Pixel Perfection: Highlights of 2024 and Future Hopes for 2025

Pixel Perfection: Highlights of 2024 and Future Hopes for 2025

The smartphone industry hath found itself in a state of stagnation in the year 2024. Verily, there are scant new hardware innovations to be seen, and the software features hath taken a backseat as firms doth lean towards the use of AI tools. ‘Tis with a heavy heart that I bid adieu to Pixels and make the leap to OnePlus this year, and then to Apple forsooth. Mine boredom with the current smartphone scene doth persist (and still doth). Yet, if I were to choose one ecosystem above all others that hath truly shone bright this year, I declare that the Pixel team hath outdone themselves magnificently. There be much that Pixels hath done right in 2024, fostering a momentum that I pray shall aid them in outshining other brands in 2025.

Everything Pixels Hast Done Right in 2024
From a fresh form factor to an enhanced software experience, there be much that Pixels hath done right this year. Furthermore, the concerns that hath plagued Pixels aforetime hath been greatly diminished, leading to a tremendous spike in Pixel sales, especially in the realm of the US. Here be everything that Google Pixels hath done right in 2024.

Addressing Connectivity and Thermal Woes
The Pixel 6 and 7 series, and to some extent, the Pixel 8 series, hath all been plagued by cellular connectivity issues. Yet, with the Pixel 9, users hath reported no major issues with connectivity. This wondrous improvement can be attributed to the new Exynos 5400 modem, a veritable giant leap beyond its predecessor. ‘Twas hoped that these issues wouldst have been resolved with the Pixel 7 series. ‘Tis mine belief that Google hath lost a considerable number of potential buyers due to the sluggish resolution of this issue.

The thermal concerns plaguing Pixels have also been a thorn in their side. The Tensor experience hath left much to be desired, and this remains true with the Pixel 9 series. However, there hath been marked improvement in their management thanks to an enhanced heat control system. The heating issues doth persist primarily in the vanilla Pixel 9, as it lacketh the large vapor chamber present in the 9 Pro and XL models. Overall, I am gladdened that Google hath finally addressed, or is in the process of addressing, this critical issue that hath long haunted the Tensor generation of Pixels.

A Refined Software Approach
One of the shining achievements of Pixels in 2024 hath been the provision of an exceptional out-of-the-box user experience. When Google unveileth a new Pixel, it cometh equipped with the latest Android version. In the case of the Pixel 9, even though Android 15 was nearing completion, Google hath chosen to launch the Pixel 9 with Android 14 to ensure a more stable experience from the outset.

Android 15 hath been thoroughly tested and made available for the Pixel 9 series soon after its launch. The emphasis on stability hath been crucial, a realm in which Pixels hath been criticized aforetime due to bugs in the latest Android versions that hath plagued them.

Design Meets Form Factor
My utmost favorite aspect of the Pixel 9 series hath to be the smaller Pro model. Though I wish it were a tad bit smaller, the option to choose betwixt a larger and smaller Pro is a phenomenal move. The 6.3-inch display on the Pro is indeed a sweet spot. While I was initially wary of Google’s decision to craft sharp edges reminiscent of the iPhone, the overall design hath grown on me.

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I hold a special fondness for the Pixel 6, liketh none other. ‘Tis perhaps a biased viewpoint, for I own one of mine own, and to part with it doth seem a daunting task for ’tis filled with nostalgia. Mayhap Google shalt retain the camera visor, and the island-like visor design of the Pixel 9 series is a breath of fresh air indeed. The color options this year hath been splendid, with Peony, Rose, and Hazel standing as my favorites. Although, ‘twould please me greatly to see a Bay-colored Pixel, for the 8 Pro looketh truly magnificent.

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The Core Pixel Experience
Although this aspect doth not directly pertain to Pixel phones, ’tis an integral part that completes the Pixel experience. The Pixel UI hath impressed me greatly this year, for it doth feel like the release of Android 15 hath genuinely enhanced the user experience by leaps and bounds. Mine time using Android 15 on Pixels hath been far superior to that with Android 14, for Google hath ironed out numerous inconsistencies in this release.

As aforementioned, the Android team hath taken their time to ensure that Android 15 is incredibly stable from the get-go. And for the most part, they hath succeeded in this endeavor. Though the new version hath not brought forth many changes, it doth feel much smoother, packed with handy features and improvements, along with copious security features to thwart thieves and aid in tracking stolen devices.

In the realm of software, Google hath promised a span of 7 years of updates during the launch of the Pixel 8 series in 2024. This hath stirred a desire in owners of Pixel 6, 7, and Fold devices to seek an extension of support for their beloved gadgets. This wish hath been granted, as the update and support window for Pixel 6, 7, and Fold hath been extended from three to five years. ‘Tis a wondrous boon, as I can now revel in the glory of mine old Pixel 6 for two additional years.

