8 Most Expensive Google Hardware
Google has become more than just an internet search engine. Over the years, it has managed to expand its portfolio which has gone beyond manufacturing and selling its own line of technology-based hardware. As one would expect, Google’s hardware portfolio comes with both affordable products and highly expensive ones. So, here are the eight most expensive Google hardware available in Google Store right now:
1. Google Nest Around the House Package – $243.99
Google Nest is one of the company’s subsidiaries specializing in smart home products, among which include streaming devices, smart displays, smart speakers, and security systems. The Around the House Package comes with the Chromecast with Google TV and Nest Hub Max.
Originally released in 2013, the Chromecast continues to be Google’s most innovative products; a device that can be simply plugged into any HDTV which then allows the user to watch multiple forms of streaming media. It’s not surprising that it would eventually be sold together with the Nest Hub Max, a 10-inch HD display that also comes with stereo speakers and a 6.5MP camera. The Nest Hub Max is fully integrated with Chromecast.
2. Google Nest Front Door Package – $288.99
The Front Door Package, together with the Outside Security Package, are Google’s premiere products when it comes to home security systems. As the name suggests, the Front Door Package allows homeowners to track and monitor visitors as well as sync devices to Nest. This home security package comes with the Nest Hello and the Nest Hub. The Nest Hello is a video doorbell tool that comes with 24/7 live streaming, night vision, and HD imaging. It can also alert homeowners if visitors are standing at the front door.
3. Google Nest Home Entertainment Package – $423.97
The Nest Home Entertainment Package is a much expensive version of the Around the House Package. It comes with the same hardware, but with the addition of Nest Audio. This handy smart speaker is one of the best-reviewed products in the market, exuding excellent sound and microphone quality, and also contains intuitive touch controls.
4. Google Nest Outside Security Package – $427
The Nest Outside Security Package comes with the Nest Hello, Nest Cam Outdoor, and the Nest Mini. Since it includes more security equipment, naturally it is more expensive. The Nest Cam Outdoor is basically a camera with smart functions, alerting homeowners for suspicious activity occurring in the front yard or backyard.
The Nest Mini meanwhile is the cheaper and the more updated version of the Nest Audio, although there isn’t much difference in terms of functionality. It sports a circular design compared to the Nest Audio’s more rectangular form. But in terms of being used as a playback device, the Nest Audio has a slightly better advantage.
5. Pixel 4a with 5G – $499
Google’s entry into the smartphone market began with the Nexus One in 2010. After years of poor performance, the Nexus was discontinued in 2016, and replaced with the Pixel. Since then, the Pixel has been Google’s flagship smartphone. Google announced a new lineup of phones in 2020 which includes the Pixel 4a, the Pixel 4a with 5G, and the Pixel 5.
The Pixel 4a (5G) will battle out with the iPhone SE 2, the Samsung S20 FE, the Motorola Edge, and the LG Velvet in the 2020 midrange category. Since its limited release so far, the 4a (5G) has garnered mostly positive reviews. Aside from its 5G capabilities, the phone comes with a 6.2-inch screen, 16MP camera, and 6GB RAM, all the while being powered by the Snapdragon 765G chipset.
6. Pixelbook Go – $649
Not to be confused with the Samsung Chromebook, the Pixelbook is Google’s version of the tablet/laptop hybrid. In fact, the Pixelbook is the successor of the original Chromebook Pixel laptop which was discontinued in 2016. An updated version of the Pixelbook Go, together with its more powerful sibling, the Pixelbook, was released in early 2020. It comes with a 13.3-inch display, 8th Gen Intel Core M3/i5/i7 processor, and a 12-hour battery life.
7. Pixel 5 – $699
Similar to the Pixel 4a (5g), the Pixel 5 won’t be fully available until the end of October 2020. But for those who have tested Google’s flagship phone for 2020, they all have given it a thumbs up so far. The Pixel 5 is a bit smaller than its 4a cousins (6-inch screen compared to the 4a’s 6.2-inch screen). The difference lies between the hardware (and the price), as the Pixel 5 has a higher refresh rate screen while having the function to charge other accessories. The Pixel 5 will also come with an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, meaning the phone is fully-resistant to dust and can be submerged to up to 1.5m of water.
8. Pixelbook – $999
The $999 Pixelbook is Google’s most expensive hardware. Compared to the Pixelbook Go, the Pixelbook is one powerful and highly-efficient machine. It’s powered by a 7th Gen Intel Core processor and comes with an 8GB/16GB RAM and 128GB/256GB/512GB NVMe solid-state drive. It can also last a full day compared to the Pixelbook Go’s 12-hour battery life. Despite the $999 price tag, Google’s premier hardware is considered rather cheap compared to most gaming and enterprise laptops, with the Lenovo ThinkPad P73 ($7,500), MSI GS66 Stealth ($4,000), Asus ROG Strix Scar III ($2,600), and the Apple Macbook Pro ($2,400), all costing more than the Pixelbook.
Google has certainly become a major player in providing the most advanced yet highly practical electronics around. Although it will be a while before it gets to overtake tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung, Google has now definitely got their attention. It has also become evident that even with products selling between $200 to $1,000, people are willing to pay up as long as the Google logo is stamped to the hardware.
