Google Unveils All New Pixel and Pixel XL Smartphones

Google’s new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are finally official, although yesterday’s massive leaks gave out all the juicy details about the new devices ahead of today’s keynote event in San Francisco.

Although the two smartphones are built by HTC, Google is taking full credit for their design with explicit ‘made by Google’ branding. Both the 5-inch Pixel and 5.5-inch Pixel XL feature latest Snapdragon 821 processors and run a specialized version of Google’s Android software.

Rick Osterloh, Google’s recently hired hardware chief said, “The Pixel name has always represented the best in hardware and software, designed and built by Google, together.” During the keynote, Google highlighted the five key points for the new Pixel phones i.e. Google Assistant, a new camera experience, unlimited cloud storage, fast charging and Daydream View VR headset compatibility.

The phones are made out of aluminum with a big glass window at the back, surrounding the camera, flash, and the fingerprint sensor dubbed Pixel Imprint. The Pixel XL has a 3,450mAh battery and the Pixel has a 2,770mAh battery. Both displays are AMOLED, both devices have 4GB of RAM, USB-C, a choice of 32GB or 128GB of storage, Bluetooth 4.2, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Just in case you’re wondering the Pixel’s design looks familiar, the following images should explain it.

Google’s Pixel smartphone pricing in Canada starts at $899 for the smaller 5-inch model with 32GB of storage, which is available for preorder today at the Google Store, and through Bell, Rogers, Telus, Fido, Koodoo and Best Buy Canada. That number scales up to $1,179 for the XL with 128GB storage, same price as the iPhone 7 Plus 128GB. You can choose between black and silver colours, with an exclusive “really blue” option for Verizon in the US.