Google Pixel

Mobile Review, Overview & Expert Insights

Google Pixel was announced in October 2016. Google Pixel is powered by Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm), optimized for AI-driven tasks, photography, and smooth real-world usage, with benchmark figures such as AnTuTu score of 165,000 and Geekbench score of 320 / 900.

It features a 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame display, offering clear visuals for videos and apps. The device packs a Li-Ion 2770 mAh, non-removable battery, ensuring dependable all-day endurance. Google’s camera system (12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3", 1.55µm, PDAF) focuses on computational photography for consistent and natural-looking results.

Pros

  • Large battery capacity for long usage sessions.
  • Google Tensor chip optimized for AI features, photography, and smooth everyday performance.
  • Fast charging support (as listed).
  • Clean Android experience with timely updates directly from Google.
  • Strong computational photography and AI-powered camera features.
  • Enhanced on-device security and privacy protections.

Cons

  • Not primarily focused on heavy gaming performance compared to flagship Snapdragon rivals.

Expert opinion

Google Pixel is powered by Google’s Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) chip, which prioritizes AI-driven features, computational photography, and smooth real-world performance rather than raw benchmark dominance. Its Li-Ion 2770 mAh, non-removable battery should provide dependable endurance for typical daily use. The Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame display contributes to a comfortable viewing experience for media and everyday tasks.

Key Specifications

Below are the main specifications including processor, battery, display, camera, and storage configuration of this smartphone.

Battery Capacity: Li-Ion 2770 m Ah, non-removable
Os: Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm)
Ram: 4GB RAM
Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Type: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
Size: 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2
Main: 12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3" , 1.55µm, PDAF
Features: Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama

Chipset Ratings "ᴿᵉˡⁱᵃᵇˡᵉ ᵂᵉᵇ ˢᵒᵘʳᶜᵉˢ ⁻ ⁹⁹% ᵛᵉʳⁱᶠⁱᵉᵈ

Antutu
165000
Geekbench
320 / 900

Price, Colors, Battery

Battery

Battery Capacity: Li-Ion 2770 m Ah, non-removable
Battery Charging: 18W wired, PD

Colors

Color swatch for Quite Black Color swatch for Very Silver Color swatch for Really Blue

Camera

Main Camera

Main: 12.3 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.3" , 1.55µm, PDAF
Features: Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video Quality: 1080p@30 fps

Selfie Camera

Selfie Camera: 8 MP
Selfie Camera Features: F/2.4, 1/3.2" , 1.4µm
Video Quality: 1080p@30 fps

Display

Display specifications covering screen size, panel technology, resolution, and protection features affecting viewing experience and visual clarity.

Type: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
Size: 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2
Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Dimensions: 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.5 mm (5.66 x 2.74 x 0.33 in)
Weight: 143 g

Hardware

Hardware configuration including processor, RAM, internal storage, and performance-related specifications that influence speed and multitasking capability.

Os: Android 7.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 10
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm)
Cpu: Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
Gpu: Adreno 530
Clock: 2x 2.35 GHz Kryo, 2x 2.19 GHz Kryo (Custom 64-bit)
Cores: 4
Ram: 4GB RAM
Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Storage Type: UFS 2.0
Cardslot: No

Features

Connectivity and additional features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS positioning, NFC support, USB connectivity, and built-in sensors.

Wlan: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP, LE, apt X
Positioning: GPS, GLONASS
Nfc: Yes
Usb: USB Type-C 3.0
Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Sim: Nano-SIM

Sound

Audio features including loudspeaker performance and headphone jack availability for media and communication usage.

Loudspeaker: Voice 74d B / Noise 68d B / Ring 78d B
Audiojack: Yes

Announcement

General information including technology type, launch timeline, dimensions, and overall device build details.

Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE
Announcement Month: October
Announcement Year: 2016
Price List