Google Cell Phones Review | U.S. News

Google was incorporated in 1998 as a search engine company, but has grown exponentially to include hundreds of technology products for consumers, businesses, and developers. Their founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, got their start as classmates at Stanford University. The pair worked in their dorm rooms to create a search engine that eventually was noticed by Silicon Valley investors and ultimately became Google Inc. In 2005, Google acquired Android, a mobile operating system designed for touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets. Then, in 2016, Google began producing its own line of smartphones based on Android technology.

The Google Pixel 5a ties for No. 5 in our Best Cell Phones of 2022 and ties for No. 4 in our Best Android Phones of 2022. Professional reviewers point to this phone’s value for the features that come with its price, including a vibrant display, a camera that produces clear and well-toned images, 5G service, and long battery life. Reviewers agree that although the phone has a few drawbacks, such as no wireless charging and a basic design, it’s a solid choice for a midrange phone and offers new features over the older A-series version. Google added water-resistance to this phone and improved the battery. On the downside, the Pixel 5a comes in only one color choice and only one storage option. However, for the price point and the number of features, this phone is a good choice for those seeking simplicity and affordability.

The Google Pixel 5a is priced at $449.00, significantly lower than the other phones in our rating categories, with the exception of the Apple iPhone SE at $429.00. This price gets you 128 GB of storage (no additional storage options are available for this model). It also has a rare headset jack in addition to its USB-C port, a dual camera system, and a newly upgraded water-resistance rating at 1.0 meters for 30 minutes.

The Google Pixel 5a comes in one color, Mostly Black, and weighs 6.46 ounces. The 6.3-inch screen size is slightly smaller than other Androids in its class. Only the Apple iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone 13 have smaller screen sizes. The microphone is on the top right of the phone, and the headphone jack (a rarity that’s not offered in any of the other phones in our rating) is to the left, while the USB-C port is on the bottom middle of the phone. The front-facing camera is located in a pinhole design on the top left corner of the display. The fingerprint sensor is on the back of the phone, along with the square camera module. Professional reviewers note that the fingerprint sensor demonstrated excellent accuracy, adding that the plastic body is unimpressive and may show oils from a user’s skin.

All cell phones use what’s called an SoC. This is a system on a chip that works as the phone’s main processor and links together all the components in one unit, including the graphics, the central processing, the modem, and the memory. The Google Pixel 5a contains a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Kryo 475 processor that professional reviewers say offers efficient performance (for instance, processing photos faster) and is more powerful than the previous versions in the Pixel phones.

The Google Pixel 5a has a full-HD OLED display, which stands for organic light-emitting diodes. This type of display emits light when a current passes through it. In general, an OLED display produces better image quality and higher contrast ratio, making blacks blacker and whites whiter than in a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The display resolution for the Pixel 5a is 2400 x 1080, and professional reviewers noted that the display is easy to read outside in full sun. They also agree that the display is bright and vibrant, and improves the experience of watching media and gaming. The Pixel 5a’s refresh rate (how fast the content refreshes on the screen) is 60Hz, the same as the Apple iPhone SE and iPhone 13. This comes in at half of what is offered in comparable Android phones in our rating. However, reviewers note this as a minor flaw.

There is one USB-C port on the Google Pixel 5a, as well as a 3.5 mm headset jack. The Pixel 5a is the only phone in our rating that has a headset jack, which professional reviewers noted provides expanded options and convenience for consumers. The SIM card tray is on the left edge of the phone. There are two speakers on the phone, one on the top in the earpiece above the display, and one on the bottom. Reviewers note that the speakers produce good sound quality.

The Google Pixel 5a has a Dual Camera system with two rear cameras and one front camera. Lens quality for the rear is 12.2 megapixels (MP) and 8 MP for the front. The video playback (the level at which a user can stream videos) is at 4K resolution, similar to mostphones in our ratings. It does not have video editing or pro video capabilities like Apple’s iPhone SE (2022) or 13 models. Professional reviewers say the addition of the second rear camera produces high-quality images, with its 16 MP (megapixels) and 117-degree, ultrawide capacity. This is an enhancement that its precursor, the Google Pixel 4a, did not have. Reviewers say that because of Google’s Night Sight feature, the phone is able to take decent photos in the dark. The Apple iPhone SE, for instance, does not have a night mode feature. Reviewers seem satisfied with the Pixel 5a’s video capabilities, noting that videos appear brighter and crisper than on the iPhone SE. In addition, the Cinematic Pan mode results in artistically styled videos.

