Google Pixel & Pixel XL Review

Jan 9th 2017

Google Pixel and Pixel XL Review

In 2016, with the partnership of HTC, Google launched the next wave of Google products and introduced the Pixel series. Finely crafted and sublimely engineered, Google welcomes; Google Pixel and the Pixel XL to the family.

Both phones, stylish and versatile, share many similarities with only a few notable differences. What are the main differences between the two? The Pixel XL provides a larger battery capacity, offering a 3450mAh compared to the capacity of the Pixel which is 2770MAh. The Pixel XL is equipped with a 5.5” QHD AMOLED Display 2560 x 1440 (534ppi) in contrast to the smaller 5” FHD AMOLED screen 1920 x 1080 (441ppi) of the Pixel. The Pixel XL has larger dimensions, resulting in a larger screen and a slightly heavier weight.

Similarities between the XL and Pixel?

Apart from the few mentioned differences, the Pixel XL and Pixel share many similarities in both their hardware and software features. Both extending exceptional storage to their users, offering 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 32 or 128 GB of internal storage.

Both phones run on state of the art Snapdragon 821 Processors, compared to the competitors on the market. The Snapdragon 821 has a 10% increase in performance, compared to older versions, resulting in an improved performance in the phones VR as well. Being the first phones to run on this processor plus with the GPU being the Adreno 530 offering higher clock speeds, the Pixel and Pixel XL devices are the fastest and most up to date phones on the market.

As Google dives deeper into the VR world, Google has created the Pixel and Pixel XL to be the first phones suitable to work with Google’s Daydream VR platform. Highly awaited and not a disappointment, this feature will be greatly appreciated by many users. The Pixel XL’s larger 5.5 QHD screen is ideal for maximum enjoyment, along with it’s feature of sharper and clearer images on the screen.

Design

Both phones offer an attractive streamline design, offered in three colors; ‘Quite Black’, ‘Really Blue’ and ‘Very Silver’. All phones are finished with Corning Gorilla Glass 4, USB Type C connection and a 3.55mm headphone jacks feature. The all-day battery holds a seven-hour charge with only 15 minutes of charge time, thanks to the phones ability to charge at a very fast speed, perfect for everybody with a busy schedule.

Now introducing unlimited cloud storage to Pixel and XL users, Google has taken off the size limitation and compression of images. Unlimited and free (!) storage space for full resolution images and videos that are shot with your Pixel. A crowd pleaser for all Pixel and XL users.

Pixel and XL Camera

What would a phone be today without a camera? Crucial to a phone, the Google Pixel series do not compromise on delivering the highest quality to their users. Both phones sporting the 12.3 MP camera and have been observed as the highest rated smartphone camera tested to date, and have received a prestigious photography score of 89. Offering the highest standard of quality, no doubt means only the best for Pixel and XL users, including; great exposure, light balance, speedy auto focus and superb control, all producing the perfect picture for Google users.

Google Assistant

The first to have the Google Assistant programmed right into the software, the Pixel and XL are already ahead of the game. Simple to use and a tremendous asset to have, this voice command feature will save users a ton of time and hassle. Simply hold the home button down and say the command “word”, Google Assistant will than pop up and is ready for your command. Use Google Assistant to find out the weather, play your favourite song, or pull up something from the web. The options and help from your Google Assistant are endless.

Updates and Support

Google phone users will be offered the great advantage of always being the first to get the latest Android software updates and Google will update the Pixel and XL as soon as updates are ready. Google’s impeccable support team offers 24-hour live support to help with all your needs and questions. With amazing Google features, such as; Google Duo (Google’s own video calling app), state of the art processor, Google Assistant, Daydream VR platform, the number one phone camera on the market and all-day battery with a speed charging feature, it’s no doubt why Google Pixel and Pixel XL are taking the lead in todays competitive phone market.