Planning on buying the Google Pixel or Pixel XL, but wondering if the phone packs in a particular feature or have some other doubts about it? Check out our FAQ for the Google Pixel and Pixel XL that will help in clearing all your doubts surrounding the handsets.
The Pixel and Pixel XL pack in top-notch internals that is paired with the latest version of Android. Google has specially optimised Android 7.1 for the Pixels, so the devices should offer better UI performance than what we have come to generally expect from other Android devices.
Q) What are the full specifications of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL?
A) The full specs of the Google Pixel are as follows:
- Dimensions: 143.8 x 69.5 x 7.3 ~ 8.5 mm
- Display: 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED, 441ppi, 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Chipset: Snapdragon 821 clocked at 2.15GHz
- GPU: Adreno 530
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB or 128GB
- Rear camera: 12.3MP Sony IMX378 sensor with PDAF and LaserAF, F/2.0 aperture, 1.55um pixels, LED flash, EIS, 4K video recording
- Front camera: 8MP, 1.4um pixels
- Sensors: Fingerprint, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient light sensor, eCompass, Sensor Hub, Hall Sensor, Advanced x-axis haptics for sharper / defined response
- Connectivity: LTE (Up to 600Mbps), nanoSIM, GPS, Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 4.2, USB Type-C, NFC
- Battery: 2770mAh non-removable
- Others: Android 7.1 Nougat, Google Assistant, Always-on ‘OK Google’ detection, RGB notification light
Google Pixel XL Specs:
- Dimensions: 154.7 x 75.7 x 7.3 ~ 8.5 mm
- Display: 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED, 534ppi, 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Battery: 3450mAh
Q) Are there any other differences between the Pixel and Pixel XL?
A) Apart from the difference in their display size and resolution, dimensions, and battery capacity, the Pixel and Pixel XL have the exact same specifications and feature set.
Q) Who will handle support and repair for the Pixel and Pixel XL?
A) In the United States, Google will be offering support for the Pixel and Pixel XL. In other countries, Google has partnered with HTC to offer service centers for its handsets.
Q) Is the battery of the Pixel removable?
A) No, the battery of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL are not removable.
Q) What kind of SIM card slot does the Pixel have? Does it feature dual-SIM functionality?
A) The Pixel features a single nanoSIM card slot meaning it does not support dual-SIM functionality.
Q) Is the display on the Google Pixel protected by Gorilla Glass?
A) Yes, the display of the Pixel and Pixel XL is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 4 that has a 2.5D curvature.
Q) What about the glass visor on the back?
A) The glass visor on the back of the Pixel and Pixel XL also has a Gorilla Glass 4 coating.
Q) Where is the fingerprint scanner on the Pixel located? Is it touch based?
A) The fingerprint scanner on the Google Pixel and Pixel XL is located at the rear, and yes, it is touch based.
Q) How many fingerprints can one register on the Googe Pixel?
A) 5.
Q) Can the fingerprint scanner be used for anything apart from unlocking the device?
A) Yes, the fingerprint scanner on the Pixel and Pixel XL can be used to bring up the notification shade using a simple swipe gesture.
Q) Can you record slow-motion videos on the Pixel?
A) Yes, you can record videos in slow-motion on the Pixel and Pixel XL (Full HD@120fps). The handsets are also capable of recording 4K videos.
Q) Which version of Android does the handset run on?
A) Android 7.1 Nougat.
Q) What are the new features in Android 7.1 Nougat?
A) Android 7.1 comes with new circular icons, a new Pixel launcher, an updated camera app, and most importantly, Google Assistant – the new virtual assistant from Google that is the successor to Google Now.
Q) What are the Pixel features that will remain exclusive to the handset?
A) The updated camera app, Pixel launcher, and Google Assistant will only be available on the Pixel and Pixel XL. While the apps can be sideloaded, they will not be made officially available to other Android and Nexus devices.
Q) Does the Pixel support LTE and VoLTe? Will a Reliance Jio SIM work on the phone?
A) Yes, it does support LTE out of the box. However, the Pixel and Pixel XL do not support VoLTE on Jio’s network as of now. It is, however, possible that Google is going to add support for it via a future software update.
Q) Does the Pixel support any kind of fast charging technology?
A) Yes, the Pixel and Pixel XL support USB Power Delivery. With the supplied 18W charger, the handsets can charge at speeds that will be similar to other Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 devices out there.
Q) How much free storage space does the 32GB Pixel has out of the box?
A) Almost 24GB out of the box.
Q) Will the Verizon variant of the Pixel come with apps pre-installed? Can they be uninstalled?
A) The Pixel and Pixel XL sold by Verizon will automatically download three apps from the carrier on their first boot. All these three apps, however, can be uninstalled.
Q) Is the bootloader of the Verizon Pixel unlockable?
A) No, the bootloader of the Verizon Pixel and Pixel XL is locked and cannot be unlocked. The unlocked version purchased directly through a retailer or Google Store will ship with an unlockable bootloader.
Q) What about Android updates for Verizon’s Pixel?
A) Android updates for Verizon’s Pixel will be handled by the carrier itself, with security updates being managed by Google. Verizon and Google have confirmed that the carrier will be rolling out software updates for its variant of the Pixel at the same time as Google.
Q) What contents do you get inside the retail box of the Pixel?
A) You get the phone, an 18W USB Type-C charger, a USB Type-C cable, USB-C to USB cable, USB-C to USB Standard-A cable, Headphones, Google Assistant Card, Google Social promo card, SIM ejector tool, and some regulatory papers.
Q) Does the handset support USB OTG?
A) Yes, the Pixel supports USB On-The-Go. This allows you to directly connect pen drives, external hard disks and more using an adapter to the device.
Q) Where can I buy the Pixel or Pixel XL from? What about its price?
A) You can find all the details about the pricing and availability of the Pixel and Pixel XL here.
If you have any other question regarding the Pixel or Pixel XL, drop in a comment and we will be glad to answer them.
