Comparing Nexus vs Pixel Smartphones

A week ago today, Google revealed its newest technological toys. The launch of the Google Pixel smartphone was the headliner for the event, and many are wondering how it compares to other top smartphones. Some of the main features are having the highest rated camera, a battery that lasts all day, and unlimited storage for your photos and videos.

This article from The Verge outlines the five announcements and a little info about each:

The 5 biggest announcements from Google’s Pixel event – The Verge

Today’s Google event was dedicated to how its new hardware and software will blend together. Google started off with an official Pixel phone unveiling,

Wikimedia Commons

after weeks of rumors and leaks. That kicked off a focus on software, especially the way Google’s new Assistant software will power the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones and Google Home. Google also showcased its Daydream View, a cozy-looking VR headset covered in fabric. The new 4K Chromecast Ultra made an appearance, as did Google’s modular Wi-Fi router system, and Google Home, the AI-powered speaker aimed at Amazon’s Echo. We’ve got the details below, along with full coverage of Google’s hardware event right here.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

After weeks of leaks, Google unveiled what we were all expecting: the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. Both have a similar design and are differentiated mainly by the size of their screens. Google’s Pixel includes a 5-inch 1080p display, and the XL features a larger 5.5-inch Quad HD panel. Both devices are built by HTC and are powered by the latest Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB or 128GB of storage.

Google has included fingerprint sensors on the rear, and both Pixel smartphones run a specialized version of Google’s Android software, which includes support for the Daydream virtual reality headsets and Google’s new Assistant software. Google’s new Assistant is a key part of the Pixel and of Google’s keynote in general, and the search giant took a lot of time demonstrating what the Assistant can do, from answering traditional search queries to reaching into apps to make restaurant reservations or play music.

Read about the other announcements here:  The 5 biggest announcements from Google’s Pixel event – The Verge

After watching this video, the Pixel appears to be similar to the Nexus phones with some updated innovations, but also with a hefty price tag. One of the coolest developments with the Android 7.1 version, which comes with the Pixel, is that the Google Assistant is built into the operating system. It is discussed in the video at around 3:30, demonstrating that if you long-press the home button you can use the virtual assistant in any screen and on any app:

If you liked the Nexus phones and aren’t convinced to run out a buy a Pixel, this article does a comparison of the Nexus vs Pixel, As I mentioned earlier, one of the big differences is the price, with the Nexus costing in the mid $200’s and the Pixel priced at $649 minimum. The display and software are also examined in this article by AndroidPit.com:

Google Pixel vs Nexus 5X: comparison of concepts – AndroidPIT

Pixel vs Nexus 5X: price

One of the most striking differences between the Nexus and Pixel devices is the price. The recommended retail price of the Nexus 5X when it came out

Wikimedia Commons

in 2015 was $379 or $429 for the 16 or 32 gigabyte version, respectively. Currently, you can get the Nexus 5X (16 GB) for around $250.

With the Pixel, Google has pulled out all the stops and has set the price for the 32 gigabyte version at a hefty $649. If you go for the version with 128 GB of internal memory, it will cost you $749.

Pixel vs Nexus 5X: design

Google and HTC designed the Pixel devices together. The first thing you might notice is that the production partner has foregone putting its own logo on the device. On the Nexus 5X or even on the Nexus 6P, you can still see the logo of the providers (LG and Huawei respectively) so upon first inspection, the Pixel devices appear to come directly from Google.

Read the full post here:  Google Pixel vs Nexus 5X: comparison of concepts – AndroidPIT

With Google’s innovation behind the Pixel as well as the Daydream View headset, Chromecast Ultra, Google Wifi, and the smart-home assistant Google Home, there is a lot of buzz about the potential of all of these new toys. In time, the reviews will provide more insight as to what should be on your wish-list for Christmas. Like all other technology, the prices will more than likely come down in time after the newness wears off, making them more affordable. But for your relative who has to have the newest gadget, be ready to pay premium prices for this year’s holiday season.

Posted first on S&S Pro Blog