Google Wallet Review 2024
Hello! And welcome back to another tech review. Our mobile phone has been integral to our lives since the 20th century. As the years have passed, more technological advancement has been added.
Ever since Apple Pay launched in the UAE way back in 2017. It changed my perspective when it comes to handling my expenses, whether from purchasing online or just buying a cola at the convenience store. In fact, I still have my wallet with Me as I have to carry my important IDs.
Living in a first-world country like the UAE means it offers such convenience to its People. And one thing is the usage of wireless payment. Whenever buying any products, goods, or services, using your NFC-enabled device is pretty handy. And with this content, I am reviewing my real-world usage experience of Google Wallet.
Google Wallet or Google Pay?
Google Wallet, formerly Google Pay, is a mobile payment service developed by Google. Its initial release date was September 19, 2011. Eventually, it spread to other countries, and one country that adopted this kind of payment technology is the UAE.
I recently made a review of Apple Pay and Samsung Pay so if you're interested to know more, kindly check this link. Without further ado, let's start this review.
My home screen with Google Wallet |
Customisability?
One thing that I noticed using the Google Wallet (upon writing this review) - there is no customizable button to trigger the wallet app. Compared to Apple Pay where you usually press the side button to activate it, or same goes with Samsung Pay. Google Wallet doesn't have the option to do it instead you have to create a shortcut in the home screen or hover your phone directly on the merchant card machine to trigger the wallet. Though I find that it's for personal preference, in my opinion, it's better to have that trigger button rather than unlocking your phone and constantly checking where your Google Wallet is.
Adding other passes |
Additional Passes- for the win!
Additionally, Google Wallet enables you to add other digital cards such as transit passes, loyalty cards, and gift cards, and lately, they added an additional feature for photos. Where you can create a digital pass from a photo of a barcode or QR code.
Apple Cash Alternative?
Apple Pay in the U.S. offers the ability to send money via Apple Cash. And I don't see it working in Google Wallet (for now). Let's say you want to share the tip while eating at the restaurant. Apple Cash has this feature to send any amounts otherwise Venmo is the only alternative. Apple Pay uses tokenization and touch ID for its security while Google Wallet has PIN security. Either of them, security features are top-notch knowing that nobody is nibling throughout your transaction.
So, Do I recommend it?
So, the verdict. Do I recommend using Google Wallet? Yes! Give it a try. Some consumers out there are still worried and prefer cash payment instead of storing their hard-earned money over digital wallet apps. But picture this, We live in a society that making a leap forward for convenience. This is the future and as this technology goes on, its security layer is far advanced. But considering that at the moment, some merchants prefer the traditional cash payment. But after some time, there is no harm in trying this technology at your convenience.
Again, that's your preferred choice.
Once again, thanks for reading my review. And I'll see you in my next review.
-Ceddy