The Good
•Android from Google. This is a cohesive, consistent software package instead of being a branding battleground between Google and a third party.
•The Assistant is fun, fast, and useful. A great evolution of Google's already great voice command system.
•The only 2016 Android phone with fast OS updates.
•One of the best cameras on a smartphone. Great low light shots and speedy performance.
•Has a headphone jack. Won't explode.

The Bad
•The sky-high price feels more like a marketing ploy ("We're just as good as the iPhone!") than a justifiable price point.
•The single speaker is a big downgrade from the Nexus 6P. Google is charging more and delivering less.
•A rear glass panel adds fragility and ugliness in exchange for... nothing? Just use metal.
•Other devices at this price point from Samsung and Apple are "dunkable" in water with IP68 rating. The Pixels are not.
•Still no SD card slot even though Google made SD cards much more usable in Android 6.0.
•Google's two years of major OS updates can't compare to Apple's iPhone support, which is often 4+ years of OS updates.

The Ugly
•Google's flagship smartphone design is a bland iPhone clone. Do better.

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But I’m switching. For real. I’m turning off iMessage, re-buying apps, and warning friends that I probably won’t get their texts for a few days. I am a little worried about Google’s long-term commitment to this new hardware push (and the customer support that comes with it), given its propensity for killing products that don’t get billions of users. But I’m totally in love with the Pixel. I love this camera, I love Google Assistant, I love that I’ll get to use it with a comfy VR headset, I love that I finally get a version of Android that is both powerful and attractive. I love that there’s a kickass Android phone that (probably) doesn’t explode.

The immediate joke everyone, including me, made on Twitter after the Pixel launch was that Google made an iPhone. Well, that’s true. As it turns out, an iPhone running Android is exactly what I’ve been waiting for.

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Google Pixel Review: The Android iPhone You’ve Been Waiting For
Google yanked a page from Apple’s playbook and created the best Android phone

Android people, please step forward. Good news! Your next phone-buying decision just got a heck of a lot easier. The Google Pixel is now the best Android smartphone you can buy. The other leading contender was disqualified due to spontaneous combustion.

iPhone people, it’s your turn. Ask yourself: Why do I have an iPhone? Is it because of its software, services and privacy policies? Or is it because it’s a very good phone for things like Google Maps, Gmail, Spotify and Facebook Messenger? If you’ve answered yes to the latter, the Pixel may be for you, too.

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Both Pixel variants have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, 4 gigs of RAM, and flat-out gorgeous OLED screens with deep blacks and vibrant, punchy colors. And that’s important: at some point next month, Daydream VR will finally get released and you’ll want high-quality screens for that.

The Pixels are fast — noticeably faster than Samsung’s Galaxy S7. On performance alone, these are easily the best Android phones you can buy. For a phone made by Google, that’s absolutely the expectation — it’s just good to note that at its first time at bat, Google hit a home run.

Good Stuff:
• Long battery life
• Fast and powerful
• Google Assistant

Bad Stuff:
• Not waterproof
• Pedestrian design
• Google's take on Android needs more polish

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When yours is the only name on a handset, you’d better put your best foot forward. Sure, the company got manufacturing help from its friends at HTC, but the message is clear — sink or swim, it’s all on Google. And on just about every count, the company delivers. It’s a well-designed (if aesthetically neutral) handset with robust specs and a killer screen and camera.

Most importantly of all, it’s a demonstration, much like Apple’s output, of what happens when the same company is involved in the design of an end-to-end hardware and software solution. It feels natural and works together like a charm — and, unlike a number of competing Android handsets, nothing feels tacked on after the fact. An arguably ironic message for a company that’s been so supportive of third-parties up to this point.

And with the first seeds of pieces like Assistant being sowed, the Pixel XL also feels like a bridge to the future of the company, as Google sets its sights on your home and beyond.

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The 32GB Pixel XL retails for $769 for the Google Store, which puts it on par with the prices of the Apple iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. It’s clear that Google is aiming for the premium Android smartphone market and not toward budget-oriented consumers. However, if you’re someone who uses the camera function a lot, the phone could just be worth the price since it takes professional-quality photos with ease. And if you just need to have a premium smartphone, the XL can certainly go toe-to-toe with its closest competitors, and is a worthy option to consider.

