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Google's Humorous New Pixel Ads Argue the iPhone Has Plateaued

Wednesday June 21, 2023 11:28 am PDT by Juli Clover

Google today launched a humorous "BestPhonesForever" ad campaign that pits the latest Pixel smartphones against the iPhone, painting the iPhone as an old, outdated phone that was once great, but can no longer keep up with the younger smartphones (via 9to5Google).

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There are a series of five ads. In "Plateau," the iPhone laments being 14 years old and unable to keep up with Pixel features like 30x zoom, astrophotography, and AI. The Pixel smartphone comforts the iPhone by mentioning the iPhone's blue bubbles.

"The bubbles! The bubbles! Is all I have to show for all my years on earth the color of a bubble? I mean, millions of people have waited in line for me," bemoans the iPhone. Eventually, the iPhone runs out of battery, and the Pixel phone is left calling for a charger. "Ah quick! Somebody get a Lightning charger!"

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In another ad, the two smartphones are star gazing and the iPhone is lamenting that it isn't able to see the stars like the Pixel can with its astrophotography mode, while a third ad makes fun of Apple's privacy stance on public WiFi.

"I'm freaking out! Quick, get off the public Wi-Fi," says the iPhone dramatically. "There are... hackers, in this place." The Pixel smartphone reassures the iPhone that the Pixel has a built-in VPN that keeps it safe, a function not available on the iPhone.

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In a fourth spot, the pixel smartphone suggests shooting some videos before noticing that the iPhone has a dead battery. The Pixel uses Qi-based charging to charge up the iPhone on the fly. A final video sees the iPhone jealously recounting all of the Pixel's features. The Pixel shows off its latest feature, folding technology, and the iPhone faints in shock. "What year is it? Do we have flying cars yet?" asks the iPhone.

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Google is using the "BestPhonesForever" tag with the new campaign, which is highlighting the Pixel Fold. Google came out with the Pixel Fold back in May, with the smartphone priced at $1,800. Apple has not yet come out with a foldable smartphone and there is no word on when the company plans to do so.

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Top Rated Comments

TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️

44 months ago

iPhone = Privacy

Google Pixel Phone = No Privacy

It's just that simple!

Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)

44 months ago

Dream on, Google

Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)

44 months ago

I mean it was funny at least.

Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Apple Knowledge Navigator

44 months ago

Historically, the problem with all these campaigns is that they talk about features but don't actually explain the benefits, which is arguably the most important bit of an advertisement...

Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)

44 months ago

Google has plateaued at 2% market share

Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)

44 months ago

As someone who daily drives an iPhone 14 Pro Max and an S23 Ultra, I always felt like these ads are made by people who actually havent used the competitor's phone.

If Google really wanted to advertise against the iPhone there are plenty of useful features which can get one to switch instead of the above video which reads like a specs sheet.

1) Universal Back button on either side of the screen. This feature single handedly makes me love Android. The ability to go back without stretching my thumb on a large phone is so obvious yet Apple still requires me to go to the top left of the screen and tap on back or stretch my thumb all the way to the left of the screen. I dearly miss this when I use the iPhone

2) A proper file manager. Using an Android feels right at home if you have used a computer. I am asked which folder I want to download anything and I can connect to my PC without bloatware like iTunes and essentially turn the device into a portable storage.

3) Number key on top of keyboard.

4) Automations. On my S23 Ultra, I can schedule the phone to open app pairs like Spotify and Chrome based on my location automatically. I can tell the phone to only charge until 85% and a hour before I go to work charge the remaning 100%.

5) System-wide adblocking and third party web browsers which actually run on their native engine.

6) Ability to theme my phone and make it look completely different if I ever get bored with a launcher

7) A settings app which is located inside the app itself and doesn't make me exit and go into settings like on iPhone.

8) Ability to choose between buttons and gesture navigation.

I could go on and on but this ad isn't going to make anyone switch as they are not focusing on the right stuff

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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