Here are two statements that sound like opposites, but in reality, exist in parallel:

The iPhone is a gorgeous, remarkable device.

The software running on the iPhone is adequate at best.

The iPhone 7, Apple's latest iPhone model, is an especially impressive piece of hardware. Just look at this sleek object as personal technology:

Those curves! Apple

It's even better in person — it was my "daily driver" phone from December until last week. Even with signs of wear, the iPhone 7 is a ridiculously gorgeous thing. And using it, most of the time, is a pretty good experience. It takes great photos! It's fast!

Last week, I switched to the Google Pixel.

When it comes to phones, good looks only get you so far — this is a device I use every day, all the time. How it fits into my life is far more important than how much I like to look at it. In this respect, the Pixel is a far better phone.

It's not as pretty as the iPhone 7, but it's better in every other way. Here's why.