The charging speed on the Pixel 5a is 43% in 30 minutes. This is comparable to charging speeds of the Apple iPhone SE, 13, and 13 Pro, which charge slightly faster at 50% in 30 minutes. The Pixel 5a’s battery life comes in at around the average time of other phones in our rating based on video playback, boasting about 10 hours of battery life while streaming video. It’s worth noting that the Google Pixel 5A does feature an Extreme Battery Saver, which turns off apps you’re not using when the battery runs low to help extend battery life.

The Google Pixel 5a comes with only one option for storage at 128 GB. Almost all other phones rated in this category have options for more storage at 256 GB, 512 GB, and even 1 TB. However, more storage means a more expensive product, and so this storage capacity is in line with this phone’s price point.

Included in the box when you purchase the Google Pixel 5a is the USB-C power adapter, a 1-meter USB-C-to-USB-C cable, a Quick Start Guide, a Quick Switch Adapter (which helps transfer data from an old phone to the new device), and a tool that enables you to switch out the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The phone comes with a one-year warranty.

The Google Pixel 5a and OnePlus 10 Pro tie for the No. 5 rating in the Best Cell Phones of 2022 category. The two Android phones have a lot of similarities, but the most notable difference is the cost. The OnePlus 10 Pro is close to double the price of the Pixel 5a, but it also has significantly more features. The screen size of the OnePlus 10 Pro is slightly bigger at 6.7 inches and has a display resolution of 3216 x 1440, compared to the Pixel 5a’s screen size of 6.3 inches and display resolution of 2400 x 1080. Yet, both have OLED display technology. The OnePlus 10 Pro comes in two color options, Volcanic Black and Emerald Forest, while the Pixel 5a has one color choice, Mostly Black. The OnePlus 10 Pro has more options for storage capacity, including a version with 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. It has 15 hours of video playback compared to the Pixel 5a’s 10 hours, plus a wireless-charging option that the Google phone doesn’t offer. The Google Pixel 5a is a good choice for those seeking affordability, a high-quality camera, and efficient overall performance.

There are many factors to consider in the overall comparison between Android phones and iPhones, including design, energy efficiency, connectivity, and available apps. The Apple iPhone 13 has a slightly smaller screen size, similar display resolution, and the same number of cameras with comparable camera results. It has a similar charging time as the Google Pixel 5a but offers more features, such as better water-resistance, expanded video playback, wireless charging, and a more powerful processor. The biggest drawback of the Apple iPhone 13 over the Google Pixel 5a is the cost, as the iPhone 13 is almost twice the price of the Pixel 5a.

The Google Pixel 6 Pro places No. 10 in our rating of the Best Cell Phones of 2022. Its features include a large display with a fast refresh rate, its three-camera system, and what professional reviewers note as its unique curved-glass and metal design. The price point is on the higher side considering that there are comparable Android and Apple options that are cheaper. Professional reviewers agree it’s one of the best Google phones you can buy because it is fast, offers a lot of high-end features, and sports an impressive display and design.

The Google Pixel 6 Pro base price is $899.00, which is roughly double the price of the Pixel 5a, but right in line with the Apple iPhone 13, which has many comparable features. The Pixel 6 Pro offers an additional camera over the Apple iPhone 13, and double the display refresh rate. The chipset is more powerful than its Google predecessors, and its camera quality is highly rated by professional reviewers.

The Google Pixel 6 Pro’s dimensions are 6.5 H x 3.0 W x 0.4 D, and it weighs 7.41 ounces. The screen dimension is 6.7 inches, and it comes in three color options: Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, and Stormy Black. There is one USB-C port located on the bottom of the phone. The sleep/wake button is on the right, with the volume button just below it and speakers on either side.

Professional reviewers note that the design changes over the previous version are attractive enhancements, with a curved design and glass back. Spanning the width of the back of the device is the camera bar, which juts out slightly from the phone. Reviewers say this makes it stand out from other phones, but also note that some users may find it annoying. It has an in-display fingerprint sensor that several reviewers say can be a bit fussy.

The Google Tensor system was created by and for Google Pixel phones and claims to deliver fast processing speeds, good battery life, additional security, and computational photography. Reviewers say the Tensor chip delivers solid, speedy performance, but they point out that it suffers by comparison with other devices such as Apple’s better-performing iPhones.

The 6.7 display resolution is 1440 x 3120 on the Google Pixel 6 Pro and uses quad high definition (QHD) organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology that is enhanced with low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LPTO). According to professional viewers, its QHD + LPTO OLED display is bright and big, and the LPTO technology allows the display to change the refresh rate as needed to conserve battery. Reviewers say this creates smoother scrolling and more captivating media experience.