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The elephant(s) in the room, I think, are the Chinese-made budget offerings like the OnePlus 3. In terms of raw specifications, the OnePlus 3 is very comparable to the Pixel — and in some ways better. It’s also a whole 2 or 3 Benjamins cheaper. Honestly, it’s a difficult situation. The Pixel really is great. And in some ways it’s one of the best phones ever. Early — and perhaps exclusive — access to Google’s latest software features is hard to pass up for some. It has near-stock Android with valuable software additions on top and reliable performance. It has the Snapdragon 821. But is it worth the extra cash?

I can’t answer that question for you. I think for me, the answer is yes. I would pick this phone over most Android phones. But I’m also a big fan of Google software, and I prefer to use Android the way Google intends it. None of the other OEMs can offer this flavor of Android that has this degree of Google’s mark and influence. All things considered, these phones aren’t perfect. But no phones are, and if you’re one who loves Google’s software and services as much as I do, they might be the imperfect phones for you.

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There’s no doubt that the Pixel XL is a phenomenal phone and a worthy successor to past Nexus devices. Being Google’s very own flagship, it’s the yardstick by which all future Android handsets will be measured. We love the materials and craftsmanship, the beautiful display, the snappy performance, and the pure user experience. The camera is top notch, despite the lack of OIS, and we’re looking forward to many shake-free videos. That being said, it’s an expensive device, the design is somewhat generic, and Google Assistant still feels like a bit of a gimmick. Is it a buy? Yes, absolutely — if you can afford it. Make no mistake: the Pixel XL represents the cream of the Android crop. It immediately puts Google in the rarefied company of Samsung and Apple at the top of the smartphone game, and that’s no small feat.

The Good: Great build quality, gorgeous screen, excellent camera, top notch performance, pure Google.

The Bad: Pricey, bland design, lack of OIS, not water-resistant.

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I have too many questions about the focus of the Google Pixel and not enough confidence in its future. It’s a fine phone, sure, but there are plenty of devices that offer similar performance and, in some cases, more features, for the same price or less.

You want an Android phone? Buy a Galaxy S7 Edge. You want an Android phone that doesn’t break the bank? Buy a OnePlus 3. You want an Android Phone with Google Assistant? Buy a Nexus 6P and hack it on. Want something unique? Buy a Moto Z. You want an expensive Android phone with 24/7 support, unlimited Google Photo backup and the chance at getting the latest software first? Then get the Pixel. I suggest waiting to see what Google’s grander plan for the Pixel is before diving in, however. With the glaring hole left by the Galaxy Note 7 in my arsenal, I’ll personally be switching over to the Moto Z.

PROS:
•Decent battery life
•Great camera
•First dibs on Android software

CONS:
•Uninspiring design
•Expensive
•Not water resistant
•No wireless charging
•No expandable storage

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But the Pixel is a beaut. It runs fast and comes at a time when the largest Android phone-maker, Samsung, is hitting some rough luck. Save for its Lens Blur feature, the Pixel's camera exceeded my high expectations and gives the iPhone a run for its money. Google Assistant feels more natural than other voice search systems, and it's handy for organizing your daily life (if you remember it's there).

Now that many are justifiably cautious of Samsung phones, the Pixel is a great option for Android users wondering where to go next. Its brand cachet already rivals Samsung and Apple. Unlike the Nexus models of years past, you don't have to be an Android enthusiast to appreciate it. The only thing you'll have to be enthusiastic about is owning a phone that's beautiful, takes awesome photos and has smooth performance. If you are, the Pixel's for you.

The Good
The Google Pixel has a fantastic camera, especially in low light. It's elegantly designed. Google Assistant takes one of the most natural, human approaches to answering your voice.

The Bad
The phone's display is dim in outdoor sunlight and its camera's Lens Blur feature is shoddy. It's splash-resistant rather than dunkable, and it's pricey compared to previous Google Nexus devices.

The Bottom Line
If you're wary of Samsung or looking for a worthy iPhone alternative, the Google Pixel is the high-end Android phone to get

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As the story goes, Google only really got to contribute to Nexus phones once they were 90 percent done. That's crazy, isn't it? I loved the Nexus line from day one, but it always felt clear that Google was just experimenting with things while its hardware partners took on most of the risk. Now Google is sticking its own neck out there, and the market -- no, the people -- won't stand for mediocrity.

