When MyBroadband\u2019s technology editor Jan Vermeulen visited the US recently, it was the perfect opportunity for me to replace my Nexus 5 with the Google Pixel.<\/p>\n
I have been using the Google Pixel for several weeks, and it is as brilliant as all the reviews said it was. Putting in the purchase request with Jan was a great decision.<\/p>\n
The build quality is excellent, the screen quality is top-notch, the battery life is better than expected, and the camera is exceptional.<\/p>\n
The Pixel is not cheap, and because the phone is not officially available in South Africa, there are some cost considerations.<\/p>\n
I paid R10,271 for the phone and with import taxes\/VAT, it is on par with devices like the iPhone 7 or Samsung Galaxy S7.<\/p>\n
Additionally, if you do not have a friend who is willing to order the device in the US and return safely with it, you need to factor in shipping costs.<\/p>\n
The high price tag, however, is worth it.<\/p>\n
Setting up the phone with an existing Google account is a breeze, and the device just works.<\/p>\n
The 5-inch Full HD screen looks great and the phone\u2019s size is perfect. I feel a bigger phone would not have been as comfortable to use.<\/p>\n
I am using the fingerprint reader to unlock the phone, and the positioning (on the back of the device) and accuracy of the sensor is impressive.<\/p>\n
The phone’s software must rank as one of its top features \u2013 it is fast, and the Google Assistant accurate and helpful.<\/p>\n
The Google Pixel sports a 12.3MP rear camera and the photo quality is exceptional. It may well be the best camera on any smartphone, including the iPhone 7.<\/p>\n
I am not much of a selfie man, which means I did not test the front camera at all. However, international reviews suggest it is great.<\/p>\n
The Google Pixel has a 2,770mAh battery, which\u00a0can easily go for two days on a single charge. I\u00a0am not a heavy smartphone user, which may account for the long battery life.<\/p>\n
The USB Type-C charging is a slight issue, as I have not stocked up on cables yet. This means I usually only charge the phone at home.<\/p>\n
In summary, the Google Pixel is an awesome smartphone. Google has produced a device which can take on any smartphone in the market.<\/p>\n
Pros:<\/strong> Build quality, camera, performance, fingerprint reader, screen, Google Assistant, nice form factor for one-hand use.<\/p>\n
Cons:<\/strong> Relatively expensive, not officially available in South Africa.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Google Pixel<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"Pixel](\"http:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Pixel-Front.jpg\"){kind=tracking}
<\/a><\/p>\n