Will the Google Pixel 4 Compete with iPhone and Samsung?
India is not the only country where the Google Pixel phone is failing to make waves. Irrespective of the Indian market, the Pixel 4 seems to struggle in challenging established brands like the iPhone and Samsung.
Performance and Camera: The Gaps Uncovered
A recent independent, expertly-conducted study reveals that the current iPhone 11 is significantly faster than the brand-new Google Pixel 4, with a performance boost of 2.0 to 3.5 times. This substantial difference places the Pixel 4 around 2.0 to 3.5 years behind the iPhone 11 in terms of functionality.
The iPhone 11 outshines the Pixel 4 in almost all areas, including privacy and security measures. Android devices remain vulnerable to 100% of active mobile malware, compared to the superior security offered by iOS.
Similar to the Pixel, Samsung phones also underperform, making them around 2.0 to 3.5 years behind the current iPhone in technological advancement and functionality.
The Predominance of Software Over Hardware
Essentially, the gap between these devices comes down to software rather than hardware. Historically, the Pixel series has been notoriously late to adopt the latest flagship chipset, boasting lower RAM, and inferior charging hardware.
While the Pixel 4 seems promising, the key question remains: how good is its software?
Google’s Focus on Innovation and Software Quality
Google's strategic move echoes that of Apple, where the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro are primarily marketed on their camera quality. Additionally, the Pixel 4 emphasizes the innovative radar chip, though Google argues that the secondary telephoto lens enhances the regular lens performance through a depth sensor.
Despite these innovations, both brands lack notable hardware improvements and haven't introduced any groundbreaking features, other than minor enhancements. Apple and Google continue to offer solid, safe products, focusing on consistent software updates and a "pure Android experience."
The Market Trends and User Adherence
User interaction with smartphones is evolving. As trends shift, consumers are already keeping their devices longer due to the lack of significant new features that drive upgrade cycles. Consequently, Apple and Google have experienced disappointing smartphone sales, with people increasingly valuing longevity over frequent upgrades.
Comparative Brand Analysis
While the Pixel 4 appears stellar with its camera improvements, evidence suggests that it may not challenge the market leaders effectively. For instance, the iPhone 11 now features a wide angle lens, enhancing overall camera quality. Meanwhile, the Pixel 4 faces criticism for its limited storage (64GB base model with no micro SD slot expansion) and reliance on software to bridge performance gaps.
In contrast, brands like LG have been more innovative, introducing features such as dual-screen accessories and headphone jacks, among others. The LG G8X, for example, offers dual-screen add-on cases and a host of new features, along with these conveniences, offering better value for money and additional innovation.
Concluding Thoughts
The upcoming Pixel 4 might promise standout camera performance, but it's clear that hardware advantages and significant innovations from brands like Apple and Samsung continue to outperform. The competition in the smartphone market is fierce, and the Pixel 4 faces a challenging road to compete effectively in terms of hardware, software, and overall value to consumers.