Google Pixel at 10: Successes, failures, and fun along the way [Video]

For Google's Pixel smartphone line, the company has had a decade of ups and downs, successes and failures. When Google first entered the smartphone market with the original Pixel, they faced stiff competition from Apple and Samsung. The first Pixel was built in collaboration with HTC and featured a unique, wedge-shaped design, but lacked the cutting-edge features that would later become the hallmark of the Pixel line.

The Pixel 2 XL brought back a conservative design, but it was the software that truly set it apart. With Google Assistant and HDR+ image processing, the Pixel 2 series felt magical in the hand. However, issues like blue shift and screen burn-in began to surface.

The Pixel 3 era brought a mix of impressive camera software, such as Night Sight, and bizarre hardware choices, like the chunky "bathtub" notch. Battery life and RAM management were also concerns, but the Pixel 3a proved to be a solid mid-range alternative.

The Pixel 4 was a departure from the norm, ditching the rear fingerprint scanner and introducing Project Soli technology for gesture controls. However, its high price and limited market availability hindered its success. This led to a shift in Google's hardware strategy, with the Pixel 4a becoming a hit with its affordable price point and flagship-grade camera performance.

The Pixel 5 attempted to strike a balance between affordability and features, but ended up skimping on top-tier hardware for a mid-range Snapdragon 765G chip. Despite the compromises, the Pixel 5 gained a cult following for its reliability and compact design. The overall trajectory of the Pixel line has been a mix of innovation and setbacks, with Google continually refining their approach to create a unique identity in the crowded smartphone market.