5 Google Pixel Features They Should Have Never Abandoned
As a long-time enthusiast of Google's Pixel smartphones, dating back to the Pixel 2 XL, I've witnessed a significant evolution in these devices. Having owned a considerable number of Pixels over the years, I've noticed the gradual disappearance of certain software features and design choices that I truly miss. In this article, I'll delve into my top five Pixel features that I miss the most.
Give it a Squeeze
The increasing sophistication of smartphones has led to a greater emphasis on digital assistants. Consequently, many modern Android devices now assign the power button to trigger these assistants, initially Google Assistant and increasingly Gemini. While convenient for launching the AI, this shift has relegated the traditional power menu to secondary methods, often involving combinations with volume keys or accessing the notification shade. This feels like an unnecessary complication, especially considering Google had a more elegant solution years ago.
Rewinding to the Pixel 2 XL, a simple squeeze of the phone would effortlessly summon Google Assistant, accompanied by a satisfying haptic feedback. This "Active Edge" feature left the power button to function solely as a power button – a logical and intuitive setup. Why Google abandoned this perfectly functional and user-friendly feature remains a mystery to me.
Fingerprint Scanner
Another aspect of Pixel design that I lament is the move away from rear-mounted fingerprint scanners. While in-display fingerprint scanners have improved in speed and accuracy, I still find myself occasionally fumbling to locate the sensor on the screen. As a folding phone user, I appreciate the tactile nature and easy accessibility of fingerprint scanners integrated into the power button.
The rear fingerprint scanner, present up until the Pixel 5, felt ergonomically natural. Your index finger instinctively rests in that area when holding the phone, making unlocking a seamless action. While a phone lying flat on a surface might limit access to a rear scanner, the widespread adoption of reliable face unlock on most modern Android phones mitigates this issue. I believe the convenience and intuitive placement of the rear fingerprint scanner were superior.
All Glass
My third point concerns the shift towards all-glass build materials. While undeniably sleek, glass backs are inherently slippery and prone to shattering upon impact. My wife's Pixel 5, with its non-glass aluminum construction, endured significant wear and tear without breaking, a testament to the durability of alternative materials. The finish also provided a natural grip, often negating the need for a case. While glass backs look premium, the practicality and resilience of materials like aluminum, as seen on older Pixels, are sorely missed.
Why So Drab?
Reflecting on the original Pixel XL, which I recently acquired, brings me to my fourth missing feature: bold and vibrant color options. Modern smartphones often gravitate towards muted and subtle hues. The original Pixel XL's distinct two-tone design was unique and memorable. I long for the return of more expressive and personality-filled color choices in flagship Pixel devices. While Google does offer more vibrant colors on their lower-end models, the premium Pixel phones often lack the same saturation, offering a more limited and desaturated palette. Give us back the bold colors!
Unlimited Google Photos
Finally, a hallmark of early Pixel phones was the incredible perk of unlimited, full-quality photo backup to Google Photos. This was a significant advantage for Pixel users. While the Pixel 2 slightly reduced this to unlimited storage at a compressed quality, this benefit has now vanished entirely. Current Pixel owners receive no additional storage perks and are subject to the same limitations as users of any other phone. As someone with a vast library of backed-up photos, I now find myself paying for extra Google storage – a direct consequence of this discontinued feature. The unlimited backup was a genuinely valuable and appreciated aspect of the Pixel experience.
As a bonus, I also miss the distinct passport-style design of the original Pixel Fold. Its unique form factor stood out, unlike the more conventional design adopted by its successor. I know I'm not alone in feeling nostalgic for that original design.