Thankfully, the Pixels are much, much better than that. They certainly have their share of shortcomings, like a drab design, wimpy water resistance and some hefty price tags. The thing is, Google had to start somewhere, and the foundation it built with these two phones is a surprisingly strong one. These aren't just great first attempts at smartphones; these are great smartphones, period, and every other Android device maker out there should be a little worried.

Pros
Excellent build quality
Fantastic camera
Smooth performance

Cons
Expensive
Yawn-inducing design
Less water-resistant than rivals

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README
·The first truly homegrown Google phone
·The Pixel XL is somehow chunkier than last year’s Nexus 6P
·Holy crap, this phone is super fast
·Smart burst photo mode is great for capturing the perfect moment

·Google Assistant is a promising feature, but ultimately not full baked
·The glass on the back of the phone feels sticky and kind of gross to hold in your hand
·How is this better than my Nexus 6P again?

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Based on features alone, the Pixel is decent compared with Apple’s iPhone 7 and Samsung’s Galaxy S7.

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Using Pixel with Project Fi may also end up saving you money: If you picked, for example, a plan with two gigabytes of data, you’d pay $40 a month for cellphone and data service that works all over the world. In contrast, Verizon charges $55 a month for a similar plan that doesn’t include free international roaming.

If you are uninterested in Project Fi and are not deeply invested in Google’s ecosystem, there is another route: Try an iPhone. Apple’s iPhone 7 and 7 Plus outperformed the Pixel in every way in terms of hardware features.

And so far, to my knowledge, Apple phones haven’t blown up.

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And so far, to my knowledge, Apple phones haven’t blown up.

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SpecX said:

Glad to see this getting positive reviews, but the lacking features and design turns me away from this phone. No reason Google/HTC should have released this without water resistance and SD card support. Hopefully they listen to the reviewers continue to harp on the poor design.

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The Pixel’s fingerprint sensor, for unlocking the phone, is annoyingly on the back of the device rather than on the face. So when you’re on the go, you will probably be using two hands — one to hold the phone and the other to place your fingerprint on the back — to unlock the Pixel.

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TangoAlphaLima said:

$869 for the XL with 128 GB storage seems absolutely insane.



Has any Google phone or tablet ever had a microSD card slot? I can't recall one. It's one of the best aspects of choosing Android devices over Apple, but Google doesn't feature it on their flagship devices.

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Tallshortman said:

Google's insistence on the price point will hurt it. Should be $100 cheaper for each.

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tariniel said:

The most attractive thing about the Pixel to me is that I've heard it doesn't have the "Android jank". I've played around with a few Android phones and it's noticeable on them even in just a few minutes of going through menus - for example I thought the S7 Edge was a beautiful device, it has one of the best screens I've ever seen, and just flipping through the settings menu it had visible lag and slowdown.

If the Pixel doesn't have that at all, then that's what the biggest selling point of it is to me. But I don't trust reviews to convey this well, since a month from now we could be hearing users complain that they're seeing the same issue on their Pixel. It's a good thing there's a month long wait for people that didn't order already so we can see more user impressions.

But man the screen on the S7 Edge was so beautiful I considered getting one even with the "jank". I'm also keeping an eye out on the LG V20 since I really like that it has an SD card slot and removeable battery.

Whatever I end up doing I'm really eager to upgrade from my iPhoone 5S. I have a month+ to decide between iPhone7, Pixel, or something else. I'm even considering just getting an iPhone 6S+ so I can get an upgrade but still have a headphone jack.

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tariniel said:

The most attractive thing about the Pixel to me is that I've heard it doesn't have the "Android jank". I've played around with a few Android phones and it's noticeable on them even in just a few minutes of going through menus - for example I thought the S7 Edge was a beautiful device, it has one of the best screens I've ever seen, and just flipping through the settings menu it had visible lag and slowdown.

If the Pixel doesn't have that at all, then that's what the biggest selling point of it is to me. But I don't trust reviews to convey this well, since a month from now we could be hearing users complain that they're seeing the same issue on their Pixel. It's a good thing there's a month long wait for people that didn't order already so we can see more user impressions.

But man the screen on the S7 Edge was so beautiful I considered getting one even with the "jank". I'm also keeping an eye out on the LG V20 since I really like that it has an SD card slot and removeable battery.

Whatever I end up doing I'm really eager to upgrade from my iPhoone 5S. I have a month+ to decide between iPhone7, Pixel, or something else. I'm even considering just getting an iPhone 6S+ so I can get an upgrade but still have a headphone jack; this actually sounds like the most appealing option the more I think about it.

