Google enters the ring with Pixel

Talking about Google and smartphones in a single sentence isn’t news. If anything, smartphones may not have become as common a thing as they are today, had it not been for Google’s very own mobile operating system, Android.

With Android being the operating system on practically every smartphone except the iPhone, Google’s position in the smartphone software market is pretty solid. However, given that the only experience Google has in terms of smartphone hardware is in the form of the developer-centric Nexus devices. Google’s Nexus devices are an odd mix of Google and X – X being the smartphone manufacturer who has just enough ownership over the device to keep Google from calling it its own. However, it seems that Google has finally decided to make the leap and take companies like Apple and Samsung head on; and it’s doing that with Pixel.

Unlike the Nexus phone, Pixel and Pixel XL (the other, bigger of the two devices Google is launching) are a lot bolder, leaving no doubt that the company eyeing top prize. It is so similar in basic specs and price range, that it would have anyone do a double take. That said, there is a lot that the Google Pixel phones promise; and a lot that they embody. So let’s find out if it’s worth it’s price tag.

The two devices being launched are the 5-inch Google Pixel and the 5.5-inch Pixel XL. Being marketed as "Pixel, a phone by Google", with a "G" confidently embossed on the back, there is no doubt that Google is taking full responsibility for the phones; that shows that the tech-giant has faith in them. As mentioned before, even though HTC is assembling the two Pixel phones, Google seems to have more control in the designing, production and promotion of the Pixel phones than it did in the past for any of the Nexus phones. Word is that the company has handpicked the components, is providing support and promoting the phones this time around.

Among the phone’s main selling point is its camera, which – according to Google – is the "highest rated" smartphone camera ever. According to the Pixel’s official product page, the camera on the device takes the best pictures in low-lit and bright-lit settings; it also says "any light"… so you can imagine where Google is going with this. The primary camera has a 12MP Sony sensor, with an f2.0 lens. According to Google, considering Apple has an f1.8 sensor (which lets in more light), its camera sensor captures more photons.

When it comes to the device itself, the appearance is quite unlike any other device on the market. The Pixel XL, looks strikingly like an iPhone from the front. However, the side and rear view are completely different. Since there’s more going on at the back, that’s where we’ll start from. Approximately 30% of the top of the device bears a "glass shade", which is shiny and glossy. The lower section has the bead-blasted texture quintessential of the earlier Nexus phones. This is quite interesting, as the glossy section gives it a more premium look, while the lower body has a finish that keeps it fingerprint-free. Proudly sitting in the center is a capital "G", for Google, of course. Available in three colors, one of which is limited, the Pixel phones come in "very silver", "quite black" and "really blue (limited edition).

At the bottom of the device is the 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type-C port, for charging and data transfer, and two speakers. The right side of the Pixel phones boast a textured power button, and a rocker switch for volume control, much like the one found on the 2015 Nexus phones. While the left side houses the SIM card.

On the power end, the Pixel phones are in the same league as Samsung’s Galaxy phones and Apple’s latest iPhone 7. Powered by the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processors, with two cores running at 2.15GHz and two at a more battery-efficient 1.6GHz, the devices pack quite the punch. They get a further boost from Qualcomm's Hexagon technology to help with the image and audio processing.

Among added features is Google Assistant, which is an improved version of Google’s voice control system. To make it easier for users to switch from iPhones or other Android phones, Google has also provisioned the phones with the Quick Switch Adapter. So you’ll have to spend less time worrying about which content transfer app to choose from (we suggest SmartIO). Also new is the operating system version, as Android 7.1 Nougat makes its grand debut. How fitting!

Little is known about the battery, except that a 15 minute charge can give 7 hours of talk time, and that it’s not removable. So it’s a bit early to make a comment about whether or not it can explode at its will or not.

So what do you think, is it worth your time and money?

Khalid Masood Awan is professional Content Writer and Digital Marketer working in usa leading company's product SmartIO