Google Nest Hub Max

Not just bigger than the original Google Nest Hub, the new Google Nest Hub Max is a better product all round. The larger display makes it easier to see what’s going on, although it would be nice if there were more options for playing video. Sound has been improved and the Nest Hub Max is now a decent music player in its own right. With the camera, you can now make video calls and you get Face Match for personalised results. You can also turn the Hub Max into a full security camera. The requirement for a Google Account (not G Suite) is a little annoying but if you’re looking for the best Google Assistant-powered smart display, this is the one.

The Nest Hub Max does do most of its advertised functions well, however, and it is a very competent smart display with some features that stand out from the crowd. But it asks a lot from you to get those functions: a higher price (especially compared to the frequent discounts on the Nest Hub), a larger footprint, and trust that the camera won’t be hacked or used for nefarious purposes. If you’ve been wanting a Nest Hub that just does more, the Hub Max is it. But for most people, the Nest Hub is the better smart display to purchase.

The Nest Hub Max is just a bigger version of the Google Home Hub, but that’s no bad thing

If you wish the Nest Hub was bigger, louder and had a camera, this is the Google Assistant for you. Otherwise, the regular-sized version and other, smaller smart displays are closer to the sweet spot.

The Google Nest Hub Max is a bigger, better Nest Hub meant more shared and communal spaces. The larger screen makes viewing photos and videos a treat, and the sound quality is improved as well. The 6.5-megapixel camera is used not just for video calls, but also Face Match facial recognition, gesture controls, and more. It can even double as a Nest Cam. At a price that’s on par or lower than other similarly-sized smart displays on the market, the Hub Max offers value for the money.

Adding a camera not only makes the Max significantly different from the smaller original Nest Hub, it's a logical way to add heaps of appeal. In one masterstroke it makes the Nest Hub Max a three-in-one smart home device: a security camera, speaker and smart display. And it's great.

All the same, the cheaper model remains my pick if getting access to Google Photos’ smarts is of primary interest, and its much smaller footprint makes it less domineering on your desk, nightstand, or countertop. For now, then, the Nest Hub Max is a good buy, but it’ll take software refinements making the most of the display to turn it into a great one.

My only qualm with the Google Nest Hub is its audio quality. The audio quality is good but you expect a bit more from a company like Google given the competition. That said, the Google Nest Hub is undoubtedly one of the best smart speakers cum smart display under Rs 10,000.