11 Google Pixel exclusive features that make Pixel phones stand out

Google Pixel phones are packed with clever features you won’t find on most other Android devices. And while the hardware is impressive, what really sets Pixel apart is Google’s AI-powered software. Everyday tasks are quicker, easier, and even a little more magical. 

When we talk about Pixel-exclusive features, we mean software experiences developed by Google, specifically for Pixel phones.

Pixel features do evolve and may change. Some will always be exclusive to Pixel devices, while others will eventually roll out on other Android devices. But Pixel owners are usually first in line for Google’s latest innovations, from Call Screen and Gemini AI to advanced photo editing tools like Magic Editor and Best Take.

One thing we hate to see – an unknown number calling. Do you answer or don’t you? Will it be a genuine caller or another annoying spam call? There’s no way to know.

Until now, that is.

Using Call Assist technology, Call Screen screens incoming calls and gives you info on who’s calling before you pick up. So you can happily decline spam calls knowing you’re not missing anything important.

Picture the scene: you’re on hold, listening to tedious hold music, waiting patiently for someone to come back to you. You could be getting on with other things but don’t want to miss any updates. 

Hold for me does exactly what it says on the tin and lets you know when a real person gets back to you. So you can get on with your day.

Another of our favourite Pixel exclusive features is Direct My Call. We’ve all been caught in an automated call menu loop at least once in our lives and it’s frustrating. Press 1 for this, press 2 for that, usually ends up with us pressing a random option and hoping for the best.

Direct My Call displays what the automated voice is saying on screen. And lets you choose the option you’re looking for with a tap.

Feels like a small thing, but saves valuable time, especially if you’re calling to get a problem fixed.

Google Pixel phones have a reputation for excellent smartphone photography. But it’s not just about the number or size of lenses. It’s the combination of computational photography and AI-powered editing that really makes Pixel cameras stand out.

If photography’s your thing, check out our guide to the best Android camera phones.

Photo bomber ruining your shot? No problem. Get rid of unwanted distractions with Magic Eraser.

Got the vision for some edits but lack the skills? No shame in that. Magic Editor has everything you need, right at your fingertips. Using generative AI, you can move subjects around, improve your composition, adjust the sky, and more – no editing skills needed.

It always takes a few shots to get a decent group shot – someone always blinks, moves, or forgets to smile. Best Take combines multiple images to create one photo where everyone looks their best. 

It’s great looking back at old pictures in your library, but sometimes, they’re too blurry to really appreciate. Photo Unblur can improve them for you.

Taken a zoomed in shot that doesn’t look as crisp and clear as you’d like? Zoom Enhance uses AI after the photo’s been taken to make it look sharper and cleaner.

This is one of Google’s newer camera tools. If you’re always the photographer and never make it into the group shot, that’s about to change. Add Me combines photos to make sure you don’t get left out.

Need to take notes but worried about missing something? Recorder can transcribe speech in real time, so you can stay focused and present – instead of typing or scribbling away. It can even identify speakers and create summaries on supported devices. You can also search through your notes whenever you need to.

So, whether you need to take down meeting minutes, make notes, or record ideas while you’re out and about, Recorder makes it easy.

We couldn’t talk about Pixel-exclusive features without mentioning Google’s AI features. Google designs both the AI tools and the hardware they run on. And the combination of Gemini, Gemini Nano, and Google’s Tensor chips helps power experiences that feel genuinely useful.

Whether you’re planning a trip, coming up with ideas for work, or trying to get through a loaded inbox, Gemini can help you get things done faster. It can summarise information, draft messages, answer questions, and pull information from compatible Google apps.

It’s Google’s on-device AI model that lets supported Pixel devices process certain AI tasks directly – rather than on the cloud. It helps power features like Recorder summaries and makes some AI experiences feel faster and more responsive.

So, if you’re looking for an Android device that works smarter, not harder, Google Pixel devices are the ones to beat.  Explore our latest Google phone deals to find your perfect Pixel.