For years, some of big appeals of Google’s Pixel lineup were that the devices came with a clean version of Android, some exclusive, cutting-edge features, and generally solid hardware specs. These exclusive features—like the clever AI camera tricks and seamless integrations—were one of the biggest perks of choosing a Pixel over other Android devices. For a long time, even most older or cheaper models would eventually receive the best new tricks via software updates.
That is changing. We are seeing a trend where the most desirable features are no longer just a perk of owning the phone, and anyone who owns last year’s flagship or a budget model is going to be affected.
Two factors are creating barriers to Pixel features
AI features increasingly push you towards a perpetual subscription
The most obvious paywall to new Pixel features is a literal paywall. When you purchase a flagship Pixel 10, it comes packaged with up to a year’s trial of Google AI Pro, which includes the best Gemini model, a few terabytes of cloud storage, and access to cutting-edge video generation tools. Of course, the trial then ends, and you’re stuck between losing features you’ve probably become habituated to using or paying $20 per month or $200 per year.
Despite how annoying it is, there is a bit of a practical argument to be made for that. Cloud-based AI has real costs, and many high-end AI features require expensive hardware. Many of these tools are optional extras. However, it still feels wrong when Google has long been known for its exceptional AI features that come with your Pixel.
Hardware limitations for AI are real
The other cost barrier occurs because of hardware limitations, which “force” you to buy a new phone if you want the latest and greatest features.
The most interesting local AI features are often restricted to the newest Tensor chips rather than backported. It isn’t a monthly subscription, but a hardware upgrade to the newest flagship device costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Gemini Intelligence is a good example. It is rolling out exclusively to Pixel 10s and other flagship Android devices. It brings a whole range of new and interesting features to eligible devices, not the least of which is the ability to generate your own widgets using AI. The same trend with other flagship AI tools, like Magic Cue and Camera Coach, both of which were tied to the newest Tensor chips, left the owners of last year’s flagships out in the cold.
- Brand
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Google
- SoC
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Google Tensor G5
- Display
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6.3-inch Actua OLED, 20:9
- RAM
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12 GB RAM
- Storage
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128 GB / 256 GB
- Battery
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4970mAh
Looking to upgrade to a Pixel but not sure if you need all the bells and whistles of the more expensive models? You won’t be disappointed with the standard Pixel 10 model. Coming in striking colors, Gemini features, and seven years of updates, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.
If you distribute the cost of a new phone over the average lifespan of a phone, the monthly cost is as least as much as a streaming subscription. Of course, AI features aren’t the only thing you get when you upgrade your phone, but if you wouldn’t have upgraded otherwise, it is reasonable to include at least some of the cost of new hardware in the equation.
The cost barrier may not be worth it
Decide what you actually use before paying a dime
I’ve occasionally been tempted to upgrade my Pixel 8 Pro to a 10 Pro to get access to the latest and greatest AI features, or to sign up for a Google AI Pro subscription. The marketing around the newest AI tools is pretty persuasive. However, the more I looked into it, the less I was convinced that they’re worth the cost.
Most of the photo editing tricks can be accomplished using Photoshop or even Canva’s Affinity, which is completely free. Those tools can also do a lot more; they’re just slightly out of the way. There are also third-party apps that can do many of the same things; you just have to look for them.
The 9 best Google Pixel exclusive features, ranked
Some Pixel exclusives are so good they’re a dealbreaker. Others just feel like Google experimenting with ideas.
Additionally, it is important to remember that AI is a rapidly evolving field. Both the software and hardware are going to change quickly between generations, and chasing the latest and great is going to be costly for the next several years.
You have to decide if the utility (which is questionable) of a new AI tool is worth the price of a brand-new phone.
The Pixel is becoming a phone as a service
The Pixel is slowly drifting away from being a piece of hardware with great software and toward becoming a gateway to a service, much like many other things in consumer tech.
Be sure if you’re going to drop $1000 on a new phone or sign up for a monthly subscription that you’re actually going to get your money’s worth.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
