Google's Nexus line has been around since 2010, and it's changed a lot over the years. It all started with the HTC-built Nexus One, which acted as almost a reference device that showcased the Android platform to developers and OEMs. It didn't feature any crazy Android skins or bloatware, and it wasn't locked to any one carrier.
And it wasn't just HTC; Google has partnered with numerous different OEMs over the years – Samsung, LG, Motorola and Huawei – all of which brought their own flair to the Nexus line. Overtime the name Nexus began to change, but the underlying philosophy of the smartphone line remained the same – unlocked, developer-focused smartphones without the unnecessary extras thrown in by manufacturers or carriers.
What we're trying to say is, we've come a long way since the Nexus One. Now things are changing in a big way.
Don't miss: History of the Nexus family Things are coming full circle in a sense. Google chose HTC as its very first Nexus OEM partner, and now the same can be said for the Pixel line.
After a seemingly endless array of rumors, leaked images and specs, Google has finally taken the wraps off the new Pixel and Pixel XL. Both devices feature top-of-the-line specs, exclusive software features and many more interesting things you'll want to check out, so be sure to read on for the full rundown on these new smartphones.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL design
While the Pixel and Pixel XL are Google phones through and through, they're actually manufactured by HTC. Say what you will about the One A9 (HTC's iPhone clone), but the Taiwanese company really does know how to make a solid smartphone. Both the Pixel and Pixel XL sport an aluminum and glass construction. You'll notice the back panel is made mostly of aluminum, save for the small glass section on the top of the device that surrounds the camera sensor and fingerprint reader.
Both the Pixel and Pixel XL come in three different color options: Very Silver, Quite Black and Really Blue. I'm not making this up.Neither the Pixel nor Pixel XL will ship with HTC branding
It should also be noted that, unlike other Nexus devices on the market, the Pixel and Pixel XL are shipping without any HTC branding whatsoever. Instead, a small 'G' logo is present on the back of the phone, indicating that these are, in fact, Google phones.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL specifications, software and features
| Google Pixel | Google Pixel XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.0-inch AMOLED 1920 x 1080 441ppi Gorilla Glass 4 | 5.5-inch AMOLED 2560 x 1440 534ppi Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Processor | 2.15GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 | 2.15GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 32/128GB | 32/128GB |
| MicroSD | No | No |
| Cameras | 12.3MP rear, f/2.0 aperture, 1.55μm, optical image stabilization 8MP front | 12.3MP rear, f/2.0 aperture, 1.55μm, optical image stabilization 8MP front |
| Battery | Non-removable 2,770mAh | Non-removable 3,450mAh |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C 3.5mm headphone jack Bluetooth 4.2 | USB Type-C 3.5mm headphone jack Bluetooth 4.2 |
| SIM | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Fingerprint sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP53 | IP53 |
| Software | Android 7.1 Nougat | Android 7.1 Nougat |
| Dimensions and weight | 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.6mm 143g | 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.6mm 168g |
Google decided to make two smartphones this year, similar to what it did last year with the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. This time around, though, there are barely any differences in specifications – only in screen size, resolution and battery. The larger Pixel XL sports a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440, while the smaller Pixel has a 5.0-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Both devices are covered in a panel of Gorilla Glass 4.
Because the Pixel XL has a larger chassis, that leaves more room for Google to pack in a larger battery. It has a non-removable 3,450mAh battery that Google says will be able to get you up to 456 hours of standby time. Alternatively, the Pixel has a non-removable 2,770mAh battery.
Under the hood, both devices come with a 2.15GHz Snapdragon 821 processor and 4GB of RAM. We've been really impressed by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 CPU this year, so we're sure the 821 can handle everything power users throw at it. You also get either 32 or 128GB of on-board storage here, though there's no 64GB model. Both devices also don't support microSD expansion, but luckily Google is throwing in a special treat for Pixel owners. Pixel and Pixel XL buyers get free unlimited Google Photos storage at full resolution, which will definitely come in handy for many folks out there.Pixel owners get free unlimited Google Photos storage at full resolution
Speaking of taking photos, both devices come with a 12.3MP rear-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture, big 1.55μm pixels and optical image stabilization. Google says these phones offer up improved low light photography as well, though we'll need to judge that during our review process. Both phones also have 8MP front-facing cameras. Oh, and DxOMark gave it a rating of 89, which is the highest rating of any smartphone ever.
The Pixel and Pixel XL also both have 24/7 customer care built in. You'll be able to call or chat with a representative at any time, and also share your screen.
We're still getting all the software details for the Pixel, but Google does say it'll be able to download software updates in the background and install them on your next reboot.
We're still getting all the details, but we do know that the Pixel will bring an all-new launcher (the Pixel Launcher), as well as Google Assistant. We've been playing around with a leaked version of the Pixel Launcher for a few weeks now, and we must say, it's really great. It features a new folder style, a new slide-out app drawer, static date widget, and new Google search "pill" widget, and many more visual tweaks we think you'll enjoy.
See also: Google Assistant: The top features you should know 
The Pixel also brings along with it Google Assistant. This is basically the smarter, more chatty version of Google Now. You can access Assistant by saying 'OK, Google', or by long-pressing the home button (which would previously launch Google Now on Tap). Google Assistant is the bot that's built into Google Allo, the company's new smart messaging app. Instead of only existing in Allo, though, Assistant can be accessed from pretty much every corner of your device.Google Assistant is baked into every corner of the Pixel and Pixel XL
As you've probably noticed, these new Pixel devices also feature new navigation buttons. Gone are the white outlined back, home and recent apps keys. These new on-screen buttons are filled in, and the home button has a small white outline around it. Also, when launching Google Assistant by long-pressing the home button, the button will perform a cool little animation when you're talking to Assistant.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL pricing and availability
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.
Google says the Pixel and Pixel XL will be available in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Germany and the UK. It'll also be available in India, with pre-orders starting October 13.
Google is also making Live Cases available for the Pixel and Pixel XL. You'll be able to customize the cases with images from Google Earth and Google Trends, and each one also ships with a companion live wallpaper showcasing images from around the world or top trending Google searches.
So, what are your thoughts? Will either one of these devices be your next smartphone? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
…Developing…
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