Pixel Perfection

The Pixel (and the Bigger Pixel Xl) Is Google’s First Foray Into the Smartphone World. It Offers the Best ‘Pure-Android’ Experience Out There, but Can It Really Compete With the Rest?
 

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Android is, of course, the world’s most popular mobile operating system, and spans hundreds of devices from numerous smartphone manufacturers. In the past, Google has partnered with the likes of Huawei and LG to produce its flagship Nexus smartphones, which offer a ‘pure-Android’ experience, free from manufacturer skins and (often unnecessary) add-ons.

Now, Google is going it alone with its first ‘Made by Google’ phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL. There are minor differences between the two handsets, mainly in the screen size and resolution (the Pixel is five inches and 1080p; the Pixel XL 5.5 inches and Quad HD). The battery is also bigger on the XL (3,450mAh compared to 2,770mAh). But aside from that, they’re pretty much the same.

Let’s start with the design. Unfortunately, the build of the Pixel is just a little under whelming. Sure, it’s solid enough with its aluminium body and glass panel on the back (which looks like a sticker has been applied), but it doesn’t exactly shout premium. And at £819 for the 128GB Pixel XL, it really should. The Nexus 6P has a more premium feel, as does the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, and both cost considerably less than the Pixel XL. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus feel a long way ahead in terms of build.

And then there’s the fingerprint reader. Unlike the iPhone, but like the Nexus 6P, the fingerprint sensor is located on the back of the device. This is in the ideal position when the phone is in your hand – but relegate it to a table or desk and you’ll need to either pick it up or use your passcode. We know, we’re lazy…