I have a pixel and an iPhone 6. Several close acquaintances with 7s. I have no idea what OP is talking about, but everyone I've talked to that sees the pixel and has an iPhone tends to have the reaction of "Wow, I'd actually consider dumping my iPhone after seeing that". Heck, one buddy actually returned the 7 and bought a Pixel because he was so frustrated with the 7 (didn't like the new home button, lack of headphone jack, buggy iOS updates, etc).

I'm not sure what about it he considers a "joke", but it's one of the best phones I've ever owned. It's what Android was always meant to be.