The ports and audio options on the Google Pixel 6 Pro are simple: There is one USB-C port, and it does not have a headphone jack. The SIM card tray is on the phone’s left edge. Professional reviewers note that sound comes through the speaker loud and clear.

The triple-camera system on the Pixel 6 Pro includes three rear cameras and one front camera. The three rear cameras on the wide bar on the back sport a 50 MP wide lens, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 48 MP telephoto lens. Professional reviewers mention that the Pixel 6 Pro’s camera system holds its own against the iPhone 13 Pro, producing well in normal and low light. The Pixel 6 Pro provides video-editing capabilities, including cinematic mode, and streams video at a resolution of 4K. Reviewers note that video quality is vivid, the 4K resolution produces sharp details, and sound comes through the speakers loud and clear.

The Google Pixel 6 Pro charges to 50% in 30 minutes, which is on par with charging speeds for most phones in our ratings category. Pro reviewers mention that the battery life is only slightly above average. It offers 20 hours of video playback, which is 10 hours more than the Google Pixel 5a but similar to the Apple iPhone 13’s 19 hours of video playback.

The Google Pixel 6 Pro comes with three options for storage, including 125 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. The base price of $899.00 is for 125 GB. For each bump in storage, the price point goes up.

Purchase of the Google Pixel 6 Pro includes a 1-meter USB-C to USB-C cable, a Quick Start Guide, a Quick Switch Adapter and a SIM tool for the card. The Google Quick Switch Adapter helps transfer data from your old phone to the new device

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is a bigger phone with more bells and whistles than the Apple iPhone SE (2022) and is significantly more expensive, with the iPhone SE’s base price at $429.00 and the Pixel 6 Pro’s base price at $899.00. As with most comparisons between Android phones and iPhones, there are significant differences. The Pixel 6 Pro’s display is described by professional reviewers as bigger, faster, and more brilliant, and boasts more camera power, with three cameras instead of two. The smaller size and affordability of the iPhone SE may be more desirable to those wanting simplicity and value, while the design and power of the Google Pixel 6 Pro may appeal to those who want more functionality and a premium feel.

Starting with the prices of these two Android phones, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is a more affordable option than the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus. The Pixel 6 Pro’s base price is $899.00, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus is $1,049.99. Both phones have a similar screen size, a bright display, water resistance at 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, wireless charging, comparable video playback speed, and similar camera systems. A big difference the Samsung offers is its S Pen stylus that lets users draw and take notes on the display. Professional reviewers note that Samsung outperforms the Pixel 6 Pro in better battery life and faster charging. The slightly bigger screen and premium feel of the Samsung S22 Plus may make it a better choice over the Pixel 6 Pro for those who want more features without a lot more cost.

Google cell phones can be purchased directly through Google on the Google Store site, or through third-party retailers such as Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. Google phones also can be purchased through major carrier networks such as Google Fi, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile, which may require the purchase of a cell phone plan based on each company’s policies.

Google offers a one-year warranty on cell phones purchased directly from Google or from third-party retailers for damage or defects that are not caused by the user. For example, if the phone freezes often, doesn’t turn on, doesn’t charge properly, or has microphone, speaker, or button problems. If the phone was dropped, lost, or stolen, it is not covered under the warranty. You can return a phone to Google for a refund within 15 calendar days from the day you receive it. Google cell phones purchased from third-party retailers also have their own refund policies.

Professional reviewers say that reaching someone on the phone to help troubleshoot problems is not Google’s top priority, due to staffing and security constraints. Google’s customer support for their phones can be accessed online at their customer support site. There consumers can access the Help Center, where they can type in their questions and Google provides direction. Or, users can access the Google Pixel Help Community online to see issues other users have had along with real-time updates on issues posted by Google. Consumers can also contact Google by phone at their Mountain View, California, headquarters.

Professional reviewers say that Google Assistant, Google’s voice assistant tool, has good and bad qualities, but that issues also are common for all voice assistants. Google Assistant is standard on all Android phones, is voice-activated and can answer questions, give weather updates, translate language, play music, and much more. Access to Google Assistant is by a long press on the home button, or by saying “Hey Google.” To activate by voice, pro reviewers note that the interface is inconsistent, resulting in different user experiences across devices. However, they say that its ability to connect to other apps and services allows the user to accomplish a variety of useful tasks beyond the phone’s offerings.