Google launched the much-anticipated Pixel and Pixel XL 
smartphones at its October 4 keynote event held at San Francisco. With Pixel, Google has given a break to its ‘Nexus’ lineup, streamlining the naming scheme for all its devices. Although pixel has been crafted by HTC, they are the first to come without any OEM branding.
Pixel and Pixel XL feature aluminium and glass frames, and come in Quite Black, Very Silver and Really Blue colour variants. While Pixel is priced at $649 for the 32GB storage variant and $749 for 128GB variant, Pixel XL would cost $769 for 32GB and $869 for 128GB. In India, the handset prices start at Rs 57,000. However, the Really Blue variant would not be available in the country as of now. Both the smartphones would run the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system out of the box.
Featuring Google Assistant, already present in Allo messaging app, users only need to touch and hold the home button to activate it. The handsets also feature the new Pixel launcher, and Google Duo video messaging app. The company says that Pixel and Pixel XL will also have their own set of Live Cases.
Pixel can be pre-ordered in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany starting today via Google’s website and will hit shelves starting October 20 as per the company. The devices will be up for pre-order in India starting October 13 and will be available via Flipkart, Reliance Digital, and Croma.
The Pixel XL features a 5.5-inch QHD (1440×2560 pixels) resolution AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 4 protection. It also has an integrated Nexus Imprint fingerprint sensor at the back.
The smartphone is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor with 4GB RAM and comes in two storage variants – 32GB and 128GB.
Pixel XL has an 8MP front-facing camera powered by Sony IMX179 sensor and a 12.3MP rear camera with Sony IMX378 sensor, f/2.0 aperture, and a larger 1.55um lens allowing the camera to capture more light. It also includes features like Smartburst and Lens Blur.
With an all-metal 7.33mm thick body in Black, Blue and White finishes, the device is backed by a 3,450mAh battery, and comes with single speaker placed at the bottom. The battery is rated to deliver up to 23 days of standby time on LTE connectivity and 32 hours of talk time on 3G cnnectivity. It also supports fast charging tech that delivers up to 7 hours of use in 15 minutes of charging.
As for Pixel, the handset features a 5-inch full-HD (1080×1920 pixels) resolution AMOLED display and is backed by a 2770mAh battery with fast charging technology. Rest of the specifications remain the same as the Pixel XL.
Google, besides the Pixel smartphones, also launched its Google Home, Google Wi-Fi, Chromecast Ultra and Daydream View virtual reality headset.
