Get ready, tech fans! The anticipation is building for the upcoming Google Pixel phones. The Made by Google event is just around the corner on August 20, and we’re excited to see what the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and even the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will offer (the last one was hinted at in a recent teaser).
These new Pixel models are set to feature some awesome upgrades, and several of these enhancements could really help Google’s lineup shine. We might be looking at 60W fast charging for every model, a telephoto lens in the standard Pixel 10, and possibly an IP68 rating for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
But how long will Google maintain a lead in the smartphone world? With Apple gearing up to launch the iPhone 17 series in early September, the excitement surrounding the Pixel 10 might fade fast. Nevertheless, I think I’ve got a way for Google to keep the Pixel 10 in the spotlight once the iPhone 17 makes its debut, and it involves looking back to when it was at its best.
Unlimited Photos Storage – Let’s Bring It Back
Retro flashback! Remember the early days of the Google Pixel models that launched in 2016? Those devices came with unlimited full-resolution Google Photos storage for your pictures and videos.
Just imagine being able to have every single photo and video backed up without spending a dime, forever! This unique feature really gave the Google Pixel its initial boost and has since been etched in the smartphone memory books as one of the most generous perks offered.
As time moved on, later Google Pixel releases shifted to a different model: providing unlimited storage like all other Android phones, but limiting it to compressed files – 16MP for images and 1080p for videos. While still a decent deal without monthly fees, it was a downgrade that many noticed.
Unfortunately, this favorable offer came to an end in June 2021, and suddenly, Google Photos began to count against your 15GB Google Drive storage unless you signed up for Google One. Ouch!
To put it in perspective, Apple only gives you 5GB of iCloud storage for free, which typically ends up costing about the same as a Google One subscription. So, while Google’s deal sounds better now, wouldn’t it be amazing if the Pixel 10 brought back those unlimited photo storage days?
I know — it might be wishful thinking considering how lucrative the Google One subscriptions must be for the company. There’s been no buzz around this feature returning, so I might just be daydreaming. But at some point, as the Google Pixel lineage pushes into its tenth generation, something must be done to carve out an advantage against the iPhone in order to compete seriously. Unlimited Photos storage would make the Pixel 10 get all the attention, even while Apple is making headlines come September and beyond.
Possible Additions for Google?
Let’s face the facts here. If we can’t count on unlimited Photos storage swinging back into the lineup, what actual bonuses can we hope to see with the Pixel 10 series?
The previous models, Google Pixel 9 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, all packaged in a year of Gemini Advanced for free (usually a part of the Google One AI Pro plan that goes for $19.99 / £18.99 / AU$32.99 monthly).
Google really should be strategizing on solid ways to outshine the iPhone. That’s the only way they’ll be seen really competing.
It would be great to see this sweet perk available in the base model Google Pixel 10; our Google Pixel 9 review pointed out the disappointment that the standard model didn’t include access to Gemini Advanced for free.
As competition with Apple rises, and with their AI talents appearing outdated, offering users advanced Gemini AI at around $799 / £799 / AU$1,399 can definitely make a huge impression.
What’s your take? Should Google look back to implementing unlimited Photos storage or are there different strategies they should explore to outshine the anticipated iPhone 17? I’m keen to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
