.

On the event of Flipkart’s Big Billion Sale, the e-commerce giant put up a teaser on its site confirming the imminent launch of the Pixel 7 series in India. Notably, the company haven’t launched their premium phones in the country since the launch of the Pixel 3 series. The Pixel 7-series would be Google’s first premium series of smartphones launched in India since 2018.

Google Pixel devices receive September 2022 update

Just a month after Google rolled out Android 13 for Pixel devices, the tech giant has now released its first update of the latest OS. Pixel users from Pixel 4 to Pixel 6a need to be on a look out for the update as it brings in important security patches.

The update is currently available for almost all Pixel devices except for Pixel 6a. Owners of the Pixel 6a will be receiving the update later this month. Users receiving the September update will be getting a few bug fixes, as per Google’s community post: Read below to check out the entire security patch:

Google September 2022 update compatible devices:

  • Pixel 4 (XL):      TP1A.220905.004
  • Pixel 4a:             TP1A.220905.004
  • Pixel 4a (5G):   TP1A.220905.004
  • Pixel 5:               TP1A.220905.004
  • Pixel 5a (5G):   TP1A.220905.004
  • Pixel 6:               TP1A.220905.004
  • Pixel 6 Pro:        TP1A.220905.004

Battery & Charging

  • Fix for issue occasionally causing increased battery drain from certain launcher background activities
  • Fix for issue preventing wireless charging mode to activate in certain conditions *[1]

Biometrics

  • Additional improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions *[2]

Bluetooth

  • Fix for issue occasionally preventing certain Bluetooth devices or accessories from connecting

User Interface

  • Fix for issue occasionally causing notifications to appear truncated on the lock screen

Device Applicability

Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.

  • *[1] Included on Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 & Pixel 6 Pro
  • *[2] Included on Pixel 6a

The latest update has patched biometrics fix exclusively for the Pixel 6a. The newly launched device had fingerprint issues where users were reportedly able to unlock the device with unregistered fingerprints. However, the fix will be coming in later this month. For all other Pixel devices, the update should bump the software to TP1A.220905.004 and will continue to roll out over the next week.

Google Has Discontinued The Pixel 5 Smartphone

After the official launch of Pixel 5a, Google has discontinued the two already existing Pixel series; Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. The two phones have been put to a halt barely 10 months after their official release. 

Both the smartphones have been sold out in Google’s online store, and the remaining stock at other retailers won’t last long. A company spokesperson offered the following statement:

With our current forecasts, we expect Google Store in the U.S. to sell out of Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 in the coming weeks following the launch of Pixel 5a (5G). These products will continue to be available through some partners while supplies last.

Google Pixel 5A 5G is going to be a fairly direct successor to 4A 5G, but it is surprising to see the Pixel 5 has been discontinued well in advance of the Pixel 6’s arrival this fall. 

Google Pixel 5a 5G offers many similar features as that of Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5, with the IP67 rating and metal body offering durability boosts over the 4a 5G and the larger battery adding staying power over the 5. However, the upcoming smartphone won’t be available in the International market, including India. Google has explicitly limited the Pixel 5a 5G to the U.S. and Japan.

The alleged reason for the Pixel 5a 5G launch is said to be the chip shortage affecting the Snapdragon 765, which powers both the older Pixels. If Google is unable to secure enough chips to launch the new 5a 5G widely, it certainly can’t secure enough to keep two older devices on the shelves.

The other reason why it has been discontinued is that Pixel 5 is more similar to the budget-oriented A-Series phones than what the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro appears to be. Google is all set to position the 6-Series as a true flagship competitor to Apple and Samsung’s heavy hitters. 

Fortunately, the market won’t be falling short of cheap Android phones as evidenced by Samsung Galaxy Series, the OnePlus Nord 2, Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Lite 5G, among many others. 

 

The Upcoming Mid-range Master – Google Pixel 5a Will Hit The Market Soon

Google has struggled to secure profitability in the smartphone business, but after launching several affordable Pixel smartphones, they bounced back strongly in the market. Recently the company wrapped up the annual I/O event, but unfortunately, it went off without mentioning a much-awaited mid-range device, Google Pixel 5a.

However, as per the leaks and sources, the upcoming Pixel mid-ranger is now expected to launch in the US market after September, and the phone will come up with many of the Pixel flagship’s best features. The upcoming Pixel 5a will come out of the box with Android 12, and the phone is expected to be priced around 30k-35k and will be launched in India during the 4th quarter of the year. 

The Pixel series is meant to deliver high-quality smartphone photography, and till today they’ve done their best to stay top in the camera department. The Pixel 5a is supposed to come with a 12.2MP sensor with upgraded software with an aperture of f/2.2, 16mm focal length. These cameras are destined to remain similar to what we have seen on the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5.

The Pixel 5a will remain in the same midrange category of phones as the current Pixel 4a, and it will hit the market with a 6.2-inch Full HD+ OLED display along with a pixel density of 413ppi. The smartphone is expected to feature a design similar to the Pixel 4a 5G or Pixel 5 in a polycarbonate body. 

Qualcomm’s 730G SoC may power the Pixel 5a, and it will have a punch-hole cutout on the top left corner like Pixel 4a, along with a similar power button in different colour and a rear-mounted physical fingerprint print sensor. The upcoming smartphone from Google may get an upgrade in the battery department and come up with a 3,840 mAh battery with 20W fast charging support. 

So far, there has been no word on the Pixel 5a refresh rate, but it is supposed to feature a 90 Hz refresh rate. The upcoming pixel 5a is expected to see at least 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Sadly, Pixel 5a and further Pixel devices will not appear with the unlimited Google Photos storage like the previous Pixel devices as per the policy change.

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