Quick Look at the Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Google officially unveiled the two devices the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. These are the first phones made by Google. From the past we've known Google for partnering with different manufactures like HTC, Samsung, LG, Huawei but from the looks of it, the Search Giant that has heavily invested in Artificial Intelligence is now making it's way into hardware.

One thing to clarify though that Google doesn't mention is that these two devices actually made by HTC. And just like Apple designs the iPhone in California and it's made in China, Google is designing these phones and using HTC to make them. You will however find no HTC branding on these phone like the previous HTC Nexus phones for Google. All that is available is a letter 'G' at the back of the phones to clearly indicate these are phones from Google.

Looking more into design and outward appearance of these phones, we do notice they are mostly covered in an aluminum construction and a little glass at the back covering the camera modules and fingerprint sensor. The design it self doesn't really come out as outstanding and most people have come to point out that it looks a little like the new iPhones.

The phones come in three colors, Quite Black, Very Silver and the limited edition Really Blue (That's exactly how she called the colors. Watch the event)

Talking about the Operating System and the software over all, these phones do run the latest Android version 7.1 Nougat and updates expected within the following weeks. To make updating these phones easier, these phones will automatically download an update in the background and only update the phone next time and phone is restarted and as the phone boots up the user is already into an updated version of the Operating System.

More to that, Google Assistant, that bot within Google Allo is now built into the phone software as a phone assistant, "Your Personal Assistant". Essentially this is bring human-like interaction between user and phone and like Google Now, the Assistant is summoned  by using the key phrase "Okay Google" or by simply holding down the home button. Assistant will then launch and like Siri for the iPhone, it will offer assistance using voice recognition and will also take voice command.

Google Pixel devices will also come with Google Duo pre-installed. Duo is Google's own voice chat app reported to be the perfect Android competitor for Apple's Facetime. It is also available on Play Store for the rest of other Android phones.

Both Google Pixel phones spot a 12.3mp rare camera with Optical Image Stabilization with f2.0 aperture and we're not sure if it was mere exaggeration but Google says this is the best camera in any smartphone because of it's superior image processing technology. Apparently, DxO Labs, a software company based in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, that develops image processing software has given the Pixels a mark of 89, the highest a smartphone has received in regards to image processing by images taken using camera. The iPhone 7 scores 86 and so does the Galaxy S6. The Galaxy S7 comes in at 88 by DxOMark. Well, I guess we should wait for hands on review to confirm how good this camera really is and how stacks up against the competition. 

The Pixel phones both pack an 8mp front facing camera with f2.4 aperture.

As a bonus Google Pixel phones come with unlimited Google Photo storage. User don't have to worry about running low on storage. Also to note, photos are videos are to be stored in their original resolution without compression meaning if the video was recorded in 4k, it will be saved to Google Photos in 4k resolution.

The devices are also Daydream ready. It so appears that Google has invested a lot into VR content and Pixels are definitely on top of the best you will get VR content to stream on a smartphone.

Also to note, Google has implemented 24/7 customer service support into these phones to the point that you can chat with a customer service agent regarding any issue with the phones or products and also get to do things like sharing screen to let the agent see what it is you're seeing on screen for better assistance.

Other key specifications of the phones include an AMOLED display at  441ppi for the 5.0 inch Pixel and 534ppi for the Pixel XL with Gorilla Glass 4 on top. They are powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC with 4GB RAM each with on-board storage starting from 32GB to 128GB. They both feature USB Type-C with Non-removable 2,770mAh battery for the Pixel and 3,450mAh for the Pixel XL with fast charging support. Sadly they don't come with wireless charging.

The Pixel and Pixel XL will be available from Verizon and unlocked through the Google Store, with pre-orders starting today. They’ll be compatible with all four major U.S. carriers, too, as well as Project Fi. Pricing starts at $649 for the base model Pixel, or you can pay monthly for $27/month.