Why I Bought a Google Pixel 2 Instead of Another iPhone

Six days ago I went to the Google Pop Up store in New York and bought a Google Pixel 2 XL. This is why.

The Google Pixel 2 XL, which someday soon, I hope to configure like this one, but I’m still learning the Android OS.

The new iOS 11 update totally bricked my iPhone 6 and it was time for an upgrade. I actually walked into an Apple store prepared to leave with an iPhone 8 and I just couldn’t do it.

I’ve been a loyal Apple customer since I purchased the black PowerBook G3 in 1999. In 2007 I waited in line for the first iPhone and I’ve had every major iPhone until the iPhone 7. I’ve owned over a dozen Apple computers since ranging from iBooks, MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and others.

My very first Apple computer in 1999, the PowerBook G3. I used all my high school graduation money and saved up from a job to pay for this computer. I went on to own at least a dozen more Apple computers over the next two decades.

Then, last year Tim Cook and Jony Ives stood on stage declaring their “courage” for getting rid of the headphone jack. They introduced a phone that shipped with headphones that required a dongle to plug into the MacBook they announced on the same day. At this moment, I realized that Apple, post-Steve Jobs, had lost their way. I wanted them to find it again so I held out for the iPhone 8 or the iPhone X but this gave me some time to look around.

These are the reasons I decided to leave Apple and buy a Google phone.

I Live in the Google Product Ecosystem

I use Google products every single day. I use Gmail before I eat breakfast. I travel nonstop and have describe Google Maps as “life saving.” I store all my backup media and files on Google Drive. I watch a fair amount of YouTube. Chrome is the only browser I’ve used for almost a decade. I’ve even switched to Google Photos. Google Analytics is my lifeblood. Oh and I have a Google Doc for pretty much everything I’ve ever done.

Google products are not without their flaws but I much prefer them to Microsoft or Apple. Keynote is the only piece of Apple software I really love but I don’t touch it on my phone.

iPhone all but forces you to use Apple Maps, Safari, and their suite of products, which, I don’t want to use. So why not switch to a phone that is literally built by the same people that make the software I use every single day?

Google Invested Heavily in Hardware

In September Google announced plans to acquire part of HTC’s mobile division team for $1.1 billion. That means there are now 2,000 mobile phone hardware experts on Google’s payroll. To me, that means they are serious about the Pixel and hardware in general.

In the past I was not nuts about the Android operating system. Allowing the hardware maker to modify the software and interface has its issues. However, with a Google phone, you know the hardware and the software are coming from the same place. You know they designed the phone around the software and vice versa.

With such a large investment into hardware, along with the new Google Home devices coming out, this really feels like Google is finally jumping in the handset game.

Both of the Google Pixel 2 Phones Have the Same Guts

If you want the faster processor and better camera you have to buy the iPhone 8 Plus. The regular one has a slower chip and worse camera. Maybe they couldn’t fit the larger chip in the regular one but who cares. If you don’t want a huge phone you’re stuck with inferior hardware.

Google was able to cram the same exact guts into two different sized phones with the only difference being the screens (obviously). Ok, the Pixel 2 XL screen does have some issues but I really don’t care if there is a slight blue tint when I look at my phone sideways. I’m cool with it.

The main point is that you can choose the size of your phone without having to give up quality.

The Camera on the Google Pixel 2 is Really Good

Whether I’m taking photos to remember a moment, shooting for work related Facebook or Instagram accounts, or just trying to remember my hotel room number (yes, I take photos of every one) I need a solid camera.

The Google Pixel 2 is touted as the best on the market (side by side comparison). It’s especially good in low light, which is where I take most of my photos. I work in the wine business so I’m in a lot of dark restaurants and bars. I actually started to carry a DSLR camera with me to grab better shots. However, this is overkill for most of the things I need. I’m excited to have a quality camera in my phone.

Android Does Have a Learning Curve

I’ve had the Google Pixel 2 for almost a week and I‘m still learning the Android operating system. After transferring all my data from the iPhone to the Pixel, the kind people at the Google Store handed me my new phone and I didn’t even know how to unlock it. I can now call, text, email, and do the basics but I’m still learning how to customize it and get proper notifications.

Android isn’t that hard to learn it just takes some time to get use to. I’m sure there are cool features I’m not aware of, but when someone told me to text so-and-so only hours after buying the phone, it took almost 3 minutes. If you switch, give yourself time to get use to the new operating system.

Who Do You Want to Bet On?

I usually replace my phones every 18–24 months. It’s a device I bring everywhere with me. I depend on it to get home. I rely on it to help me find thousands of destinations per year. It connects me to food, friends, family, and most of the stuff I own. Oh, and now they cost $700 — $1,200 so they are also a huge investment. If I’m going to invest in a piece of hardware I rely on for everything I want to make a sound choice.

I’m betting on Google.

It feels like this is just the beginning.