Google

Google's Pixel a series of smartphones evolved from what were essentially mid-range devices into premium devices in India. While the transition did not make sense until the 7a, the 8a introduced some premium features like a high-refresh-rate display, wireless charging and an updated chipset to keep up with the times. With the Pixel 9a, we saw a complete redesign, one that stands out even today with the launch of the Pixel 10a. There's no device that looks like it, and there is currently no device in its segment which offers the same bloatware-free Pixel software experience (with the usual Pixel smarts). But in this competitive premium segment, does Google's a-series formula hold any water in 2026?

It's been a while since I have come across an Android smartwatch that checks all the boxes for a Wear OS-powered device. Time and again, Google and major Android manufacturers have tried, but have always come up short in one area or another. At times, it's the battery life; at others, it's just a poorly designed or overly complicated UI. With Google's Pixel Watch, performance has also been a problem. Consistency is another area which has always been my pain point with Wear OS devices from big names like Samsung or OnePlus. The UI is never consistent, as Google apps always look different from Samsung's One UI skinning. Given how power-hungry WearOS is, most smartwatch brands have lately also steered clear of it, designing and building their own chips and operating systems that help deliver better battery life. And so, in India, customers can only pick between Google and Samsung when buying a Wear OS-powered smartwatch.

In the hardware space, Google is a brand that loves to load its devices with the coolest software features to create an impressive experience. Most Pixel users are already familiar with this. However, the company is also known to struggle when it comes to pairing up the software experience with hardware shrewdness. We have recently seen this with the Pixel 10 smartphones and then with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. These are the devices that promise a lot and almost win you over, but something always holds them back.