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Google’s latest phone is the Pixel which was first introduced in October and is an impressive choice for those who want a new Android phone. Or a great camera.
This phone is particularly compelling for those who are users of Google services such as Gmail, Google Photos, Calendar and more.
The Pixel is available in two sizes, Pixel with a 5 inch screen, and Pixel XL with a 5.5 inch screen (12.7 cm and 14 cm). The phone comes with Android 7.1 (Nougat) installed. Verizon Wireless lent me a Pixel XL for review.
Hardware
The phone is thin and light, weighing in at about 5.04 oz (143 g) for the Pixel and 5.92 oz (168 g) for the Pixel XL. The back of the phone is part glass and part aluminum, while the front of the phone is all glass. The glass isn’t just any glass, it’s Corning Gorilla glass which is known for its durability.
The back of the phone also has a fingerprint sensor called Pixel Imprint you can use to unlock the phone, sign into apps and pay for items. You may find this handy as you can easily touch the sensor when you’re pulling the phone out of your pocket or purse. Or you may find it inconvenient if you’re trying to unlock your phone when it’s placed on a table.
The phone comes with 4 GB of RAM which makes using it fast and smooth. There are no stuttering or delays when opening apps or multitasking.
The Pixel isn’t waterproof, but on it you’ll find a headphone jack at the top edge and a USB-C port at the bottom to charge the phone. A charging cable is included with the phone, along with an adaptor to transfer your photos, contacts, photos and other information from an iPhone to the Pixel.
Display
The screen of the phone is bright and sharp with vivid colors. When I showed the phone to a friend of mine who asked about it, her reaction to the display was, “Wow!”
She’s not a techie, but for those who are, the screen is AMOLED with Full HD (1920×1080) 441ppi display for the Pixel and AMOLED QHD (2560 x 1440) 534ppi display for the Pixel XL.
Regardless of whether you care about the specs, you’ll probably be impressed when you see the quality of the display.
Battery Life
Both the Pixel and Pixel XL come with a powerful battery. The Pixel has a 2,770 mAh battery with up to 456 hours of standby time and 26 hours of talk time, and the Pixel XL has a 3,450 mAh battery with 552 hours of standby time and 32 hours of talk time.
The phone charges quickly too, getting 7 hours of battery life in just 15 minutes of charging time.
The battery life of the Pixel XL I’ve been testing has been extensive. When I’ve left the phone on standby for days, I picked it up with plenty of power to spare. On the days when I used it heavily there was lots of battery left at the end of the day.
Google Assistant
The Pixel is the first phone to come with Google Assistant, Google’s digital assistant. After you set up Google Assistant and give it permissions, you can begin using it.
Long-press the home button or say, “Ok Google” and ask it a search question, the weather forecast, what time the sun will set, find photos from a place, or ask it what it can do. You can also ask for a Daily Briefing that gives you information about the weather, any appointments you have on your Google calendar, travel plans it finds in Gmail, and a news summary.
The more you use Google services the more useful Google Assistant will be for you.
I found Google Assistant to be quite helpful, with her understanding nearly every question I asked. Her answers were mostly useful and her response time was quick. I accidentally called her Alexa once (Amazon’s digital assistant) but Google Assistant was quite respectful with her response.
Google Assistant can also be used in Allo and Duo, Google’s new text and video chat apps that are available on the Pixel.
Pixel Camera
The advanced camera on the Pixel may be a enough of a reason to choose this phone. The Pixel comes with a 12.3 MP rear camera and a 8 MP front camera. Videos can be shot in 4K resolution.
The camera does exceptionally well when taking photos in low light. Touch the screen while you’re adjusting your shot, then take the photo to get a brighter photo.
Photos are shot with HDR as a default and can be edited from within the camera app. Focus is fast and taking pictures rapidly isn’t a problem.
These unedited photos were shot with the Pixel XL (hover your cursor over the image to scroll through the photos):
You can view these photos at the Flickr album Pixel XL Review.
Google Photos
Fans of Google Photos will be pleased to learn that they get unlimited storage at full resolution in Google Photos for all photos and videos taken on the Pixel phone. Sign into the Google Photos app on the phone and enable automatic upload to store all of your photos and videos for free in Google Photos.
=> Learn more at: Google Photos — Make the Most of Your Memories Easily!
Daydream View
Google Pixel also works with Daydream View, Google’s latest virtual reality viewer. I was unable to test this with the Pixel but for fans of virtual reality, this could be a reason to get this phone.
Price and Availability
The Pixel and Pixel XL are available in three colors, Very Silver, Quite Black, and Really Blue (Limited Edition), as well as two storage sizes: 32 GB and 128 GB.
The Pixel phone is available in the US at Verizon Wireless and the Google Store for:
Pixel
- $649 32 GB
- $749 128 GB
Pixel XL
- $769 32 GB
- $869 128 GB
Your Thoughts
Are you interested in the Pixel or Pixel XL? Which features are most important to you? Would Google Assistant be useful to you?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Although features look attractive my concern only on the price tag
Hello Chaprama, You’re right, the Pixel is not an inexpensive phone. All of these impressive features do come at a cost.
Google Pixel one more amazing phone by Google after Google Nexus series. Google Pixel looks really cool & amazing phone with having most interesting & strong features like Hardware, Camera etc.
Hi Monika, Yes, there is a lot to like about the Pixel phone. Both the hardware and software combine to give it features that will appeal to many.
Everything is Awesome, in this Phone But it is overpriced . What do you think about it’s Price Carolyn?
Hi Adarsh, Yes, this is a premium phone that has a premium price. With Android phones you have many choices of phones with features in different price ranges. The key is to find the best phone for you within your budget.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Pixel phone, Adarsh.
Although It has the highest rated smartphone camera. A battery that lasts all day and unlimited storage for all my photos and videos. But the thing that disappointing me is the price tag.
Hello Sal, Yes, this is a premium phone with a premium price. If you are a Verizon customer, look for special offers that include an offer for a trade-in for your current phone now.
I guess the only thing which stops it from becoming best smartphone of 2017, is the fact its not water and dust resistant. Otherwise, all other features are top-notch.
Hello Manu, Yes, there is probably no phone that is perfect for everyone. When choosing a phone you need to decide which features are the most important for you. Smartphones are an important investment so you want to be pleased with your purchase.
Hi Carolyn,
I was not knowing about the Google’s phone, but through your blog i came to know about it.
Thanks for sharing.
Hello Harry, I’m glad you found this article to be helpful. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
This is a nice phone, I already tried it, has got wonderful features.
Hi Mary, I’m so glad you’re enjoying your Pixel phone. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us, Mary.