When it comes to securing a smartphone from unauthorized access, the humble PIN still goes a long way. It guards against the device and its SIM being unlocked. Some OEMs take this a step further, disallowing users from switching off a device without inputting that PIN. But, oddly enough, one major manufacturer is missing this feature: Google.
A Pixel can be switched off by anyone who gets their hands on it, making these phones easier to travel under the radar when stolen. Unfortunately, this is something my colleague Hadlee Simons experienced when his Pixel 7 Pro was stolen.