Last year, when Google launched their first Pixel smartphone, Google claimed that the removal of 3.5 mm headphone jack in the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus is the worst decision. However, this time around Google removed what they claimed to be the most important feature AKA. the 3.5 mm headphone jack on their Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel XL 2. However, the company does include a USB type C to 3.5 mm converter, but if you lose, then you have to pay hefty price tag of $20 (INR 1300) for just a connector.
As the company’s plan to make more and more compact design, the OEM’s will make difficult for the users. Ex: the latest generation MacBook Pro offers an all USB type C design and which makes it difficult to use a normal pen drive as well.
Originally, the connector was priced at $20, which was condemned in the social media website, finally, the company has learned from its mistake, so, now the accessory retails for $9 (INR 500) which is same as that of the Apple’s lightning to 3.5 mm connector. However, if you like to use the wired headphones as well as charge your device, then, you have to get a third party adapter, which is priced at $45 (INR 3,000).
It’s a strange move from the premium OEM’s to ditch the most used feature on a smartphone and including an accessory which doesn’t work as expected. If smartphone brands are truly interested in adopting the latest technology, then, they should include a wireless charger out of the box (even if they charge $50 extra, most of them are willing to pay the same).
What do you think about this move from the smartphone brands? Do you think the smartphone market is going on a phase in which they are completely going to ditch the 3.5 mm headphone jack? Is your smartphone still has the good old headphone jack or it has been replaced by type C port or lightening port.