As someone who’s loved using Google Pixel phones over the years, I’ve had the chance to experience three standout models: the Pixel 1, Pixel 3, and Pixel 5. Each one brought something unique to the table, and while there were a few hiccups along the way (looking at you, battery life!), my overall experience with these phones has been nothing short of fantastic. Let’s dive into what I loved—and what could’ve been better.
Google Pixel 1: The Pioneer
The Pixel 1 was my introduction to Google’s vision of what a smartphone should be, and it didn’t disappoint. Released in 2016 and I bought it in 2018, it still felt different from other Android phones at the time.
For your information, Google has no official store in Pakistan.
The Pixel 1’s design was simple yet functional. The aluminium body gave it a distinct look from other phones. It wasn’t the flashiest phone, but it stood out in its own understated way. Holding it felt premium, even if the bezels were quite large by today’s standards.
The camera was revolutionary!
This was one of the first phones that changed my perspective about phone cameras. Photos were crisp, colours were vibrant, and even in low light, the results were surprisingly good. It set a benchmark for what smartphone cameras could achieve.
Stock Android on the Pixel 1 was a dream. It was fast, smooth, and clutter-free. The phone didn’t come loaded with unnecessary apps, which made it feel incredibly clean and responsive. Regular updates were a big plus, and Google’s focus on simplicity really shone through.
Unfortunately, the battery was its Achilles’ heel. It struggled to last a full day, especially as it aged. I often found myself carrying a power bank to get through the day or plug it in wherever i found a charging spot.
Google Pixel 3: A Compact Powerhouse
The Pixel 3 took everything great about the Pixel 1 and 2 and refined it. Compact, sleek, and packed with features, it became one of my favourite daily drivers.
The Pixel 3’s design was not much different than 1 except for it was glass back. It introduced a glass back, which allowed for wireless charging. The size was perfect for one-handed use, and the soft-touch finish made it comfortable to hold. The front bezels were slimmer, though not entirely gone, giving it a more modern look.
If the Pixel 1’s camera was groundbreaking, the Pixel 3’s camera was magic. Features like Night Sight took low-light photography to a whole new level. I loved how effortless it was to capture stunning photos. Portrait mode was another highlight, producing beautifully blurred backgrounds that made shots look professional. However, I limited it to photos other than human portraits. I just didn’t liked the portraits of google pixel phones but the good thing was, i am also not a fan of selfies or pictures of me.
Once again, stock Android delivered a flawless experience. The Pixel 3 felt snappy, Google Assistant was smarter than ever.
Unfortunately, the battery life left me wanting more. While it was slightly better than the Pixel 1, it still couldn’t keep up with heavy use. By the end of the day, I’d often be scrambling for a charger or sometimes twice a day.
Google Pixel 5: Balanced and Reliable
I bought my Google Pixel 5 on 12th October 2024 in Dubai.
Why not Pixel 6 or others?
To be honest, because of affordability and design. I love the design of Pixels from 1 to 5. They are handy and cute and the Pixel 5 was a bit wider as well. But . . .
With the Pixel 5, Google shifted gears. It wasn’t about flagship specs anymore but about creating a phone that excelled at the essentials—and it worked. This is the most practical and balanced Pixel I’ve owned.
The Pixel 5’s design was understated yet striking. The aluminium body, coated with a soft-touch material, felt light and comfortable. It had a certain warmth to it that made it a joy to use. The smaller size (compared to other competitors) made it pocket-friendly, and the edge-to-edge display gave it a modern, clean look. I especially appreciated how durable it felt without being bulky and I am such a huge fan of not-so-huge phones.
The camera continued to be the star of the show. While the hardware wasn’t drastically different (and I hate you for this Google!), Google’s software magic made photos look incredible. The addition of an ultra-wide lens added versatility, and it was needed as the competitors had an edge over pixels because they stuck to only one camera. The pictures were… Pixel quality, Whether it was capturing landscapes, portraits, or night scenes, the Pixel 5 delivered.
I bought the phone with Android 14. The software was smooth, intuitive, and free from distractions.
And Finally, a Pixel with good battery life! The Pixel 5 easily lasted me a full day and sometimes even spilled over into the next day. It was such a relief not having to worry about running out of juice halfway through the day.
Final Thoughts
Each of these Pixel phones has left a lasting impression on me. The Pixel 1 will always be special for being my first Google phone and for introducing me to what a smartphone camera could truly achieve. The Pixel 3 felt like a step up in design and photography, offering features that made capturing memories even more fun. And the Pixel 5, with its balanced approach, proved that you don’t need top-tier specs to have a fantastic phone experience.
The consistent strengths across all these devices were the cameras, the clean software, and the thoughtful design choices. Google’s focus on simplicity and functionality resonated with me deeply. The only consistent drawback was battery life, though the Pixel 5 finally addressed that issue.
If you’re someone who values a great camera, clean minimal software, and a phone that focuses on freedom, any of these Pixels would be a solid choice. For me, they’ve been more than just phones—they’ve been reliable phones.
What’s Next?
Next? I am planning to buy a Pixel 9, skipping Google Pixel 6 to 8.
Why? Because I am already in love with the design of the Google Pixel 9. I hade the shiny glass backs of the Pixel 6, Pixel 7 and Pixel 8. Also, I hate huge thick phones.
What’s been your experience with Pixel phones? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
