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SMARTY Mobile on Google Pixel: Network Performance & Known Issues (UK) Google Pixel phones carry a reputation in the UK that almost no other Android device has: “pure Android, best network behaviour, no nonsense.” For people moving to SMARTY, that reputation creates a dangerous assumption — that Pixel + MVNO equals the cleanest possible experience. I’m taking a firm position from the start: SMARTY performs more predictably on Google Pixel phones than on Samsung, but Pixels also expose SMARTY’s network limits more clearly — especially under congestion, during plan transitions, and around Google’s own network experiments. If you want a phone that hides problems, Pixel is the wrong choice. If you want to see the truth, it’s one of the best. Reality Check: What Pixel Users Think Is Happening Pixel owners tend to believe three things when joining SMARTY: Google phones get carrier features first, not last Android updates improve network behaviour, not destabilise it I...

Factory resetting your Google Pixel restores the device to its original settings by erasing all personal data, apps, and custom configurations. This is useful for troubleshooting performance issues, fixing software glitches, or preparing the device for a new user. AvNexo provides a detailed guide on how to factory reset Pixel safely and efficiently. Why Perform a Factory Reset? Factory reset can help in the following situations: Resolve persistent software errors or bugs Remove malware or unwanted applications Improve performance after extended usage Prepare the device for resale or transfer to another user Step 1: Backup Your Data Before initiating a factory reset, ensure your data is backed up: Use Google Drive to backup contacts, photos, and app data Export SMS messages or other important files if necessary Sign out of accounts to prevent Factory Reset Protection issues Backing up your data prevents permanent loss during the reset process. Step 2:...

Factory resetting your Google Pixel device restores it to its original settings by erasing all data, apps, and personal configurations. This can resolve performance issues, software glitches, or prepare the device for resale. AvNexo provides a detailed guide on how to factory reset Google Pixel safely and efficiently. Why Perform a Factory Reset? Factory resetting can help in several situations: Resolve persistent software problems or bugs Remove malware or problematic apps Improve performance after prolonged use Prepare the device for a new user Step 1: Backup Your Data Before resetting, ensure your important data is backed up: Use Google Drive to backup contacts, photos, and app data Export SMS or other personal files if necessary Sign out of accounts to prevent Google’s Factory Reset Protection issues Backing up prevents permanent data loss during the reset process. Step 2: Access Settings Open the Settings app on your Pixel device. Scroll...

 The Google Pixel series is renowned for its exceptional camera capabilities, offering sharp images, impressive low-light performance, and advanced computational photography features. However, like any smartphone, camera performance can be influenced by settings, software, and user practices. AvNexo provides a detailed guide on how to improve Pixel camera performance effectively. Did you know? For a complete guide on this topic, check out the Google Pixel Learning Hub and explore related tips in the Camera & Media Topic Hub. Why Camera Performance May Be Suboptimal Common factors that affect Pixel camera performance include: Outdated software or camera app Low storage or memory usage Incorrect camera settings Dirty or obstructed lens High background processing load Environmental factors , like low light or movement Addressing these elements ensures you capture the best possible photos and videos. Step 1: Keep Software Updated Google frequentl...

 A factory reset restores your Google Pixel to its original state, erasing all data, settings, and installed apps. This is useful for troubleshooting issues, improving performance, or preparing your device for sale or transfer. However, performing a reset without preparation can result in data loss or account complications. AvNexo provides a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset a Google Pixel safely . Did you know? For a complete guide on this topic, check out the Google Pixel Learning Hub and explore related tips in the Security & Privacy Topic Hub. Why Factory Reset Your Pixel? Factory resets are commonly performed to: Resolve software issues such as freezing, crashing apps, or slow performance Remove malware or corrupt apps Free up storage by clearing unnecessary files Prepare the device for selling or gifting Resetting erases all personal data, so safe preparation is crucial. Step 1: Backup Your Data Before resetting, always back up impor...

 Keeping your Google Pixel secure from unauthorized unlocking is essential to protect personal data, accounts, and privacy. Whether someone steals your phone or tries to access it while unattended, a combination of strong lock‑screen settings, account protections, and hardware safeguards will make unauthorized access much harder. AvNexo breaks down the most effective steps to prevent others from unlocking your Pixel without permission. Did you know? For a complete guide on this topic, check out the Google Pixel Learning Hub and explore related tips in the Security & Privacy Topic Hub. Why this matters An unlocked phone gives attackers access to email, banking apps, photos, saved passwords, and more. Even short periods of physical access can be enough to compromise accounts. Protecting your Pixel from unauthorized unlock minimizes identity theft, financial loss, and privacy breaches. 1. Use a strong screen lock (PIN, password, or long alphanumeric passphrase) The sin...

