Google has had a particularly eventful year, driven by a growing AI division and the release of numerous Pixel devices. However, not all of its products managed to impress users and critics. Let’s dive into the hits and misses of 2024.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out as Google’s crowning achievement in the smartphone category this year. Despite its new “XL” label, it’s essentially an evolution of the Pixel 8 Pro, but with significant upgrades that make it the best Pixel phone to date.
Key improvements include:
- A brighter, slightly larger display.
- Superior selfie camera performance.
- Extended battery life and faster charging.
- A shift to an ultrasonic fingerprint reader.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL provides one of the finest big-screen Android experiences, cementing its position as a flagship to reckon with.
Losers: Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 9:
Google’s Pixel 9 feels like the forgotten middle child. It offers lower-grade hardware than its Pro siblings while maintaining a similar form factor. The price difference isn’t substantial enough to make it a standout value option, especially with the more affordable Pixel 9a on the horizon.
For those seeking a compact phone, the Pixel 9 Pro seems like the more logical choice, even at a higher price.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold:
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, though improved from its predecessor, still falls short of expectations. It lags behind competitors in charging speed, performance, and camera quality. Additionally, the design, with its thick bezels and uneven corners, has divided opinions.
While better than the original Pixel Fold, which suffered from classic first-generation issues, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is simply not competitive enough to justify its premium price tag.
Winner: Pixel 9 Pro
In a market where compact flagships are increasingly rare, the Pixel 9 Pro shines. It matches the power and capabilities of its XL counterpart while offering a more manageable size. It’s a full-fledged flagship that doesn’t compromise on performance, making it an easy recommendation.
Loser: Gemini AI
Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, has yet to live up to its potential. While it shows promise, it feels rushed, likely in an attempt to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Currently, Gemini’s utility falls short of expectations, though Google’s integration efforts within Android hint at its future promise. For now, though, it’s not the go-to AI assistant that Google might have hoped it would be.
Winner: Pixel Buds Pro 2
This year’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a clear win for Google. They boast noticeable improvements in:
- Audio quality.
- Active noise cancellation.
- Comfort.
With solid battery life and a competitive price point, they’re an excellent choice for those invested in Google’s ecosystem.
Loser: Pixel Watch 3
Despite the buzz, the Pixel Watch 3 is a letdown. Its upgrades—like a slightly larger display and two size options—are incremental at best. The battery life remains underwhelming, and the outdated design feels out of place in 2024. At its current price, better Wear OS alternatives are available, leaving the Pixel Watch 3 struggling to justify its existence.