Google unveils the Pixel and Pixel XL

Today, Google took the stage and finally officially showed off the Pixel and Pixel XL, the newest phones in the search giant’s arsenal. The phones have been leaked over and over and over again for the past few months so the details weren’t a huge surprise today, but it is nice that they are finally official.

Specs

Pixel
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 (2.4GHz)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB/128GB (non-expandable)
- Display: 5″, 1080P AMOLED
- OS: Android 7.1 Nougat
- Battery: 2770mAh
- Camera: 12MP rear camera with OIS, 8MP front camera
- Dimensions: 143.8mm x 69.5mm x 8.6mm
- Weight: 143 grams
- Connectivity: USB Type-C, Bluetooth, Headphone jack, NFC, GPS, WiFi
- Fingerprint scanner: Rear
Pixel XL
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 (2.4GHz)
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB/128GB (non-expandable)
- Display: 5.5″ 2560 x 1440p AMOLED
- OS: Android 7.1 Nougat
- Battery: 3450mAh
- Camera: 12MP rear camera with OIS, 8MP front camera
- Dimensions: 154.7mm x 75.7mm x 8.6mm
- Weight: 168 grams
- Connectivity: USB Type-C, Bluetooth, Headphone jack, NFC, GPS, WiFi
- Fingerprint scanner: Rear

As you can see, the devices are very similar. The HTC produced phones are devoid of any HTC branding and are true “Google Phones” this time around. Google will handle all aspects of the devices while HTC just manufactures them.

The biggest differences between the devices is screen size. We don’t get many flagship level small devices anymore, only the Sony Xperia X Compact and possibly the Samsung Galaxy S7 spring to mind. In the smaller pixel you will get a smaller battery, but a 2770mAh battery in a phone that only has a 5″, 1080P display should provide good battery life.

While some leaks had erroneously reported the Pixels would have a MicroSD card slot, that’s not the case. We do get a base 32GB of storage with a gigantic jump up to 128GB of storage as the next step up. No more 64GB option like we saw last year in the Nexus 6P. What will return, however, is the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Software has been one of the most talked about issues in the lead up to the release of the Pixel and Pixel XL. Leaks from AndroidPolice showed a custom software suite that deviated from stock Android. While the Nexus devices of the past always gave a clean install of Android, the Pixels will feature more software customization that set them apart from other flagships on the market. Google is no longer setting the stage for what it would like to see in the mobile world, it’s now trying to lead it.

Unsurprisingly, Google Assistant will be playing a starring role on the Pixel. The Pixel and Pixel XL will be the first phones with Assistant built in. Google has aimed to make assistant an integral part of your phone experience. No longer will you go looking for the information you need, you just ask your phone. Check out our full coverage of Google Assistant here.

Preorders are being taken now on Google’s Store and orders are giving an estimated delivery date of late October for delivery. You’ll also be able to pick one up at Best Buy. Google will offer a payment plan that will come out to about $27 a month for the lowest-priced option (32GB Pixel). Verizon Wireless will be the exclusive major carrier in the United States, but you will be able to use the unlocked version on any carrier including Google’s own Fi.