Google's Pixel Phones Had Poor Hardware, Now They're Losing the Software Battle Too

Google's Pixel line was initially aimed to rival Apple and Samsung, excelling in AI and software. However, hardware issues, declining software reliability, and stronger competition have weakened its standing.
Google Android

With each new Pixel release, it seems Google is encountering more bugs and software glitches than ever before.

When Google first launched the Pixel line of smartphones in 2016, it did so with a clear ambition: to compete directly with the likes of Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy series. The Pixel was marketed as the phone that would bring together Google's prowess in artificial intelligence (AI) and software with premium hardware. However, as the years have rolled on, it has become evident that Google’s dreams of being a hardware heavyweight have fallen short.
The Pixel phones have often lagged behind competitors in terms of hardware capabilities. The only saving grace for them was a rather capable software. Now, even the company’s once-unassailable strength—software—is beginning to show cracks. In a first for Pixel phones — the Pixel series 9 didn’t launch with the latest version of Android. Even the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 out of the box.
In fact, other brands have now introduced Android 15 before Google. The new update is available on a bunch of Vivo and iQOO phones. That’s a new low!
A Troubled History with Hardware
From the start, Pixel phones have struggled with hardware issues. Early adopters of the Pixel and Pixel 2 were excited by the phones’ AI-driven features, but many reported concerns with build quality. The Pixel 4, for instance, was widely criticized for its disappointing battery performance and unreliable face unlock system.
And while the company did manage to fix some hardware issues with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, their performance has always been questionable. Google’s own decision to switch to Tensor chipsets was received well but their performance has never been close to rival silicon like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon or Apple’s Bionic chipsets.
The phones were priced similarly to flagship models from Samsung and Apple, but users got a subpar physical experience, a key reason why Google has never been a major smartphone player in India.
Where Google Shined: Software
For many years, Google's saving grace with the Pixel line was its software. The phones offered a clean, bloat-free version of Android, directly from the source. This meant timely updates, a rarity in the Android ecosystem where manufacturers often delay updates for months.
Google also leveraged its AI capabilities to bring cutting-edge features like the Google Assistant, call screening, and the much-lauded camera software that relied heavily on computational photography to produce stunning images despite average camera sensors.
It was the software that made people look past the hardware shortcomings. Features like real-time language translation, and the excellent integration of Google services created an experience that was uniquely Google. Moreover, the promise of seven years of software updates made Pixel phones attractive to tech enthusiasts and those who valued longevity in their devices.
But Now, the Software’s Slipping Too
However, even the software advantage that Google once had is beginning to wane. With each new Pixel release, it seems Google is encountering more bugs and software glitches than ever before. Recent models were plagued with reports of connectivity issues, random crashes, and problems with fingerprint sensors. These weren’t isolated incidents but widespread complaints that marred the user experience.
More concerning is that Google, which once prided itself on speedy updates, has struggled to roll out reliable software patches. At the same time, competitors like Samsung have vastly improved their software game, offering cleaner user interfaces, more frequent updates, and unique features that rival what Google brings to the table.
The Future of Pixel in Question
So, where does this leave Google’s Pixel line? The company is still innovating in some areas, with new features like AI-powered photo editing and improved voice commands. But as hardware problems persist and software quality deteriorates, the Pixel is struggling to maintain its identity.
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Manas Tiwari author

Manas has spent a decade in media, juggling between Broadcast, Online, Radio and Print journalism. He spends his week following the latest tech trends...View More

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