10 years ago today, Google launched the first Pixel smartphone and, at the time, teased it by saying we’d still be talking about it years later. And, yeah, we still are, and this is a Google project that shows no signs of slowing down.
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Google has a bit of a reputation for churning through projects. If something isn’t a hit, it either gets canned or converted into something else. And that’s what many assumed would happen to Pixel, especially during the lean years in the middle of the series. While Pixel hit the ground running with great first impressions, missteps on the Pixel 2 XL’s display, the Pixel 3 XL’s funky bathtub notch, and the Pixel 4 series just, as a whole, left room for plenty of doubt.
Prior to the first Pixel’s launch, Google’s at-the-time head of Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer, said that we’d still “be talking about October 4, 2016.” And, 10 years later, he wasn’t wrong.
Google has stuck to its guns around Pixel, and perhaps expanded the project more than anyone might have thought. Investments like a mid-range lineup, Tensor chips, and a whole ecosystem of accessories weren’t really in the thought process a decade ago. Yet, here we are.
We’ve revisited several of Google’s Pixel devices this week and asked our readers what they think the best Pixel of all time is. So far, Pixel 10 Pro XL is winning that poll.
- Google Pixel 2 XL set the stage for a decade of ups and downs
- The Pixel 3a might be the most important Google smartphone to date
- The Pixel 4 is still my favorite Google smartphone hardware, and it holds up
- The Pixel 5 doesn’t get enough credit for making the best of a bad situation
- Google’s original Pixel Fold was the right idea years ahead of its time
Drop a comment below and let’s talk. What was your first Pixel? Will you keep buying Google’s phones? What do you think should come next?
This Week’s Top Stories
Gemini 4 Argon is here
Google this week ended its drought in regards to flagship AI models with the launch of Gemini 4 Argon. The new model is rolling out gradually and makes big promises in terms of what it upgrades.
RIP Google Assistant
Right on schedule, Google has pulled the plug on Assistant for Android, going all-in on Gemini as a replacement.
Samsung opens the Android 17 floodgates
After some hiccups, Samsung is more widely rolling out Android 17 and One UI 9 to a host of Galaxy devices. The rollout has gone with for Galaxy S26 with more devices not too far behind.
- Samsung has updated these Galaxy devices to Android 17
- Samsung’s Android 17 floodgates are open – updates rolling out for Galaxy S26, S25, more
More Top Stories
- Google says Chromebook updates end in 2034, ‘many’ models move to Googlebook OS
- Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 rolling out, including for Pixel 11
- The Googlebook marketing push starts with Henry Cavill and his mustache
- Pixel Buds app update lets Gemini control audio and settings
- Pixel Watch update adds Google’s new 3D emoji
- OpenAI cancels GPT-6.1 Astra release over misbehavior & safety concerns
- Blender, the 3D modeling app, is launching for Android next year; iPad app still on pause
- The ultra-pocketable ‘Picco’ e-reader from Boox is now up for pre-order, $99
- HP’s MacBook Neo competitor is $699 with an OLED display and plenty of catches
- Bose launched wired, yes, wired, earbuds with ANC for $99
Pour one out for Android Central
In case you didn’t know, one of our fellow Android sites, Android Central, effectively shut down earlier this week. The long-running publication’s existing staffers were laid off and the future of the site is unclear at this point. Shruti, Derrek, Harish, Namarah, and Nick were all talented journalists and we wish them all the best in these dark times of the tech news industry.
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