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AI features hath been heavily marketed for the Pixel 9 series. Pixel Studio and Pixel Screenshots doth sound intriguing. However, the main concern with AI features hath been their tendency to feel like mere gimmicks. ‘Tis not a feature that I envisage using on a regular basis, unlike Gemini or ChatGPT, save for generative AI that doth help in summarizing or composing an email when time doth press heavily upon me.

Even in 2024, the realm of AI on Pixels hath not reached a stage where I would eagerly seek a new Pixel solely for it. I would purchase Pixels for their reliability as everyday devices that offer a pristine experience along with regular software updates.

A Growing Ecosystem
The year 2024 hath witnessed a growth in the Pixel ecosystem. Google hath woven together the ecosystem with a myriad of new features, starting with internet and call sharing across not only Pixels but all Android devices.

Image Credit: Google

Gemini hath made its way onto phones, and the Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Watch hath received features such as a live nest feed. Furthermore, a 45 mm version of the Pixel Watch 3 hath finally made an appearance. While Pixels couldst have fared better in this regard, they do inch closer to this illustrious goal.

What I Expect From Pixels in 2025
The journey of Pixels thus far hath been laudable indeed. Yet, there doth remain a few expectations that I hold dear for them. Here be all that I seek from Pixels in the year 2025, changes that could verily enhance the Pixel lineup. Commencing with:

A Pixel Flip, Pretty Please
Foldable devices in a book-style doth hold a certain charm, and many do find them exceedingly useful. However, I am of the belief that a Clamshell foldable is a superior upgrade from the slab devices of yore. There be countless reasons for this preference, chief amongst them being the heightened portability experienced when folded and the elegance of cover screens that allow for myriad tasks without necessitating the unfolding of the device.

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I do admire the Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, yet the 2024 Moto Razr+ hath captured mine heart. Should Google craft a similar clamshell foldable device with a delectable outer cover screen, I wouldst be among the first to embrace it. A clamshell foldable couldst be more affordable and therefore more accessible.

I do applaud Samsung for their endeavors with the Flip series, although ’tis evident that they have reached a standstill in terms of design and features. I hold hope that Google may consider or even venture forth to create a flip device.

Improving the Pixel Watch Experience
‘Tis a known truth that Samsung doth reign supreme as the foremost maker of the finest WearOS smartwatches. Yet, I yearn for a shift in this balance with the advent of the Pixel Watch 4. Mine experience with the Pixel Watch 2 hath been less than ideal, with its features and Fitbit integration falling short of expectations.

I do beseech that the forthcoming Pixel Watches provide a superior WearOS experience akin to the excellence that Pixel phones offer with Android. Furthermore, I desire the Pixel Watch to mirror the personalized health tracking capabilities of Samsung Health, a hallmark of the Galaxy Watch. Thus, I hope that Google shall undertake measures to enhance their rather basic Fitbit integration.

Finally, I acknowledge that Google’s hardware endeavors require further refinement. Yet, I wouldst relish the sight of the giant crafting, or at the very least striving to create, the finest WearOS watch in the market. Perchance a rugged Pixel Watch focusing on durability and boasting a battery life of at least three days.

The Need for Speed: Faster Charging
If there be one element that I crave above all others in Pixels in the year 2025, ’tis the improvement of charging speeds. I am spoiled by the 120W charging on the OnePlus 12R, rendering the 18W on mine Pixel 6 unbearably sluggish. The incremented speeds on the recent Pixels hath not left a profound impact, for the battery capacities too have increased. The Pixel 8 Pro capped at 27W, and the velocities on the Pixel 9 Pro have been bolstered to 37W. Nevertheless, I yearn for speeds of at least 65W, irrespective of whether Google doth plan to include a larger battery.

‘Tis possible that Google doth keep charging speeds low to prolong the lives of batteries. Yet, they couldst introduce an option for users to choose between faster charging speeds and battery preservation. This approach is not unheard of, as most smartphones do offer this choice. Alas, the improvement of battery charging speeds should be a priority on Google’s list of enhancements for Pixels in 2025.

Feature Parity: Expanding Pixel Exclusives Globally

Image Credit: Google

On the whole, I desire Google to streamline their features in such a manner that they function seamlessly in every country where Pixels are found. The inconsistency wherein some features work in certain regions and not in others doth create much confusion. Some of these features hath existed since the days of Pixel 3, thus ’tis confounding to witness their absence worldwide. Indeed, Pixels in certain regions doth lack basic features such as call recording, a state of affairs that doth baffle the mind.

2025 Could Be Even Better for Pixels
Verily, Pixels hath traversed a long path from being a series of uncertain future to becoming a paragon of a clean Android experience as acclaimed by many Android users. With Google’s shift to TSMC with the Tensor G5 in the upcoming year, it is anticipated that the issues of efficiency shall be rectified, resulting in enhanced performance.

I am filled with anticipation for what 2025 hath in store for Pixel devices. Perhaps, I shall forsake mine OnePlus 12R for a Pixel 9 Pro should Google extend some US-only features to more countries, including the subcontinent.

What say you of the state of Pixel devices? What alterations do you envision Pixels making in 2025? Pray, share thy thoughts in the comments.

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