Pixel throws a holiday jab at the iPhone in Google’s latest Christmas ad

‘Tis the season to spread joy, and Google’s new “Best Phone Ever” ad aims to do just that while taking a subtle festive jab at the iPhone.

Google has been doing these ads for a while. The theme is almost always the same: Pixel and iPhone have a conversation, and the Pixel somehow stands out. While some of these ads are certainly fun and witty, others, like the latest one, feel a bit forced.

Pixel vs iPhone: A Christmas Story

In this new holiday ad, an iPhone and Pixel can be seen talking to each other inside a gift-wrapped box under the Christmas tree. It’s just that they don’t know where and why they are in the box. Both phones want to quit, prompting Pixel to ask Gemini scene Ask for help.

At one point during their conversation with Gemini, the iPhones suddenly started screaming for help when they realized they were Christmas gifts. Why? Because it doesn’t feel like it would make a great gift since it lacks features like the Gemini Live and Circle search Provided by Pixel.

“I’m not ready to be arrested,” iPhone said in panic.

“iPhone, don’t you see, this is a time of joy, a time with friends and family who accept you for who you are, not who you wish you were,” Pixel replied.

At its core, this ad is about the Pixel, and in the spirit of the holidays, comforting the iPhone’s lack of AI capabilities. The subtle snub here is that the iPhone wishes it could be a Pixel.

This may be subjective, but honestly, this ad is a little bland. Especially since Gemini Live is available on iOS through the Gemini app, and “circle search” is no longer just a Pixel-exclusive feature. Still, it’s all just a bit of fun.