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reKon said:

What S7 Edge did you use? Did you use a store/carrier demo version? That would explain why you keep getting this "jank". I think people would be fucking shocked at how well an S7 phone runs when there's no bloat hindering the software or when there's no 10+ widgets expanding across 5 different home screens when I see these demo units in stores with their displays already showing burn in. My S7 has been the smoothest phone I've ever owned. Notice that I'm saying smoothest - not snappiest. As evidenced by the speed tests the Exynos version of the phone is booth smooth and a step faster w/ even better ram management.

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A Mediocre Camera

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So when you’re on the go, you will probably be using two hands — one to hold the phone and the other to place your fingerprint on the back — to unlock the Pixel.

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And so far, to my knowledge, Apple phones haven’t blown up.

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tariniel said:

The most attractive thing about the Pixel to me is that I've heard it doesn't have the "Android jank". I've played around with a few Android phones and it's noticeable on them even in just a few minutes of going through menus - for example I thought the S7 Edge was a beautiful device, it has one of the best screens I've ever seen, and just flipping through the settings menu it had visible lag and slowdown.

If the Pixel doesn't have that at all, then that's what the biggest selling point of it is to me. But I don't trust reviews to convey this well, since a month from now we could be hearing users complain that they're seeing the same issue on their Pixel. It's a good thing there's a month long wait for people that didn't order already so we can see more user impressions.

But man the screen on the S7 Edge was so beautiful I considered getting one even with the "jank". I'm also keeping an eye out on the LG V20 since I really like that it has an SD card slot and removeable battery.

Whatever I end up doing I'm really eager to upgrade from my iPhoone 5S. I have a month+ to decide between iPhone7, Pixel, or something else. I'm even considering just getting an iPhone 6S+ so I can get an upgrade but still have a headphone jack; this actually sounds like the most appealing option the more I think about it.

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obin_gam said:

I cannot comprehend the design choice. It's SOOOOO ugly.

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RoadHazard said:

Your mistake was trying a Samsung phone. They're notorious for janky, laggy software. Unfortunately they're damn popular, and IMO they're ruining Android's reputation by being the only flavor of the OS most people try before writing Android off as janky and laggy, because of experiences like yours. My Nexus 6P is smooth as butter (as was my N5 before it), and I'm sure the Pixel is as well. Clean Android straight from Google is the best smartphone OS on the planet.

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Kraftwerk said:

Not meaning to shit up the thread, but why do people keep saying this is "soo expensive wow" and point out the price, when it's the flagshio phone right now and yet the iPhone is $1000+ and you dont see the price mentioned in reviews or listed as a negative. Honestly just seems weird. I'm an iPhone user and the price critique of the Pixel just stood out to me wherever I read about it.

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Kraftwerk said:

Not meaning to shit up the thread, but why do people keep saying this is "soo expensive wow" and point out the price, when it's the flagshio phone right now and yet the iPhone is $1000+ and you dont see the price mentioned in reviews or listed as a negative. Honestly just seems weird. I'm an iPhone user and the price critique of the Pixel just stood out to me wherever I read about it.

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Opus Angelorum said:

Apple fans are willing to pay Apple prices, Android fans have been used to better value.

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Cool Guy Sami said:

Personally I always felt the difference in price was evident. Something about my friends' Android phones just felt/looked "off" compared to my iPhone but I don't feel that with this or the Nexus 6P.

Never felt a desire to switch to Android until this year and this looks right up my alley.

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JasonMCG said:

Cool. Will buy when the price dips below $500.

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reKon said:

Are phones with big top and bottom chins up your alley? =p

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Kraftwerk said:

Not meaning to shit up the thread, but why do people keep saying this is "soo expensive wow" and point out the price, when it's the flagshio phone right now and yet the iPhone is $1000+ and you dont see the price mentioned in reviews or listed as a negative. Honestly just seems weird. I'm an iPhone user and the price critique of the Pixel just stood out to me wherever I read about it.

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rc213 said:

Got my notification, Delivery tomorrow. Too bad my accessories don't ship until the 30th lol

Still can't wait, Will baby it until I can get a cheap case.


Wired journalist posted a gallery of photos taken with the Pixel.
https://goo.gl/photos/CZsXMwFyhtGG2NmT6

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