Weekly poll: Pixel and Pixel XL, Hot or Not

Google tried to guide Android phone makers with the occasional Nexus release - an "Android at its best" kind of thing, at least "best" the way Google saw it.

Companies like Samsung, LG, HTC and others didn't care - they were pushing their own proprietary features onto Android. And to be fair, Google adopted many of those innovations into the core OS. Still, the search giant wanted more control and it got it.

The Pixel and Pixel XL bring the full Android experience. Google Allo and Duo handle messaging, Assistant helps with everyday tasks, Daydream gets into the emerging VR market, Google Photos stores your captures, Google Assistant collaborates with the Google Home hub to answer your questions and control your smart home.

They have high-end hardware with sharp AMOLED screens, Snapdragon 821 chipsets, advanced 12MP cameras and HTC-built metal bodies. Clearly, Google positioned the Pixels as premium devices, as premium as Apple's iPhone. But can they actually compete?

A OnePlus 3, ZTE Axon 7, Xiaomi Mi 5 and many others offer most of the same hardware at half the price. Android flagships add perks like wireless charging, OIS, water resistance and so on - not vital, but if you're going to pay $650+ you shouldn't accept compromises. Not to mention things like a microSD slot or a removable battery.

So, which is it? Will the Pixels make Google more like Apple? Or will it go the way of Lumia?

Google Pixel duo: Hot or Not

Dreamphone!

Dud!

Poll Maker