Switching back to a Pixel phone as my primary device for the first time since the Pixel 3 XL has made me realize how much Google’s flagship phones have changed. Compared to its predecessors, the Pixel 10 Pro is better made, the software is more reliable, and I feel that it better contends with the competition from Samsung and Apple, even if benchmarks don’t agree.
Some changes aren’t for the better, though. There are software and hardware features from older Google phones that I miss and would love to see return in future Pixels and Android releases.
Based on common discussions, articles, and sentiment from the Pixel community, here are five old Google Pixel features that users frequently express a desire to see make a comeback:
- Unlimited Original Quality Google Photos Storage (Pixel 1-5):
- What it was: Early Pixel phones (up through the Pixel 5) offered a major perk: free, unlimited storage for all photos and videos uploaded to Google Photos at their original quality.
- Why people miss it: This was arguably the biggest exclusive feature, providing peace of mind and eliminating concerns about cloud storage limits for a device specifically known for its exceptional camera.
- Active Edge (“Squeeze for Assistant”) (Pixel 2-4):
- What it was: A pressure-sensitive frame that allowed users to squeeze the lower sides of the phone to trigger an action, primarily launching the Google Assistant.
- Why people miss it: It was a quick, reliable, and entirely eyes-free way to summon the Assistant, especially when hands were full, wet, or when wearing gloves. Many users wish for its return, ideally with the option to re-map it to other actions (like launching the camera or flashlight).
- Secure Face Unlock / Soli Radar (Pixel 4):
- What it was: The Pixel 4 included a Soli radar chip that enabled an advanced, secure facial recognition system. It was fast and worked reliably in the dark, making it secure enough for banking and app sign-ins (a “Class 3 biometric”).
- Why people miss it: While the Soli gestures were often gimmicky, the face unlock itself was highly praised for its speed and security, offering a reliable alternative or complement to the current in-display fingerprint sensor.
- Rear-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner (Pixel 1-5a):
- What it was: A physical fingerprint sensor located on the back of the phone (known as Pixel Imprint).
- Why people miss it: Many users still find the rear sensor more ergonomic, arguing that their index finger naturally lands there when picking up the phone. It was also considered fast and reliable, especially compared to the first generations of in-display sensors. Users also miss the ability to swipe down on the sensor to pull down the notification shade.
- Photo Sphere:
- What it was: A camera mode that allowed users to stitch together multiple images to create a full 360-degree panoramic photo, which could then be viewed immersively (including with older VR headsets like Google Cardboard/Daydream).
- Why people miss it: Despite early stitching imperfections, the feature was a unique and fun way to capture an entire location. Users believe that with modern AI and computational photography tools (like Magic Eraser), a revived Photo Sphere could eliminate the old flaws and create truly incredible 360-degree content.