Google has been making Pixel smartphones for years, but is only now starting to get into something of a state of flux. After a significant change of pace with the Pixel 6 series in 2021, namely the creation of an internal chipset, the introduction of a new design and finally the overhaul of the camera system, in 2022 it was time to make a good old refinement style.
As a result, the Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are capable and mature smartphones, and their supporting cast looks nearly complete with a Pixel Watch and Pixel tablet on the way.
Google is taking things step by step, but there’s no denying it’s doing very well. So let’s take a look at Google’s winners and losers in 2022.
Winners: Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7
The Pixel 7 series may not be the best-selling flagship, but it is among the most important. This is despite Google keeping them a bit conservative: there are no satellite communication features, extreme zoom cameras, folding parts. Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 are really great phones and it all starts with their software, developed by the same maker of Android.
Keep up with the signature Pixel camera that so many people love. Add in a touch of recognizable (perhaps even iconic?) design and tempting pre-order bonuses — free Pixel Watch with a Pro, Pixel Buds Pro with a vanilla — and these two were winners all the way.
Winner: Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a is part of an inherently winning streak. Pixel “a” devices have thrived, especially in markets like the US where most Chinese midranges aren’t available. But the Pixel 6a is more than just a budget smartphone. It has character that most Galaxy A devices don’t have. Like its larger Pixel siblings, the 6a has a visor design in interesting colors and offers the characteristic Pixel camera experience. It also uses the same internal Tensor chip as the Pixel 6 series.
A unique feature of the Pixel 6a is its size. It’s one of the very few capable compact phones you can buy in the world. Combine this with the excellent battery life and the Pixel 6a is truly a win for small phones.
Loser: Pixel Watch
The Google Pixel Watch is Google’s first smartwatch and it was first introduced with a unique design, Wear OS by Google, and tight integration with Fitbit to appeal to those loyal fans of the now Google-owned fitness brand.
But the Pixel Watch hasn’t really made a mark on the market. Whether it’s the Galaxy Watch being people’s benchmark for a Wear OS watch, Wear OS being a distant second fiddle to the Apple Watch, its late arrival to market, or people not using Google Fit it’s not very important. The fact remains that even with those pre-order bonuses, the Pixel Watch wasn’t wildly popular.
Loser: Pixel Fold
For the second year in a row, we expected a Pixel Fold to materialize and for the second year it didn’t. Last year the Pixel Fold went from “around the corner” to officially scrapped, this year it went from rebirth to “probably next year”. There’s no denying the Pixel Fold is coming, we’ve seen it tested on Geekbench, and we have a good idea of what it’s going to look like, too. But it didn’t arrive in 2022.
Next year for sure though, right?
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