Google Pixel Features
Hidden Features of Google Pixel Phones
Google’s Pixel phones have been receiving negative attention lately due to issues with Android 17 and rumours of price rises for the upcoming Pixel 11 series. However, I decided to explore some of the “hidden” features of Pixel phones, as suggested by Reddit users.
I tested 10 features on my Pixel 10 Pro XL, including Live Weather, Clipboard in Gboard, Call Screen, Quick Phrases, Flip to Shh, Now Playing, Quick Tap, Overview Select, Take a Message, and Direct My Call. While some of these features are not exclusive to Pixel phones, such as Call Screen, which is also available on the Samsung Galaxy S25, they are still useful and worth exploring.
One of the most useful features I discovered was Flip to Shh, which enables Do Not Disturb mode when the phone is placed face down. This feature is hidden and exclusive to Pixel phones, making it a valuable asset for those who want to minimize distractions. Another feature that impressed me was Now Playing, which automatically identifies songs playing in the background and adds them to a chronological list. This feature is similar to the Apple Watch Series 10’s music recognition feature, but it works entirely offline and lives on the lock screen.
I also found Quick Tap to be a game-changer, allowing users to access various features, such as the flashlight, screenshots, and notifications, with a double tap on the back of the phone. This feature is not exclusive to Pixel phones, as the iPhone 15 Pro also has a similar feature called Back Tap. However, it is still a useful feature that can enhance the overall user experience.
Overall, my experience with the hidden features of Pixel phones was positive, and I believe that these features can be a great antidote to the anti-Pixel sentiment that is prevalent online. While Pixel phones may not be perfect, they offer a range of unique and useful features that can make them a great choice for those in the market for a new smartphone, especially when compared to other options like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or the Apple iPhone 15 Pro.
