A smartphone from Google introduced in 2016. Following in the line of devices that are "pure Android," Pixel phones feature fast charging via USB Type C. They also include unlimited Google Photos cloud storage, 24/7 phone or chat support, Google's virtual assistant (see
Google Assistant), a state-of-the-art laser focus 4K camera and virtual reality performance (see
Daydream VR).
Upgrade Time Schedule
Like previous Nexus phones, Google pledged two years of OS upgrades and three years of security updates from launch date.
Pixel 4a, 4a 5G and 5 (2020)
The Pixel 5 is the flagship model, and both the 5 and 4a 5G are 5G capable along with 24-bit color depth, ultra-wide cameras and stereo speakers. The 4a has the least battery runtime and smallest screen (see below).
Pixel 3 and 4 (2019)
In May 2019, the 3a and 3a XL debuted, offering a midrange option for the first time. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL also came out in 2019. Face recognition replaced the previous fingerprint identification, and the cameras and Google Assistant were improved. Hand gestures were added to perform functions such as switching tracks and muting calls. See
Chromebook Pixel,
Pixel C and
Google Nexus.
Pixel and Pixel XL
Available unlocked from Google or Verizon and manufactured by HTC and LG, Pixel phones are Google's "pure Android" phones. These are the original Pixel and Pixel XL models. (Images courtesy of Google, Inc.)
CURRENT PIXEL PHONES FROM GOOGLE
"a" models include 3.5mm port
Max
Screen Weight Storage **
Model Size (oz.) Resolution (GB) SoC
5 6.0" 5.3 2340x1080 128 765G
4a 5G 6.2" 5.9 2340x1080 128 765G
4a 5.8" 5.4 2340x1080 128 730G
PREVIOUS PIXELS
4 XL 6.3" 6.8 3040x1440 128 855
4 5.7" 5.7 2280x1080 128 855
3a 5.6" 5.2 2220x1080 64 670
3 XL 6.3" 6.5 2960x1440 128 845
3 5.5" 5.2 2160x1080 128 845
3a XL 6.0" 5.9 2160x1080 64 670
2 XL 6.0" 6.2 2880x1440 128 835
2 5.0" 5.0 1920x1080 128 835
XL 5.5" 5.9 2560x1440 128 821
Pixel 5.0" 5.0 1920x1080 128 821
** - Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC