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Google’s Pixel and iPhone characters sing “Defying Gravity” in a one-minute, Wicked-inspired commercial—but this was not a new ad in 2026. The spot was reported on November 14, 2024, as another entry in Google’s #BestFriendsForever campaign, and it ends by showing the Pixel 9 Pro.
A musical turn in Google’s #BestFriendsForever campaign
The commercial treats Pixel and iPhone as old friends who can tease one another while comparing what their phones can do. Its playful tone is a departure from a conventional feature-by-feature comparison: instead of a spec chart, the ad uses a familiar musical reference to introduce Google tools. The November 14, 2024 report described the video as one minute long. Android Headlines reported on the ad.
The word “latest” belongs to that original 2024 context. It should not be read as a claim that this is Google’s newest advertisement today.
Pixel as Elphaba, iPhone as Glinda
The ad borrows the world and central pairing of Wicked: Pixel takes the role of Elphaba and iPhone is cast as Glinda. They sing “Defying Gravity,” the musical number associated with the two characters. The reference supplies the joke and the spectacle; the commercial’s actual product message is about Pixel features.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
The available reporting establishes the Wicked inspiration, but not a formal partnership with the film, its performers, or its rights holders. The Wizard’s appearance and the “magical AI” framing are part of the fictional setup, not evidence of an independent technical comparison between phones.
What happens in the commercial
- iPhone asks the Wizard for the kind of “magical AI stuff” it thinks Pixel received.
- Pixel tries to explain that the features did not come from the Wizard.
- iPhone keeps interrupting, turning Pixel’s attempted explanation into openings to name product features.
- The pair sing together, and the spot closes on the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
That ending matters: although the premise puts two phone characters side by side, the ad is specifically promoting the Pixel 9 Pro, not every Pixel model or the Pixel range in general.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Pixel features the ad calls out
- Gemini Live: Google’s conversational AI experience, presented in the ad in connection with flowing back-and-forth conversation.
- Pixel Studio: Google’s creative image-generation tool for Pixel.
- Circle to Search: a visual-search feature that lets a user circle something on screen to search for it.
These are the features named in the 2024 commercial, not a guarantee that each is available on every Pixel generation, in every country or language, or under the same conditions today. Availability can depend on device, software, region, and other eligibility requirements. Nor does the ad establish that an iPhone can use the same tools in the same way. Check current Google documentation for the phone and region in question before treating the ad as a compatibility guide.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhy pair a phone rivalry with a musical?
The creative works on two levels. The Pixel–iPhone friendship gives Google a recurring foil for talking about differences between platforms, while the Wicked roles make the characters and their duet immediately legible. The interruptions also create a comic way to fit several feature names into a short spot. That makes the tools memorable, but it does not turn the performance into a controlled Pixel-versus-iPhone test: the ad is promotional storytelling, not evidence that one platform is objectively better at AI.
Rank #3
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
For readers revisiting the spot now, the useful distinction is between what the 2024 ad shows and what a current phone supports. The ad’s product reveal is the Pixel 9 Pro; its feature mentions reflect the pitch at the time. Neither should be silently updated to a newer phone or treated as current buying or compatibility advice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 10 is the everyday phone unlike anything else; it has Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and advanced AI - Gemini built in[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- The upgraded triple rear camera system has a new 5x telephoto lens - up to 20x Super Res Zoom for stunning detail from far away; Night Sight takes crisp, clear photos in low-light settings; and Camera Coach helps you snap your best pics[3]
- Pixel 10 is designed - scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection[21]; plus, the Actua display - 3,000-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[4]
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