Google Nexus devices have been the only identity Android users have had for quite some time now.
However, this Nexus lineup has had its own share of shortcomings, be it the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X or even the high-flying Nexus 6P. This is especially true when Apple’s iPhone comes into play since the two run on stock OS. If anything, Apple has succeeded in setting high standards for the smartphone family with its iPhone and this year is no different with the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus already out.
Even though some have gone ahead to call the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus boring, there is no doubt that Apple put its decent effort into coming up with the two phones. However, it seems Google is finally ready to make its presence felt with the introduction of the new Pixel and Pixel XL phones. These two have been in the rumor mills for quite some time now, and in fact, they should be out this coming week on October 4th.
The search engine giant is changing things for its smartphone lineup. If the latest hype is to be believed, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL are two great phones that will debut a new era for the company. Apparently, it seems the tech giant is ready to give Android users the premium phones they have been craving for, unlike previous cases where one phone featured a cheap build and weaker hardware specs, although this also meant the price was always lower.
As for the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, things should be different and probably, Google is ready to match the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Premium design
For starters, leaks have shown that the two Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones will come with the same design language, but different screen sizes and qualities as well, just like the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The phones will pick up from where the Nexus 6P left, coming in with metal and glass bodies. As for the looks, try checking out the HTC One A9 and you should get an idea of what the next Google phones will look like. With the glass and metal, expect a dual-tone design on the rear, with glass occupying the top third.
High-end hardware
We’ve seen the likes iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus as well as iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus carry basically the same hardware specs under the hood with slight variations. Well, Google seems to have borrowed a leaf, but this is headed to the next level as the Pixel and Pixel XL should come with the same hardware specs with no alterations whatsoever.
These include a Snapdragon 820 SoC, Adreno 530 GPU, 4GB RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. Don’t be surprised if the two also came with the same camera configuration, probably a 12MP snapper at the back and 8MP sensor on the front.
The smaller Google Pixel gets a 5-inch 1080p screen while the phablet Pixel XL will come with a 5.5-inch QHD panel. In comparison to what Apple has to offer on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, there is more quality on the Pixel phones. You also get things like USB Type-C connectivity, fingerprint scanner, quick charging, among other goodies.
There are reports that the Google Pixel will get a 2770mAh battery while the larger Pixel XL will keep the Nexus 6P’s battery size of 3450mAh. A recent iPhone 7 Plus teardown revealed a 2900mAh battery, which is slightly higher than what Google offers on the smaller Pixel, which also comes with the same Full HD resolution as the Apple flagship.
So, will the Google Pixels really beat the iPhone 7?
Looking at the rumors, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL will indeed be amazing phones. Rumor has it that the smaller Pixel will be priced at $649, which should mean the larger Pixel XL will command an even higher price tag. The iPhone 7, on the other hand, starts at the same price for the base model while the iPhone 7 Plus has a price tag of $749 for the base model, which could be the same price tag slammed on the larger Google Pixel XL. But until Google announces the two phones and they actually go head-to-head with the two Apple phones, it is hard to tell who will win this battle.
The Google Pixels are coming next week Tuesday. Keep following and we’ll update you on the latest details.