I must admit that with the presentation of Google Pixel and Pixel XL I was left with a bit of a bitterness in my mouth. Nothing to say on the front of the technical characteristics, or on the design. What didn't convince me was Google's idea of marketing a product that starts at $ 699, a bit iPhone-style.
As a "purist" Android user I have always considered the price to be an advantage, especially on the Nexus line. After more than two weeks I have to admit that my opinion has changed considerably. Big G seems to have done a really good job, let's go and see why.
Google Pixel: the technical characteristics
Even before the official presentation there was in the air the possibility that the Nexus range would be shelved in favor of a new line, and so it was. The Google Pixel range consists of two models, a basic version and one called XL. From the point of view of the internal components the difference is really minimal. In fact, on board both of them we find a processor Snapdragon 821, flanked by 4 GB by Ram. The memory cuts are also identical, from 32 and 128 GB. Of course, a 64 GB version would have been interesting given the absence of memory expansion, but in the end the price difference between the two versions is not exaggerated, we are talking about about 100 €.
What marks the difference between the two models are the display and battery. Google Pixel mounts a 5 ”Amoled panel with FullHD resolution and a 2770 mAh battery. On the Google Pixel XL there is instead a 5.5 ”diagonal Amoled display, with a resolution of 2560 * 1440, with a 3450 mAh battery.
The cameras are also identical, both for Google Pixel that for pixel XL. In the front we find a sensor from 8 MP with f / 2.4 aperture and fixed focus. In the back instead we have a sensor from 12.3 MP with f / 2.0, equipped with phase detection autofocus e laser autofocus. In the rear body we also have the fingerprint sensor. Rounded in shape and really wide, it is precise and easy to identify. With regard to connectivity, the aim was high:
- LTE caat. 12 (600 mb DL / 75 mb UL)
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac 2 × 2 MIMO
- GPS
- NFC
- Bluetooth 4.2
As charging and data transfer input we find a USB type C 3.0 port with 18W charger. Three colors available: Quite Black, Very Silver, and Really Blue but only in limited edition.
The complete technical data sheets can be found below:
[data sheet id = ”226802 ″] [data sheet id =” 226804 ″]Google Pixel: the design
The design of Google's new smartphones is very nice, clean, even if perhaps it could have been used more. Both models are distinguished by the two-tone back. The body is of the unibody type, made of aluminum, with a 2.5 D Gorilla Glass 4 front glass. In the front we find the ear capsule, the camera and the brightness sensor at the bottom. As per tradition, no physical keys, there is only the presence of those on screen. In the lower part there is the USB type C input with two grids on the sides. Only one is concealed the mono speaker, which however reproduces good quality audio.
In the upper part we find the 3,5 mm jack socket, while the back is much more interesting. At the top, moved to the left we have the camera with the dual LED flash. Immediately below, centrally, the fingerprint sensor is positioned, while further down we find the logo of Google Pixel. Finally, on the right edge there is the volume rocker and the power button, which has a relief texture that is really pleasant to touch.
Google Pixel: the camera
Pure technical data doesn't do the Google Pixel and Pixel XL camera justice. The mounted sensor is 12.3 MP with laser autofocus, double Led flash and f / 2.0 aperture. While we have learned that a large amount of megapixels does not mean quality, this data certainly comes as no surprise. In reality, the sensor used is really excellent and the pixel size is 1,55 micrometers, a very respectable figure!
It is above all the software side, however, that makes the camera a true masterpiece. The automatic HDR + works really well, the exposure is always well balanced and the shots are clean and with precise edges. Video stabilization is also excellent, which is combined with really good photos and shooting in all light conditions.
The front camera that has an 8.0 MP sensor also passes the test, also with integrated HDR +. The aperture in this case is f / 2.4 and assisted by the function lens blur manages to make excellent selfies, going to blur the background. As if that were not enough, the well-known site arrives DxOMark to give his verdict on the camera, which reaches a score of 89. If you want to learn more about the technical details of the test, here you will find the link to the page:
DOXMARK – TEST CAMERA
Seeing as words don't give enough credit to the camera's Google Pixel and Pixel XL, we leave you a gallery, where you can see the quality of the shots through some samples.
Google Pixel: battery life
The battery of the successors of the range Nexus is different depending on the model. In Google Pixel from 5 "we find a capacity of 2770 mAh, while in pixel XL we find a unit from 3450 mAh. To reassure you we tell you that both models resist without problems until the evening during a day of use. To be precise, it was the model with the 5 ”screen that showed slightly better performance, especially thanks to the less energy-intensive display.
With mixed use, Google Pixel guarantees between 13 and 16 hours of use, with SOT from 4 to 5 hours. Consumption is optimized really well, especially with intense use, such as during a photo shooting session. Charging times are also not bad at all: taking advantage of fast charging Google Pixel XL reaches 100% charge in just under two hours. It is certainly not a record, but not a result to be underestimated, given the capacity of the 3450 mAh battery. Here the comparison with other devices.
Google Pixel: the software
As usual, Google has accustomed us to vanilla-style Android in directly developed devices. This means a stock interface, clean and minimal, without many customizations. With regard to Google Pixel and Pixel XL, marketing takes place with on board Android Nugget 7.1. Already this release brings with it a good amount of news:
- Night Light
- Touch sensitive home button
- Double screen
- New notification system
- Improved energy saving
- Pixel Launcher
But the big news, exclusive to Pixel devices, is the integration of Google Assistant, an improved and new version of the voice assistant for Android devices. This add-on, currently only available in English, brings together all the information available within the Google environment to manage our questions and requests.
Surely it still needs to be improved, at present it is quite immature, but it still represents a significant step forward compared to the assistant integrated in Google Now. The speed and fluidity of the system are truly incredible and reach peaks so far never reached by other top-of-the-range Android devices.
Google Pixel: price and conclusions
Google Pixel therefore represents a new bet by Big G in the world of mobile telephony. The concept of stock Android smartphones is completely redefined and improved. The technical characteristics are top of the range, but it is above all the software that takes the lion's share. The added functions are many and interesting, with the integration of a very promising new voice assistant.
The camera was also promoted with flying colors, as was the battery, which while remaining quite contained in the capacity, manages to give really satisfactory results.
In the city Google Pixel and Pixel XL will be available starting next year. The starting price will be 759€ for the 32GB version while the 128GB model should cost € 869.
Still no news for the Google XL version. The price is certainly high, but the first data indicate a truly successful product, able to fight on equal terms with both the new iPhones and high-end Android devices.
If shelling out this amount is not a problem for you Google Pixel o Google Pixel XL it is really recommended, and it integrates all the best that the Android world has to offer.
