Google Pixel phones have come a long way since their first launch in 2016. The tech giant’s flagship phone series has seen several upgrades and improvements that have helped the Pixel phones stand out in the hyper-competitive smartphone market.

Pixel (2016): The Beginning of a new Era

Google’s entry into the smartphone market was not a surprise. However, the launch of its first in-house phone was a significant milestone. The Pixel, which launched in 2016, was competing with industry titans like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. Nevertheless, the Google Pixel was a promising device that showcased the potential of Google’s Android OS.

Pixel 2 (2017): The Upgraded Reprise

The second-generation Pixel phone came with even more improvements than the first. The Pixel 2 had a top-of-the-line camera, faster processor, and a better display than the first-gen model. The Pixel 2 also introduced the Active Edge feature, which allowed users to launch Google Assistant by just squeezing the sides of the phone.

Pixel 3 (2018): The Arrival of the Notch

The Pixel 3 marked a significant change in the hardware design of Pixel phones. The notch design helped maximize the screen space and brought the phone closer to the current industry standards. The Pixel 3 could also take selfies with a wider field of view, and it introduced the Night Sight mode – helping users take better photos in low light.

Pixel 3a (2019): The Affordable Pixel

The Pixel 3a was launched to cater to the mid-range smartphone market. It did not cut corners in the areas that mattered most like the camera and the software. It was a pared-down version of the Pixel 3, but it still retained most of its features at a lower price point.

Pixel 4 (2019): The High-Tech Phone

The fourth generation Pixel phone came packed with new features like Face Unlock, Motion Sense, and a 90Hz refresh rate that made interactions with the phone smoother. It was also the first Pixel phone to feature a dual-camera system and introduced the Astrophotography mode – allowing users to capture stunning shots of the night sky.

Pixel 5 (2020): The Return of the Pure Pixel Experience

The Pixel 5 was launched with the top-of-the-line hardware and software technologies. Though it was not as high-end as the Pixel 4, it was one of the first phones to feature the Android 11 OS. The Pixel 5 also marked a return to a simpler design with a plastic back cover, but it still delivered an excellent user experience.