My Top Pixel Phone Features Over the Years
I’ve been using Pixel phones since the Pixel, and after all these years, there are certain features that stood out to me. These features are the main reason why my daily driver is still a Pixel. Some of these features are not exclusive to Pixel devices, while others are. Either way, let me share with you the top mobile features Google ever made. So, let’s jump in.
1. Hum to Search
I remember seeing a Google ad for this feature, and it was like a dream come true. We all wished Shazam could do this back in the day, and yes, we all tried singing to Shazam, hoping it would identify the song, but sadly, it never worked.
How Hum to Search Changed Music Identification
In contrast, with Hum to Search, you can sing, whistle, or hum whatever comes to your mind, and it always works. After trying this feature, I got too excited and immediately published an article to show you how it works. That was four years ago, when the channel was a lot smaller, at around 8K subscribers, but it got me 200K views. Months later, I published another one for iOS, which got me 350K views, almost double, showing how excited people were about Hum to Search.
2. Now Playing
Now Playing is number two on my list. This feature is exclusive to Pixel phones since the Pixel 2, and whoever thought of this feature should be one of the smartest Google employees ever.
Everyday Use of Now Playing
Till now, there is nothing like it on any OS. I use it almost daily. When a song plays nearby, I simply look at my phone and immediately see the song’s name. It even saves the history, so I can check the list and pick tracks that go straight to my “Likes” playlist on YouTube Music. Imagine if my daily driver were an iPhone or a Samsung; I would have missed hundreds of songs.
3. Astrophotography
Astrophotography is feature number three, and it’s another Pixel exclusive since the Pixel 4.
Capturing the Night Sky with Pixel’s Astrophotography Mode
I use this feature a lot, taking a tripod on every trip just to capture stunning astro photos. Yes, it takes a while to capture a single photo, but it’s worth it.
4. Google Assistant v2
Number four is Google Assistant v2, released back in 2019. This is the first iteration of Google Assistant that supports back-to-back commands, and it was groundbreaking.
The Power of Google Assistant v2
Till now, Google’s AI assistant is the smartest. Take a look at this snippet from my original article:
- “Set the alarm at 7 a.m.”
- “Remind me to call my friend tomorrow morning.”
- “Add milk, bread, and cheese to my shopping list.”
- “What’s on my shopping list?”
I gave it more than 10 back-to-back commands, and it handled them flawlessly, which Gemini, for example, cannot do.
5. Google Lens
Number five is Google Lens. This feature has been incredibly helpful in my daily life.
How Google Lens Makes Life Easier
I use it to translate street signs, convert images to text for later use, and get information about products. Circle to Search makes it even more useful by triggering Google Lens over any screen to perform all these actions.
6. Material You
Material You is number six, introduced in Android 12. This new theming and styling technique was the first of its kind.
Adaptive Theming with Material You
Every time you set a new wallpaper, your phone adapts to it—your home screen, app icons, Quick Settings, keyboard, and apps. Even Apple copied this feature in iOS 16, but it doesn’t look as good or integrated as Android’s Material You.
7. Assistant Voice Typing
Number seven is Assistant Voice Typing, which is the smartest voice typing feature I’ve ever used.
Efficient Replies with Assistant Voice Typing
I use it daily to reply to comments. It’s not only accurate but also punctuates automatically. You can delete, undo, or replace text just using your voice, which is something no other keyboard offers.
8. Magic Editor
Number eight is Magic Editor. Some people don’t like AI transforming photos, but you don’t have to use it that way.
Peace of Mind with Magic Editor
For me, it adds peace of mind. If something blocks the view or someone walks into the frame, I can erase them easily. Based on my comparisons, Magic Editor handles complex scenarios much better than similar tools from Apple or Samsung.
9. Best Take
Best Take is another useful feature, especially for group photos.
Enhancing Group Photos with Best Take
Like Magic Editor, it gives peace of mind by allowing you to fix people’s expressions and poses in post-production, ensuring everyone looks their best.
10. Add Me
Finally, Add Me is the last feature on my list.
When Add Me Comes in Handy
While useful, it’s lower on my list because the use case is rare. However, when the right moment comes, it makes a difference.
Honorable Mentions
Besides this list, here are three small Pixel-exclusive features that I believe are very underrated:
Quick Phrases
Quick Phrases allows you to answer calls hands-free by saying “answer,” or decline calls or snooze alarms without touching the screen. It’s perfect for when your hands are full.
Copy Text or Images from the Recent Apps Screen
This feature lets you select and share photos or text without taking screenshots. It saves space and is incredibly convenient.
Live Translate
While I don’t use it much, Live Translate allows you to see any conversation in any app transformed into your own language, with the ability to reply back seamlessly.
Conclusion: Google’s Top Mobile Features
These are the top mobile features Google has created, in my opinion, and I’m curious to hear about yours in the comments below.
