TECH

The winners and the losers

Winner: Tensor...The Tensor chip developed by Google is probably the company's biggest win. It enables advances in machine learning and computational photography that Google wouldn't be able to achieve using a ready-to-use Qualcomm chip. The processor has two Cortex-X1 cores instead of the normal one, which means the Tensor is very powerful. The biggest of all, the TPU (Tensioner Processing Unit, after which the entire chip is named) has a machine learning engine designed for "where the ML engines are going, not where they are today." This component of the Tensor chip handles new camera features, including the new HDRnet algorithm for recording video and an updated language model used by Google Assistant that allows for greater translation speed and accuracy.

This model also enables the new Live Translate features built into Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. There's also a “Context Hub” that handles background tasks or “environmental experiments” like the always-on screen and Now Playing features without exhausting the energy. But more importantly, Tensor is another differentiator for the Pixel phone lineup, like the Android 12, which makes them stand out among the Galaxies, iPhones, Redmies and Realmies of the world.

Winner: Pixel 6...The €599 Pixel 6 is one of the easiest phone recommendations in 2021 (even easier during your pre-order when it comes with free premium headphones). It is equipped with Tensor chip, has new 50MP camera made by Samsung, new Pixel design, wireless charging, IP68 element protection and a screen with higher refresh rate – 90Hz. This main camera proved to perform excellently in our review – day or night, moving the Pixel steadily back to the top echelon of camera phones. Slightly smaller at 6.4 inches (although at 207g it's not really small), the Pixel 6 also has a say in the 'more compact phone' conversation. And Pixel 6 also offered great battery life.

Winner: Pixel 6 Pro...The Pixel 6 Pro added a bigger screen and battery, higher refresh rate – 120 Hz vs 90 Hz – and a 4x periscope zoom. It's also much cheaper than direct rivals Samsung and Apple, which got even more exasperated during the Pixel 6 Pro pre-order period, when it came with free headphones. However, many people would likely forgo the €200 prize and opt for the next Pixel 6, but that's still a win for Google.

Winner: Android 12...Android 12 was released for the Pixel line at the beginning of October and brought many improvements – the new theme system, the new Material You design language, new widgets, better performance...Google's vision for Android 12 is colorful, simple and well thought out. But it won't be anything like that when you get it on Samsung, Motorola or OnePlus. Each manufacturer has its own style, and apart from a few new widgets, or the option to match the accent color with the wallpaper, little of what Pixel's Android 12 will look like on any non-Pixel phone.

Winner: Pixel 5a 5G...The Pixel A line of phones is generally well received in the markets where it sells. Especially in the US where, at the time of this writing, the Pixel 5a 5G is priced below $399. For that you get a good retail package with an 18W charger, USB-C cable and a USB-A to USB-C adapter, excellent battery life, solid image quality and water resistance. Not to mention a top spot in software updates. Unless you have a better deal on an A-line Samsung Galaxy phone, or live somewhere where Redmi and Realme sell phones, the Pixel 5a 5G is hard to beat.

Winner: Pixel Buds-A(wireless headset)...Pixel Buds-A are only €99 / $99, which gives them an edge over rivals Apple and Samsung. They sound great and have adequate, if not inspiring, stamina. Paired with a Google smartphone, Pixel Buds-A offers tighter integration such as hands-free access to Assistant, real-time translations, notifications read in your ear, or real-time browsing.

Loser: Pixel Fold...It has been confirmed that Google is working on a folding phone. It was supposed to show how Android 12 works in the format and have a big internal screen, possibly 7.6 inches, a hidden selfie camera and of course good cameras and the Tensor chip. But Google reportedly decided not to launch Pixel Fold because it didn't think the phone would be competitive. Sad.

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