Google and Microsoft just wrapped up their fall hardware events showing off some shiny new gadgets. As an industry analyst studying the competitive landscape, I‘ll give you an insider‘s breakdown of these latest devices and how they stack up.
Both companies are facing slowing innovation in the maturing smartphone market while trying to build out ecosystem plays to compete with Apple. Did their new lineups do enough to win customers? Let‘s dig in.
Google Makes a Big Bet on Pixel Ecosystem Expansion
Google made waves by launching not just new phones but also its first smartwatch and an upcoming tablet. The search giant is clearly gearing up the Pixel brand to span a range of interconnected devices.
Pixel 7 & 7 Pro: Subtle Upgrades Hide Under the Hood
On the surface, the Pixel 7 series looks nearly identical to last year‘s models. But inside there are notable bumps in processing power and AI capabilities.
Google‘s new Tensor G2 chip promises even faster performance aided by machine learning. But early leaked benchmarks show only modest gains over the previous Tensor.
| Spec | Pixel 6 | Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Google Tensor | Google Tensor G2 |
| CPU | 2.8GHz | 2.85GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP20 | Mali-G710 MP07 |
| AI TOPS | 4.6 | 5.76 |
For photography, the 7 series cameras remain unchanged besides an upgraded stabilization technique. Google instead focused software improvements powered by Tensor 2‘s AI.
I expect real-world performance and camera quality to be better thanks to those optimizations. But on paper, these chips and sensors just match what‘s already available on phones like the Galaxy S22.
Impressively, Googledoes claim over 24 hours of battery life on the Pixel 7. If proven true, that would beat out the majority of flagships. And with 30W fast charging for a 50% boost in just 30 minutes, power users may find relief.
Overall, while not the most exciting upgrades, the Pixel 7 series offers meaningful improvements under the hood. Those already bought into Google‘s ecosystem may find enough incentive to upgrade. But others may wait to see how the new Tensor 2 delivers in benchmarks and next-gen apps.
Pixel Watch Underscores Fitness at an Attractive Price
With its smartwatch debut, Google opted for a sporty circular design and proprietary bands similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch rather than mimicking the Apple Watch.
But the Pixel Watch‘s marquee feature is deep Fitbit integration for advanced fitness and sleep tracking out of the box. By packaging key features only available via premium subscriptions on competing platforms, the Pixel Watch targets fitness enthusiasts.
The $350 starting price also significantly undercuts the latest Apple Watch Series 8. And six months of Fitbit Premium bundled for free doesn‘t hurt.
However, battery life is rated at just 24 hours. Rejuvenating a depleted Pixel Watch will require daily overnight charging for most users. That‘s likely the compromise made to keep costs down.
For those not already tied into the Apple ecosystem, the Pixel Watch could have considerable appeal with its activity analysis capabilities and lower price barrier. But convenience-minded individuals used to multi-day battery in analog watches may balk at the daily charging requirement.
The Pixel Tablet Aims to Be a Transformable Family Hub
Google previewed its vision for a convertible tablet suited for both portable use and docked as a smart display. The appeal lies in its dual nature – on the go entertainment then back home as a Google Nest Hub with blaring audio.
By using a charging speaker dock, you can easily alternate between handheld tablet and always-listening smart appliance mounted on the counter or nightstand.
This builds on previous efforts like the Nest Hub Max while eliminating the need for purchasing multiple devices. It‘s a promising concept that delivers flexibility lacking in other tablets.
But there are still more unknowns than guarantees when it comes to performance and pricing. Until the Pixel Tablet launches next year with final specs, Google‘s execution remains untested.
Microsoft Refines and Redefines the Professional 2-in-1
While Google covers new ground, Microsoft continues perfecting existing Surface form factors for business and creative audiences. The Surface Pro 9 and Laptop 5 keep familiar designs but with notable upgrades under the hood.
Surface Pro 9 2-in-1 Gets Upgraded Internally
On the outside, the Surface Pro 9 remains nearly identical in size and styling to previous generations. But inside there are meaningful improvements that refine the overall experience.
Both Intel and ARM processor options have been upgraded to the latest Qualcomm and 12th Gen Intel Core chips. That translates to 50% faster performance than the Surface Pro 8 for running intensive applications.
Support for Thunderbolt 4 provides versatile high-speed connections allowing users to build out workstations with multiple external 4K displays and peripherals. Integrated front-facing speakers also aim audio directly at the user rather than firing from the sides.
And subtle tweaks like new colorway options and upped battery life show Microsoft‘s attention to detail in refining this product. But besides processor and ports, the overall industrial design stays the course after 10 years building out the Surface concept.
| Spec | Surface Pro 8 | Surface Pro 9 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 11th Gen Intel Core | 12th Gen Intel Core |
| Thunderbolt 4 | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 16 hours | 19 hours |
| Colors | Platinum, Graphite | Sapphire, Forest, Platinum |
So for those who‘ve been waiting for a complete reimagining, the Pro 9 probably doesn‘t satisfy. But as an optimal refinement of usability, performance and port connectivity, Microsoft delivers on productive hybrid computing.
Surface Laptop 5 Elevates Portability with Refreshed Internals
Where the Surface Pro pushes boundaries of detachable hybrid design, the Surface Laptop 5 delivers professional quality in a more familiar form.
Matching the Pro 9, the Laptop 5 also packs 12th Gen Intel processing and Thunderbolt 4 support for desktop-class productivity and expandability. Users can configure up to 32GB RAM and 1TB storage, while connecting multiple displays and accessories over a single Thunderbolt cable.
Microsoft also made sure to tune the display and audio quality for an immersive media viewing experience with Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos technologies integrated. And you can expect up to 18 hours of typical usage thanks to efficient components fine-tuned for portable use.
While the Surface Laptop aesthetic and keyboard may feel overly familiar at this point, customers get the best implementation of premium notebook that can seamlessly transition from desktop powerhouse when docked to capable road warrior.
Slick Devices Seek Mindshare Beyond Ecosystems
With smartphone industry innovation slowing across the board, Microsoft and Google used iterative new devices to demonstrate their ecosystem capabilities in hopes of driving mindshare.
Both pulled off creating capable products tailored to their strengths – Google in AI-driven computing with the new Tensor chip and Microsoft in refining the boundaries of professional hybrid portability.
But with Apple‘s dominance in mainstream mindshare thanks to its unified ecosystem experience, Google and Microsoft still have their work cut out for them.
The Pixel Watch could make serious inroads if fitness tracking performance lives up to expectations. And the two-in-one concept of the Pixel Tablet with its integrated charging dock holds intrigue.
But smartphone users entrenched in iOS seem unlikely to switch mobile platforms without a truly striking Android alternative. On the business side though, the Surface devices‘ iterative improvements should continue gradually winning over productivity-minded commercial customers.
As the holiday shopping kicks off, tech enthusiasts now have an array of enhanced machines to consider from two innovative giants still seeking to push their ecosystems further into the consumer mainstream.
