Google Pixel Review Roundup
In case you haven’t noticed, the Pixel and Pixel XL are currently dominating today’s headlines, with review embargoes lifting around the world. Our Google Pixel review is still forthcoming as we’ve been diving deep into the device and everything it has to offer. As you can tell if you read our 40+ Google Pixel tips and tricks and the first 15 things you should do with your Google Pixel, we’ve been playing with it. A lot.
Pixel and Pixel XL Reviews
But while we gather our final thoughts, we know it’s important for you to make an informed decision leading up to the October 20th release date for those who want the phone the day it’s made available. That’s why we’ve scoured the web to dig up the early Pixel and Pixel XL reviews for you to check out in one place.
Engadget (Score: 86/100)
[The Pixels] have their share of shortcomings, like a drab design, wimpy water resistance and some hefty price tags. The thing is, Google had to start somewhere, and the foundation it built with these two phones is a surprisingly strong one. These aren’t just great first attempts at smartphones; these are great smartphones, period, and every other Android device maker out there should be a little worried.
The Verge (Score: 9/10)
This is Google’s first phone, and for a first effort it is remarkably good. By almost every metric I can think of — speed, power, camera, smart assistant, you name it — it matches or exceeds the best phones available on the market today. And though the design is far from groundbreaking, it’s certainly approachable.
Wired
I’m totally in love with the Pixel. I love this camera, I love Google Assistant, I love that I’ll get to use it with a comfy VR headset, I love that I finally get a version of Android that is both powerful and attractive. I love that there’s a kickass Android phone that (probably) doesn’t explode. The immediate joke everyone, including me, made on Twitter after the Pixel launch was that Google made an iPhone. Well, that’s true. As it turns out, an iPhone running Android is exactly what I’ve been waiting for.
Android Police
The Pixel does almost everything well. In fact, it does most things very well. And it does a few things exceptionally, like taking photos. So if you’ve pre-ordered a Pixel, I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed: it’s a delight to use, and I’m already deeply attached to the Pixel XL I’ve been carrying for the past five days.
Venture Beat
With the Pixels, it seems like the tradeoff is much better, but it will cost you accordingly. This is the best Android phone on the market that money can buy. As is often the case with Android, that will likely change in half a year when Samsung and its competitors start releasing their latest. But for now, if you have the money to get the latest and greatest, you can’t go wrong with the Pixel and Pixel XL.
CNet (Score: 4.5/5)
The Pixel represents a new era for Google phones, and it’s off to a strong start. True, it has its flaws. It’s not truly water resistant like its main rivals and its battery life isn’t impressive. But the Pixel is a beaut. It runs fast and comes at a time when the largest Android phone maker, Samsung, is hitting some rough luck.
TechCrunch
When yours is the only name on a handset, you’d better put your best foot forward. Sure, the company got manufacturing help from its friends at HTC, but the message is clear — sink or swim, it’s all on Google. And on just about every count, the company delivers. It’s a well-designed (if aesthetically neutral) handset with robust specs and a killer screen and camera.
Android Central
With Pixel, the company finally delivers on what we’d wanted all along from a Google phone. With each cycle of Nexus handsets, it used to be a question of “What would they screw up this time?” We’re far beyond that with this new, singular vision of what a Google Android phone should be. And I can’t think of a better phone to buy going into 2017.
Will you buy one?
By now you probably have a good idea of whether you want one. The only question, then, is if you’re ready to part ways with at least $650 to snag arguably Google’s first — and best — phone yet. We don’t have our answer to that question just yet — stay on the lookout for our final review in the days to come — but if you’ve made your mind up one way or another, we want to hear about it. Talk to us straight ahead!
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