How to get the Google Pixel experience on any Android phone

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

Google Pixel phones stand out for delivering an exceptional user experience. The seamless integration of hardware and software, coupled with exclusive features, makes Pixel devices a coveted choice among Android enthusiasts. However, what if you could infuse your existing Android device with the same Pixel charm?

In this comprehensive guide, I will delve into a myriad of techniques and applications that allow you to transform any Android phone into a Pixel-like powerhouse.

Google Pixel devices are renowned for their sleek and intuitive user interface, and a significant part of that experience is owed to the Pixel Launcher. To replicate this look and feel on your Android device, the first step is to embrace a third-party custom launcher.

Lawnchair 2, a third-party launcher, emerges as a fantastic solution to mirror the Google Pixel launcher. With a swipe-up app drawer, vertical scrolling, and an integrated Google search bar, it seamlessly captures the essence of the Pixel experience. To enhance the Google Discover panel, users can download Lawnfeed, an add-on app tailored for Lawnchair 2.

Alternatively, Nova Launcher stands as a robust option to replicate the Pixel interface. Its swipe-up app drawer, Google search bar, and customizable features make it a favorite among Android enthusiasts. To harness the Google Discover panel, users can install Nova Google Companion, ensuring a well-rounded Pixel-like experience.

Now that the foundation is set with a third-party launcher, the next layer of customization involves widgets, icon packs, and wallpapers.

Most Google apps, when downloaded from the Play Store, come equipped with updated Material You widgets. From clock designs to photo highlights in the Photos app, these widgets add a touch of Pixel elegance. However, some widgets like weather and conversations are missing, requiring additional apps like notification widget and search widget (Material You) to complete the set.

Google’s Pixel devices feature flat, circled icons that follow the Monet and system light/dark theme. To replicate this look on third-party launchers, options like Lawnchair’s Lawnicons add-on or Nova Launcher paired with the Dynamic Material You icon pack come into play. These packs support Monet theming, adapting to different backgrounds seamlessly.

Wallpapers play a crucial role in achieving the desired Pixel aesthetic on your Android device. While a simple Google search might yield results, it’s crucial to narrow down your search to high-resolution images designed for phone displays with portrait aspect ratios.

Wallfever, created by the developer of Team Pixel wallpapers, offers a versatile collection of backgrounds. Although not an exact replica of the Pixel look, it incorporates elements of the Material You style. With frequent updates and a wide selection, Wallfever ensures your device stays fresh and visually appealing.

For a free alternative that transforms Pixel-inspired wallpapers, Pix Wallpapers is a solid choice. While it may not receive updates as often, it captures the essence of the Material You language and provides eye-catching options for your home screen.

Doodle: Live Wallpapers introduces an interactive element to your home screen. Featuring Pixel live wallpapers from various Pixel models, it adds movement when unlocking the screen, opening an app, or switching pages. With extensive customization options and no cost, it’s a dynamic addition to your Pixel-like experience.

For those seeking the ultimate Pixel experience, installing a custom ROM becomes a viable solution. PixelExperience, a custom ROM, offers a comprehensive package that brings the best features of the latest Pixel phones to a broader range of devices.

PixelExperience is not only about mirroring the Pixel look but also about extending the life of older devices. Even when official OS updates cease, PixelExperience continues to provide ROM updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest Android versions. With Android 14 in testing, users can anticipate receiving the latest Pixel features on select devices soon.

Beyond the visual aspects, Google Pixel devices boast exclusive features that set them apart. While replicating these features entirely may be challenging, several apps come close in functionality.

Pixel’s Call Screen feature is a standout, but KONTXT Voice offers a comparable experience. When declining a call, KONTXT Voice prompts the caller to state their purpose, providing a transcript for your review. This allows you to decide whether to accept or decline the call, offering a unique and useful feature on non-Pixel devices.

Pixel phones feature a double-tap gesture called Quick Tap, enabling quick access to tasks or applications. To replicate this on other Android devices, TapTap is a versatile tool that not only offers double-tap functionality but also triple-tap options and task restrictions. This app expands on Google’s original functionality, enhancing the user experience.

The Pixel’s Now Playing feature is beloved for identifying songs in the background. While replicating it entirely is challenging, Auto Shazam, a feature within the Shazam app, provides a similar function. It identifies songs in the vicinity and notifies you with the results, even when the screen is off.

One of the hallmarks of Pixel devices is their exceptional camera performance, powered by Google’s camera app. While the app is exclusive to Pixel phones, Gcam – Google Camera Port bring the app’s capabilities to other devices.

Pixel devices feature a simple automation tool called Rules within the Settings app. To recreate similar automation on non-Pixel devices, apps like MacroDroid offer an intuitive interface to create automated tasks. From custom ringer settings to Wi-Fi adjustments based on location, MacroDroid allows users to tailor their device’s behavior to suit their preferences.

As you implement the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll witness your Android device transform into a Pixel-like powerhouse. While third-party apps can only go so far, the combination of launchers, widgets, wallpapers, icon packs, and ROMs creates a holistic experience that closely emulates the sought-after Pixel magic.