Skip to main content

Pixel vs. Pixel XL specs compared — Which Google phone is for you? [Poll]

Today Google has officially unveiled the long-awaited Pixel and Pixel XL — the company’s two “Made by Google” smartphones. While both were manufactured by HTC, Google is claiming these as their own — designed in-house from the ground up. But which of the two phones is for you?

The Pixel and Pixel XL are very similar to other flagship devices currently on the market when it comes to specs. Most flagship phones have at least a 2K display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a pretty decent camera. Besides the fact that the standard Pixel only has a 1080p display, both phones have specs just as good — if not better — than their competitors.

The best news to come out of this announcement is that users who enjoy phones with smaller displays won’t be penalized with lesser specs. Compared to last year where the Nexus 5X had less RAM and a slower processor than the Nexus 6P, the only real differences between the Pixel and Pixel XL is screen resolution. While the larger of the two devices has a 2K display, the 5-inch Pixel has a 1080p screen. This isn’t horrible, but does lessen the viewing experience — especially in VR.

Check out the full list of specs below and let us know what you think of the two phones.

Google Pixel Google Pixel XL
Screen size 5-inch 5.5-inch
Resolution 1,920×1,080 pixels 2,560×1,440 pixels
PPI 441ppi 534ppi
Camera 12.3-megapixel 12.3-megapixel
Front Camera 8-megapixel 8-megapixel
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Quad Core 2x 2.15GHz / 2x 1.6GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Quad Core 2x 2.15GHz / 2x 1.6GHz
Storage 32GB or 128GB 32GB or 128GB
RAM 4GB 4GB
Battery 2,770mAh (nonremovable) 3,450mAh (nonremovable)
Other features Android 7.1, USB Type-C, Fingerprint Sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, Quick charging Android 7.1, USB Type-C, Fingerprint Sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, Quick charging
Base price off-contract ~$649 ~$769
Expandable storage up to Not Available Not Available

As the main differences between the Pixel and Pixel XL are the screen size, resolution, and price, which of the two devices are you most excited about and looking to pick up?

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Justin Duino Justin Duino

I’m a writer for 9to5Google with a background in IT and Android development. Follow me on Twitter to read my ramblings about tech and email me at justin@jaduino.com. Tips are always welcome.