In my humble opinion, Google’s Pixel telephones have one of the best software program of any smartphone.
Sure, I did argue again in March that Samsung’s One UI 7 had the higher hand, however Android 16 on the Pixel 10 Professional XL has restored Google’s crown. Apple’s iOS 18 couldn’t compete, and I extremely doubt that’ll change with iOS 26.
It’s not a very controversial opinion. Many, particularly those that use Android regularly, would agree that the Pixel 10 collection is nearly as good because it will get for software program.
Google’s strategy has quite a bit going for it. It’s slick, intuitive and simple to make use of, even for somebody who’s not conversant in Android. Bloatware is stored to a minimal, and most of it may well simply be uninstalled. And in case you primarily use Google apps and providers (as I do), they work together seamlessly with each other.
That’s earlier than you even get to the immediate updates, month-to-month patches and 7 years of software program assist. It’s an enviable bundle.
Nonetheless, I consider that there’s one massive space that Google is neglecting: the house display screen. As the very first thing you see while you unlock your cellphone, you’d suppose that the corporate would pay particular consideration to it, however that’s not the case.
In whole, there are 4 important shortcomings that frustrate me each time I exploit a Pixel cellphone. Google’s obvious stubbornness makes me tempted to change long-term.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
What if I don’t need to look?
Because the Pixel 2 collection in 2017, Google’s telephones have included a widget referred to as ‘At a Look’.
Because the title suggests, this lets you get a fast have a look at key info by merely glancing at it. More often than not, that is merely the date and present climate, and tapping every of these sections will open the related app.
It is going to additionally show upcoming occasions in your calendar, site visitors and flight updates, charging standing (together with for wi-fi earbuds), air high quality and climate alerts and extra. So far as widgets go, it’s one of many extra helpful ones.
My situation with At a Look isn’t the data isn’t the data it reveals, and even the way in which it shows it (though essential particulars are sometimes minimize off), it’s the truth that you possibly can’t take away it. Strive as you would possibly, At a Look will stay a everlasting fixture of the house display screen. You may’t even transfer it round!
Inside its settings, you’ll discover a ‘Use At a Look’ toggle. Nonetheless, this merely turns the widget right into a passive date show, eradicating all the opposite helpful info.
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The distress is compounded when the widget supposedly takes up your entire high portion of the display screen, regardless of no info ever being proven on the fitting facet. It doesn’t assist that At a Look hasn’t had a visible improve in eight years and is now wanting decidedly dated.
The one actual resolution is to obtain and use a distinct launcher. However this adjustments extra than simply the house display screen, and I actually like the remainder of the Pixel software program expertise.
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Cease the search
Google is finest identified for its search engine, and the corporate appears intent on reminding you each time you unlock your Pixel cellphone.
That’s the one clarification I may give for the large previous search bar on the backside of the display screen. I get it, you don’t need individuals leaping ship to Bing or DuckDuckGo once they boot up their net browser, however how seemingly is that actually?
In whole, I used the Pixel 9 Professional XL for round 5 months and have spent one other 4 weeks with its successor, the ten Professional XL. Throughout that point, I haven’t deliberately used the search bar as soon as! Nonetheless, on condition that it’s taking on prime actual property on the backside of the display screen, it’s acquired its justifiable share of unintended presses.
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It’s fairly clear that Google doesn’t care concerning the search bar, anyway. The corporate may need added a shortcut to the brand new ‘AI Mode’ in latest months, however a faucet of the microphone nonetheless launches Google Assistant! Given how established Gemini, its AI-powered substitute, now could be, this can be a laughable resolution.
Similar to At a Look, you possibly can’t transfer or resize it in any means. Its color will match your system theme, however that’s the place the customisation ends.
Lamentable labelling
App labels may be very helpful. When you’re unfamiliar with an app icon, or are searching for one thing in an alphabetical app drawer, it is sensible to see the title.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t apply to the house display screen. On that entrance web page, you’re solely placing apps that you simply truly use regularly (or try to be). Except they’ve lately had a redesign (unlikely), you’ve most likely seen the icons a whole bunch, if not 1000’s, of occasions. The labels beneath them are fairly redundant.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Google has recognised this within the app dock, however for some cause, it doesn’t apply the identical logic to the primary dwelling display screen. I’m not asking for a common removing – simply give us the choice to show them off!
I’d be much less important of Google’s stubbornness in case you might fill the remainder of the area with attractive first-party widgets. Sadly, that’s not the case.
The Pixel isn’t wanting dwelling display screen widgets, however they’re slightly…how shall I put it…. practical. You may simply handle your calendar, verify the climate forecast or see what number of steps you’ve taken from the house display screen, however they lack polish and battle to mix in with the app icons and annoying At a Look.
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Examine that to Samsung, which affords loads of engaging ones out of the field, and Google’s lack of effort right here is magnified. Yow will discover some nice choices through the use of third-party apps, however that shouldn’t be obligatory.
The identical may be mentioned for all of the shortcomings talked about on this article. When you get a Samsung Galaxy cellphone working One UI 7 or 8, you gained’t have to fret about any of those.
I nonetheless suppose the Pixel has the slight higher hand total, but when Android actually is the house for customisation lovers, Google must cease digging its heels in and allow us to correctly tweak the house display screen to our liking.