 Losing your smartphone can be stressful, but the Google Pixel 7 includes a robust feature called Find My Device that helps you locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely. Whether it’s misplaced at home, left at work, or stolen, this tool ensures you can track your device and protect your personal information. AvNexo explains step by step how to use Find My Phone on Google Pixel 7 . Did you know? For a complete guide on this topic, check out the Google Pixel Learning Hub and explore related tips in the Security & Privacy Topic Hub. What Is Find My Device? Find My Device is a free service provided by Google for Android devices. It allows you to: Locate your phone on a map in real-time Play a sound to find it nearby Lock the device remotely and display a message Erase all data to protect personal information The feature works over Wi-Fi, mobile data, or GPS and is essential for any Pixel owner concerned about security. Step 1: Enable Find My Device...

 “Unlocking a Google Pixel” can mean different things depending on your goal: unlocking the bootloader to install custom software, unlocking the phone from a carrier (SIM/network unlock), or regaining access when you’re locked out of the screen. AvNexo explains the legitimate, safe methods for each scenario so you can choose the right path. Did you know? For a complete guide on this topic, check out the Google Pixel Learning Hub and explore related tips in the Security & Privacy Topic Hub. 1. Unlocking the Bootloader (for developers) Unlocking the bootloader gives you full control over the device for development, custom ROMs, or rooting. Important: this will erase all data and may void warranty. Only proceed if you understand the risks. Steps (overview): Backup your data. Unlocking wipes the device. Enable Developer Options: Settings → About phone → tap Build number 7 times. Enable OEM Unlocking & USB Debugging: Settings → System → Developer option...

 In 2025, flagship smartphones have pushed display and video technology to new heights. Two standout devices, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra , offer top-tier performance for both everyday use and professional media creation. This guide compares their display quality, touch response, HDR performance, and video capabilities to help you choose the right device. 🔹 Display Design and Technology Both devices feature OLED LTPO panels with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz , delivering fluid animations, smooth scrolling, and energy-efficient performance. Pixel 10 Pro XL: 6.8-inch display, 2,992 × 1,344 pixels , Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Galaxy S25 Ultra: Slightly larger and brighter display, Armor Glass Durability: Samsung’s Armor Glass provides superior scratch and impact resistance, while Pixel 10 Pro XL’s Victus 2 glass is strong enough for daily use. 🔹 Brightness and HDR Performance Galaxy S25 Ultra: Peak brightness of 3,500 nits in HDR...

 In 2025, smartphone displays have reached a new pinnacle, and two flagship devices stand out: the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra . Both offer cutting-edge screen technologies, but each excels in different areas, catering to different user priorities. Let’s break down their display performance, color accuracy, brightness, and more. 🔹 Display Design and Panel Technology Both the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra feature OLED LTPO panels with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz , ensuring smooth scrolling, seamless gaming, and efficient power usage. Pixel 10 Pro XL: 6.8-inch display, 2,992 × 1,344 pixels Galaxy S25 Ultra: Slightly larger and brighter panel, similar resolution Peak Brightness: Galaxy S25 Ultra: 3,500 nits (HDR) Pixel 10 Pro XL: 3,300 nits (HDR) Samsung’s higher peak brightness gives the Galaxy S25 Ultra an edge in outdoor visibility, making it easier to view under direct sunlight. 🔹 Color Accuracy and HDR Per...

 Google Pixel phones are secure by design, but malware, unsafe apps, and phishing threats can still compromise your device. Protecting your phone requires proactive steps , including monitoring app permissions, enabling security features, and following safe browsing practices. This guide walks through all essential steps to keep your Pixel safe . 1. Enable Google Play Protect Google Play Protect scans apps and warns about unsafe behavior. Steps: Open Play Store → Profile (top-right) → Play Protect Tap Settings (gear icon) Ensure Scan apps with Play Protect is ON Optionally, enable Improve harmful app detection Menu path: Play Store → Profile → Play Protect → Settings → Scan apps ON ✅ Benefit: Play Protect automatically scans apps from Play Store and sideloaded apps for malware. 2. Review App Permissions Apps requesting excessive permissions may pose risks. Steps: Settings → Apps → See all apps → [App] → Permissions Review and deny unnecessary permiss...

  Google Pixel phones come with a built-in Game Dashboard , designed to enhance your gaming experience by offering tools like FPS counters, screen recording, notifications blocking, and performance boosters . This guide walks you through every feature and shows how to optimize your Pixel for smooth gaming. 1. Enable Game Dashboard Before using any gaming features, make sure Game Dashboard is enabled. Steps: Open Settings → Apps → See all apps → Game Dashboard → Enable Alternatively, during a game launch, you may see a Game Dashboard prompt — tap Enable Menu path: Settings → Apps → See all apps → Game Dashboard → Toggle ON ✅ Benefit: Activates the overlay with gaming tools for every supported game. 2. Access Game Dashboard in a Game Steps: Launch a compatible game Swipe from the corner or tap the floating Game Dashboard icon The dashboard appears, displaying: FPS counter Performance settings Screen recording / screenshot options Notifications...