Google Pixel phones

Google is traditionally a search engine but it also releases its own hardware. Think phones, tablets, fully wireless earbuds and smart speakers. Most of those devices run Android.

Nexus

Google showed early interest in releasing its own hardware. In 2010, it released the Nexus One in partnership with HTC. Several more models would come out in the Nexus line, made alternately by HTC, LG and Samsung.

Pixel

In late 2016, Google said goodbye to the Nexus name and phones were henceforth released under the name Pixel. Google designed the phones, HTC made them. Not long after, Google took over HTC's phone division after which everything could be developed and made in-house.

Tensor chip

Besides making phones, Google has also shown interest in developing its own processor. These are marketed under the name Tensor and are only used by Google. The first Tensor was released in 2016 and was intended for use in servers.

The Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) was used to accelerate AI functions. The first Tensor for use in a mobile phone saw the light of day in 2021 with the introduction of the Pixel 6, which too was optimised to handle AI tasks faster.

Advantages Pixel phones

Google's phones particularly excel in its cameras. For this, Google uses 'Computational Photography'. This uses various algorithms to improve photos. Google's most famous algorithm is HDR+. This involves merging several photos into one with the help of an algorithm. This algorithm relies a lot on machine learning, something the Tensor chip is good at.

Other advantages of a Pixel phone are the fast Android updates. Google is the publisher of Android and after a new version is released, Pixel phones are at the forefront to receive it. Also, as a Pixel owner, you can sign up to receive early Android previews, should you want to. These often still contain bugs, but they offer a unique early look at what's to come.

Pixel phones are otherwise quite affordable compared to competitors' flagships. Google of course has another big revenue source besides phones; ads on its search engine. For those looking for a competitively priced alternative to an iPhone, Google is a good place to start.