If you are an Android fan, then you can’t go wrong with Pixel. The device screams Google software. For starters, it runs on the latest Android 7.1 Nougat version, which means features like opening two apps simultaneously, customized quick setting bar and a new battery saving mode that automatically goes in to low power usage when the phone is in your pocket. Owners will get direct software updates which will download and install in the background.
The flagship feature is the Google Assistant. While iOS and Windows users might be familiar with voice-based virtual assistants, this is a first time for Android users. Unlike Google’s previous voice recognition software, the new Assistant could easily pick up Indian accents and get accurate results most of the times. Even tried saying ‘I am bored’ and got a few trivia search results to keep us engaged.
The device comes pre-loaded with Google apps like Duo for video calling and Allo for smart messaging. It also has the Android Beam feature that lets you share data with any other device using NFC. Google also gives you the option of transferring your contacts and other information from old phone using the quick switch adapter that comes with the box.
The Pixel XL, which we tried out, is a good looking device that features a unibody design with metal frame and back glass. The 5.5-inch AMOLED QHD (2560 x 1440) 534-ppi display produces sharp and vivid pictures. It has Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection for the front screen. The finger print sensor at the back panel was easy to set-up and quick to recognise.
Both the 12-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front cameras were average performers. The rear camera comes with f/2.0 aperture, dual-LED flash and auto-focus. It also allows 4K video shooting at 30 fps. The selfie camera features Full HD video capture at 30fps.
The Pixel XL runs on a Snapdragon 821 Quad-Core processor with 4GB RAM. The device comes in two variants of 32GB and 128GB internal memory, but no scope for expansion. But Google offers unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos. The 3,450mAh battery promises enough power to run one whole day. The device supports 4G LTE with a single SIM slot.
While most of the Pixel XL specs are similar to the Pixel, two major differences between these devices are the screen size and battery life. The Pixel comes with a smaller 5-inch screen and 2,770mAh battery.
Google’s Pixel XL 32GB is priced at Rs 67,000 and the 128GB model costs Rs 76,000. The Pixel 32GB model is priced at Rs 57,000, while the 128GB variant is priced at Rs 66,000.
