The Best Google Pixel Phones of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Image Brightness: You can change the brightness of your selfies after taking them by opening them in Google Photos, by tapping Organize button, and to Actions > Photo Lighting. This adds an artificial light that you can place anywhere in the photo to illuminate your face and erase that 5 o’clock shadow. Use the slider below to adjust the light intensity. It also works on old portrait mode photos you may have taken. It works on the face only.
Health Factors and Accessibility
Cough and Snoring Detection (Tensor G2 and later): On the Pixel 7 and later, you can detect your Pixel when you cough and snore while you sleep, as long as you put your Pixel next to your bed before you nod off. This will only work if you use Google’s sleep mode function, which you can turn on by going to it Settings > Digital Performance and Parental Controls > Sleep time mode.
Directed Framework (Tensor G2 and later): For people who are blind or visually impaired, the camera app can now help take a selfie with audio cues (works with front and rear cameras). You will need to enable TalkBack for this to work (Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack). Then open the camera app. It will automatically help you frame the photo.
Simple View: This mode makes the font size larger, as well as other features on the screen, such as widgets and quick settings tiles. It also increases touch sensitivity, all in hopes of making the screen easier to see and use. You can open it by going to Settings > Accessibility > Ease of View.
Safety and Security Features
Theft Protection: This is a broad feature of Android 15, but in reality, Google’s algorithms can detect if someone snatches your Pixel from your hands. If they try to escape, the device automatically locks. Additionally, with another device, you can use Remote Lock to lock your stolen Pixel with your phone number and security answer. To turn on these features, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Device unlock > Criminal protection.
Identity check: When your Pixel detects you’re in a new location, Identity Verification will require your fingerprint or face verification before making any changes to sensitive settings, giving you extra peace of mind if your phone is lost or stolen. You can allow this to Settings > Security and privacy > Device unlock > Crime protection > Check your identity.
Courtesy of Google
Private Space: Another addition to Android 15, Pixel phones finally have a feature that lets you hide and lock selected apps. You can use a different Google account, set a lock, and install any app to hide. To stop everything, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Private space.
Satellite eSOS (Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series, except Pixel 9a): Like Apple’s SOS feature on iPhones, you can now reach emergency contacts or emergency services even if you don’t have cell service or a Wi-Fi connection. It is not only found in the continental US, but also in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and Europe.
