Google announces Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones while giving the boot to its Nexus program. With this release, the search company took a page off from Apple's book in terms of control over Pixel's software and hardware. This means that the design and software are all mandated by Google. Though the smartphones are manufactured by HTC, these are the first-ever handsets that sport a Google branding. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting release.
Here's Google Pixel and Pixel XL
Display
The main difference between the Pixel and the Pixel XL is reflected in their displays. The smaller Pixel has a 5-inch FHD AMOLED panel while the bigger Pixel XL packs a 5.5-inch Quad HD display. Other than that, both smartphones register with similar specs
Read: 5 Best Features that makes Google's Allo the messaging app to beat
Processor and Camera
Under the hood, both Pixels tick with a 64-bit quad-core Snapdragon 821 processor complemented by a powerful 4GB of RAM. This combination is definitely of flagship caliber when we talk about Android smartphones.
Google has its eyes on the camera department in developing the smartphone line. For some obvious reasons, it wouldn't give these handsets a "Pixel" moniker if they're not photography-centric. Thus, Big G uses a 12.3-megapixel for the rear shooter which features f/2.0 aperture lens and 1.55 micron pixels to capture "lots and lots of light." The primary camera also has some tricks like Smartburst and Lens Blur. The latter lets you achieve Bokeh effects and makes your subject pop. Likewise, there's also an 8-megapixel selfie shooter on the front.
Storage and Connectivity
What's even more exciting is the fact that Google is offering unlimited photo storage with Google Photos. The downside, both handset don't have expandability options. You only have to choose between 32GB and 128GB configurations. Both handsets are also packed with faster connectivity like Bluetooth 4.2, USB Type C, NFC and 4G LTE.
Software and Colors
Google Pixel and Pixel XL come with a built in Google Assistant right on the fly. These are also the "poster smartphones" of Android 7.1 Nougat - both will receive the latest Google updates for two years. Prospective buyers can choose among Quite Black, Really Blue and Very Silver.
Battery and Pricing
The bigger Pixel smartphone packs 3450 mAh battery while the standard Pixel handset has 2770 mAh battery. The Mountain View-based company also stresses that you can charge these phones with up to 7-hour running time in just 15 minutes.
The standard Google Pixel smartphone comes with an asking price of USD 649 for 32GB and USD749 for 128GB; while the bigger Google Pixel XL smartphone starts at USD 769 for 32GB and USD 869 for 128GB.
Availability in the Philippines?
Basing on the history of Google releases in the country, there's a big chance that Pixel will hit the Philippines. If it does, partnering with Telcos might give Google a fighting chance in the fiercely-contested flagship category.
Google Pixel smartphone Specs
5-inch FHD AMOLED Display, 1080 x 1920 pixels at 441 ppi
Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Snapdragon 821
2.15GHz Quad-core
Adreno 530 GPU
4GB of RAM
32GB/128GB Internal Memory, non expandable
12.3MP rear camera f/2.0 PDAF, Dual-tone LED Flash, OIS
8MP front camera, f/2.0
4G LTE, 3G, 2G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, WiFi Direct, Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.2
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
FM Radio
MicroUSB 2.0
3.5mm Audio Jack
Fingerprint Sensors
Android 7.1 Nougat
2770 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Quick Charge
Google Pixel XL smartphone Specs
5-inch QHD AMOLED Display, 2,560 x 1,440 pixels at 538 ppi
Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Snapdragon 821
2.15GHz Quad-core
Adreno 530 GPU
4GB of RAM
32GB/128GB Internal Memory, non expandable
12.3MP rear camera f/2.0 PDAF, Dual-tone LED Flash, OIS
8MP front camera, f/2.0
4G LTE, 3G, 2G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, WiFi Direct, Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.2
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
FM Radio
MicroUSB 2.0
3.5mm Audio Jack
Fingerprint Sensors
Android 7.1 Nougat
3450 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Quick Charge
