Google Comes out Swinging, Uses New Pixel Features to Take Jabs at Apple

Google revealed its two new flagship smartphones at a keynote event today, and they’re packed with new features.

The 5-inch Pixel and 5.5-inch Pixel XL are Google’s latest foray into the smartphone line — and are apparently meant to replace the tech giant’s previous Nexus line. Along with the debut of Google’s Assistant, the phone also has a slew of new features — some of which are obviously meant to compete with other flagships from heavy-hitters like Apple and Samsung, according to CNET.

The first of which is the camera, which Google claims is the “best smartphone camera” ever, due to its DXOMark score of 89. The camera is said to be closer to a dedicated point-in-shoot in terms of sharpness, color accuracy, and pixel quality. Its large sensor and relatively small megapixel count means that the camera is good in low light, and it reportedly has next to no shutter lag when taking action shots. In addition, the camera’s HDR is always on, and Google said the camera’s software splits images into several exposures in order to fix pixels, eliminate blur, and improve the picture’s dynamic range, Engadget reported.

Both models of the Pixel can also capture 4K video at 30 FPS, 1080p at 120 FPS, and 720p at 240 FPS — and is also outfitted with rather impressive image stabilization. And it does all of this without a camera hump, the tech giant said, in a pretty obvious dig at Apple.

Speaking of Apple, Google has also implemented tools that would make it easier for users to switch from an iPhone. Included in that toolbox is a set of software that would bring contacts, data, media and messages over from other phones, including the Apple-exclusive iMessages — something that usually requires expensive third-party software to do.

Lastly, both models of the Pixel will come with unlimited cloud-based storage for full-resolution pictures and videos — something that Google also used to jab at Apple, showing the crowd a screenshot of something like looked suspiciously like an iOS “Storage Full” message.

The 5-inch Pixel and 5.5-inch Pixel XL will be available for pre-order today. The Pixel will start at $649, and the larger Pixel XL will start at $769, with larger storage options for both models costing more, according to CNET.

 Do you think Google’s new devices will stand a chance against Apple’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus?
Let us know in the comments.