In my humble opinion, Google’s Pixel telephones have the perfect 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 pretty much as good because it will get for software program.
Google’s strategy has lots going for it. It’s slick, intuitive and straightforward to make use of, even for somebody who’s not accustomed to Android. Bloatware is stored to a minimal, and most of it could actually simply be uninstalled. And in the event 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 help. It’s an enviable bundle.
Nonetheless, I imagine that there’s one massive space that Google is neglecting: the house display screen. As the very first thing you see whenever you unlock your cellphone, you’d assume that the corporate would pay particular consideration to it, however that’s not the case.
In complete, 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 wish 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 take a look at key data 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 would additionally show upcoming occasions in your calendar, 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 challenge with At a Look isn’t the knowledge isn’t the knowledge it exhibits, and even the best way it shows it (though essential particulars are sometimes reduce off), it’s the truth that you may’t take away it. Strive as you would possibly, At a Look will stay a everlasting fixture of the house display screen. You possibly can’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 data.
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The distress is compounded when the widget supposedly takes up all the high portion of the display screen, regardless of no data ever being proven on the appropriate aspect. It doesn’t assist that At a Look hasn’t had a visible improve in eight years and is now trying decidedly dated.
The one actual resolution is to obtain and use a distinct launcher. However this modifications 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 greatest recognized for its search engine, and the corporate appears intent on reminding you each time you unlock your Pixel cellphone.
That’s the one rationalization I can provide 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 possible is that actually?
In complete, 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 obtained its fair proportion of unintentional presses.
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It’s fairly clear that Google doesn’t care concerning the search bar, anyway. The corporate might need added a shortcut to the brand new ‘AI Mode’ in current months, however a faucet of the microphone nonetheless launches Google Assistant! Given how established Gemini, its AI-powered alternative, now’s, it is a laughable choice.
Similar to At a Look, you may’t transfer or resize it in any method. Its color will match your system theme, however that’s the place the customisation ends.
Lamentable labelling
App labels might be very helpful. In case you’re unfamiliar with an app icon, or are on the lookout for one thing in an alphabetical app drawer, it is smart 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 you have to be). Except they’ve lately had a redesign (unlikely), you’ve in all probability seen the icons tons of, if not hundreds, of instances. The labels beneath them are fairly redundant.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Google has recognised this within the app dock, however for some motive, it doesn’t apply the identical logic to the principle house 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 the event you might fill the remainder of the area with beautiful first-party widgets. Sadly, that’s not the case.
The Pixel isn’t wanting house display screen widgets, however they’re a little bit…how shall I put it…. useful. You possibly can simply handle your calendar, test 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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Evaluate that to Samsung, which presents loads of engaging ones out of the field, and Google’s lack of effort right here is magnified. You will discover some nice choices through the use of third-party apps, however that shouldn’t be obligatory.
The identical might be mentioned for all of the shortcomings talked about on this article. In case you get a Samsung Galaxy cellphone working One UI 7 or 8, you received’t have to fret about any of those.
I nonetheless assume the Pixel has the slight higher hand general, 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.