Google Pixel (XL) launch Specifications, price, where to buy, features

The Made by Google event revealed a lot of upcoming products and services from Google including the new Google assistant, Play movies, the new Chromecast, a new VR headset named Daydream View and much more. However, the on thing we were excited about was the latest Google Pixel phone that is now launched today. Pixel is a new lineup of Android devices from Google. In fact, it is the first Android smartphone branded by the company. Google Pixel and the Pixel XL have now been revealed and available online on Google store. Pixels are only available in select countries like USA, Germany, Australia, UK and soon be launched across the globe. Google also revealed its new AI-based applications like Google Assistant,Google Allo, and Duo. Allo and Duo are new messaging and video chat apps which can be downloaded from Play Store readily. Whereas, the Google Assistant is exclusive to Pixel phones and made their debut with the new Android 7.1 Nougat OS.google-pixel-xl-black

Google Pixel software specifications:

Both the Pixel and Pixel XL ship withย Android 7.1 Nougat firmware out of the box and have received the new build number NAE63O. This is a great deal even for the Nexus users as they can now expect a new version of the Android with the next security patch; most likely the November 5, 2016, AOSP security update.

The most important feature of the Android 7.1 version on Pixel is the new Googe Assistant which comes built in with the OS. Google Assistant is a new AI-based technology from the tech giant which operates over voice commands. As demonstrated at the #madebygoogle event, you can command Google for anything. It learns from your search queries, your usage and provides relevant results. You can even start a conversation with the AI.

Googleโ€™s AI project is at its initial stages and may not be an absolute handsfree solution for your mobile phone just yet. The Google Assistant is only available with the Android version 7.1 and Pixel phones at the moment. However, nexus lineup could be the next in line. You can still experience the Google AI using the Google Allo messaging app.

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In order to experience the Android 7.1 Nougat OS on your current Android device, you can download the Pixel launcher from this post. Unfortunately, the Google Assistant is not yet available for download.

Automatic Android updates

Android system updates will now run in the background. The OTA updates will be download and applied in the background without interruption your operations. Just like any Android application. Once you restart the phone, your device will be running on the latest Android version. This way, you wonโ€™t need to boot into recovery and wait for the update to install.

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The Google Pixel XL hardware specifications:

The two Pixel phones are almost identical. Some differences between the Google Pixel and Pixel XL are the screen size and the battery; and of course the price. The Google Pixel comes with a 5โ€ณ Full HD AMOLED display, while the XL is fitted with a 5.5โ€ณ Quad HD screen. Moreover, the smaller device sports a 2770 mAh battery, whereas, the XL comes with a 3450 mAh battery.

Both the Pixel and the Pixel XL runs on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC processors supported by a whopping 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM.ย Only 2 storage options are available viz, 32GB and 128GB. The 128 GB will cost you $100 more with no expandable microSD in the device. The devices come with a bunch of connectivity options like USB Type-C connector and have Quick Charge 3.0 support.

chrome_2016-10-05_16-29-10Highest benchmark ratings for Google Pixel camera

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Google claims that their camera has the highest benchmark rating of 89 which is more than any smartphone on this planet. The camera has been rated by DXO MARK mobile who are well known for their work in rating various DSLRs mobile cameras etc. It comes with a 12 MP rear camera and 8 MP front facing camera.

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Price of Google Pixel (XL) in USA/UK

The Pixel phone starts with a basic price of $649; approximately INR 43,000. If you think this is expensive, then here is a surprise for you. There are several add-ons to choose from and each add-on will cost you $100 more. The storage 128 GB would cost you $100 more. The larger screen (Pixel XL) and QHD display will cost you $120 more. The VR headset is not that expensive and will cost you $79. Other add-ons include Device protection and Project Fi. So if you want to add all this then it may cost you near about $1000 and the minimum you will pay is $649.

Phone Storage US Price
Google Pixel 32GB $650
128GB $750
Google Pixel XL 32GB $770
128GB $870

Ridiculously high price of Google Pixel (XL) in India

The price of Google Pixel is set to INR 57,000, ย which is $200 more than the price set in other countries. Google Pixel 32GB costs Rs. 57,000 and 128 GB costs Rs. 66,000, Google Pixel XL 32 GB costs Rs. 67,000 and 128GB variant costs Rs. 76,000.

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Where to buy Google Pixel (XL) in India, US, UK, Australia?

Pre-sale of Google Pixel (XL) in India will start on October 13, 2016, and will be available on Google store and its partners. The new Google phones are available only in select countries including USA, UK, Germany, Australia at this moment on the official Google store. However, you will most likely have to wait 2-3 weeks for the device to get delivered to you. Moreover, for India, the cost of Pixel phones may be set low. It may be lower than INR 43,000.

So stay tuned and visit the Google store to order your new Pixel phone and now the exact price as well.


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