If you follow us on FB or Instagram, you might already know that I was part of the Google Maps road trip in the month of December. During our road trip, we were given the new awesome Google Pixel XL for review.
To start with, Google Pixel is the first phone which is completely made by Google, starting from the hardware to the software. It is available in two variants, the Google Pixel which is a 5-inch phone and Pixel XL which is a 5.5-inch phone.
Google Pixel definitely is no Nexus or Apple. It has its own unique identity and features that stand out from the rest. Though it is heavily pitted with Apple but having used both, I believe there are few areas where Google Pixel has an edge over Apple and vice versa. The phone definitely looks promising and can give a tough competition to iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge.
Google Pixel XL Review & Specs
Category | Specifications |
Operating System | Android 7.1 with Google UI |
RAM | 4 GB |
Display | 5.5-inch 2560×1440 AMOLED Gorilla Glass 4 |
Rear Camera | 12MP f/2.0 1.55-micron pixels PDAF, LDAF |
Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 3450 mAh Non-removable |
Connectivity | USB Type-C, Bluetooth 4.2 |
Charging | Rapid Charging |
Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, In the rear of the phone |
Storage | 32/128GB |
Dimensions | 154.7 x 75.74 x 8.6 mm |
Weight | 168g |
Here are the five features which made us fall in love with the phone.
– Battery Life –
The Google Pixel XL packs a punch when it comes to battery life. The smartphone has a 3450 mAh non-removable battery that lasts for almost 2 days with a single charge. We used it like our regular phone just to get a sense of the battery life and were impressed with the fact that it lasted for more than two days.
But more than the battery life, it was the quick charging feature that got us sold.
– Google Assistant –
The all-new Google Assistant “Allo” comes pre-loaded with Google Pixel XL. Allo is much better than Google Now or for the matter of fact even better than Siri at some of the things. Google Allo uses the Google infrastructure in the backend which makes it smarter and faster. Searching for things, setting up reminders, translating is pretty easy with Google Allo.
Nothing like having your own personal assistant.
– Performance –
I think performance wise it stands tall among other. Multitasking is a breeze and there is no lag as compared to other phones. Be it gaming, browsing high-quality videos or being active on social media sites, you can switch from one to other smoothly.
Even you don’t have to bother about storage as pictures and videos are automatically synced to cloud.
Multi-taking is a smooth sailing.
– Google Pixel Launcher –
Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL come pre-loaded with the Google Pixel Launcher which is remarkably different from all other Android launchers. The striking difference between Pixel Launcher and other launchers is the app shortcut. App shortcut is similar to the 3D touch on iOS. Long press an icon and you get a list of actions that you can perform, for example long pressing the Gmail icon brings up a menu which you can then use to compose without even opening the Gmail App. Long pressing the home button brings up the Google Allo assistant.
Another addition to this is the gesture feature, when you swipe down on the fingerprint sensor it brings up the notification panel. And swiping up on the fingerprint sensor dismisses the notification panel. The Google Search bar has been replaced with a “G” logo that is on the left side of the screen. Holding down on the Google Logo and swiping right opens the Google Now interface.
The Google Pixel Launcher has a fresh look with many useful features. It took us a while to get used to the new features but yes it was a refreshing change.
– Camera –
In terms of the camera not much has changed from the previous version of Nexus phones. The Google Pixel XL has 12 MP rear camera and 8 MP front camera. The gyroscope-based visual stabilization helps in smoother panning and shake free handheld recording.
Both the video quality and the picture quality of the Pixel XL are awesome. In fact way-way better than iPhone 7. The output of the pictures is quite crisp, bright and social media ready.
- 1/2.3” 12MP CMOS sensor with 1.55µm pixels
- F2.0 aperture
- AF with on-sensor phase detection and laser assistance
- Dual-tone LED flash
- 4K video at 30 fps
- 1080p slow motion at 120fps, 720p at 240fps
- Manual controls and Raw support with third-party camera apps
- Gyroscope-based video stabilization
- 8MP front camera, 1/3.2″ sensor, 1.4 µm pixels, F2.4, 1080p video
- Unlimited cloud storage for full-resolution images and videos
Do let us know your thoughts on the phone if you have been using one or planning to buy one.
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This post is written in collaboration with Google Pixel India.
Google pixel is the awesome mobile with best features, thank you for sharing the blog.
This post is very interesting although I’m an IPhone fan myself…
During my selection of a new phone, Google Pixel was one of the options but me being an old Samsung lover, S7Edge won over my heart. But honestly this phone comes loaded with features. Loved your video, explains everything.
The camera looks very good, some lovely photos! Not sure I could be swayed from iphone though…
Firstly, great informative video! The phone looks awesome and the pictures are high quality too which is a big bonus for me! I have an iPhone at the moment but will keep this in mind when it’s time to upgrade.
I’m sold on the camera quality! That’s brilliant – I’m really impressed. I’m looking to upgrade my phone this year so perhaps I should consider this 🙂
A very well written review.
Thanks for reviewing this phone.
Good review of the Google phone! I’ve been thinking about getting a new phone soon, but I’m an Android fan so I’m waiting to hear about the new Galaxy S8 that will be coming out!
Great review! I’m currently looking to replace my current phone. I’ll be sure to check out Google Pixel and give it a go. Thanks for this, I really appreciate it!
Great review! Sometimes when travelling it’s more handy to just have your smartphone reagy for snapshots, though… the pics you get with a reflex or a powerful hybrid camera have a lot more “deepness” to them!
Great battery life could give Google the edge. But it’s going to be tough for them to wrestle loyal customers away from Apple and Samsung. Personally, I can’t wait to see what the new iPhone is like. It may tempt me to leave Samsung – yes, that’s right, I may jump ship!
I’ve always been a solid Android user but this phone looks pretty cool. Might need to look into switching it up
I didn’t even know google had a phone now! I do think it looks quite similair from an Iphone when it not in use. The battery life would interest me very much. The older my phone gets, the quicker it needs recharging. Maybe I’m using it too much but with 2 days life span that would be awesome!
You guys sold me on the battery life! I am forever charging my phone or looking for a charger! It has a very sleak design too.
What a great review about Google Pixel XL, really useful and comparable information. The photos come out great as well, lot of opportunities. It seems like a great phone with a unique identity.
I have seen Google Pixel only online. It looks like Huawei to me but I am sure that the features are way way better. I think the best feature of this phone is the Google Assistant. It sounds like it will be very helpful in doing a lot of tasks.
Pretty interesting. I am intrigue how much will it cost here in the Philippines. Have not seen it here yet. Great review by the way. You sold it to me here.
JM | Man Of Wanders
Looks great! I didn’t even know about this new phone! I’m actually very keen to know more about the multitasking function and I can’t almost believe you that the camera is better than the iphone. I mean how’s that even possible? 🙂
Google phone is awesome specially camera, thank you for sharing the informative information.
Google pixel camera is awesome ..!! Nice features, thank you for sharing.
cool phone i am really looking forward to sharing this article with my friend who is very interested in buying it.