Google Pixel and Pixel XL hands-on: First look

First look

GSMArena team, 4 October 2016.

Pixel cases

Google really got into the role of a phone maker, it even designed its own cases for the new Pixel phones.

The cases are made from hard plastic and feature photos of famous landmarks, some astronomy and elemental themes too (with something of an Instagram filter over some of the photos).


Hard plastic cases with beautiful photography

There's nothing clever about the cases - there are no hidden features, aside from some coils on the inside that probably boost NFC reception. They are quality cases that perfectly fit your Pixel or Pixel XL, though, perhaps that's enough of a feature.


Some helper antennas on the inside

Chromecast Ultra

The Chromecast Ultra maintains the hockey puck design of its predecessor, but its feature set is much improved.

The player supports 4K, of course, and more importantly HDR - both HDR10 and Dolby Vision (the latter is quite rare). Even if you have a 4K TV, it may not support HDR - the new feature offers richer colors and a higher dynamic range.


Chromecast Ultra

The Chromecast Ultra has a pair of antennas for better Wi-Fi reception, but if even that doesn't cut it for streaming 4K, you can plug in an Ethernet cable. Unlike the previous model, there's no need for an extra adapter - you plug the LAN cable right into the Chromecast charger.

Reader comments

  • Jake
  • 01 Nov 2016
  • 6ue

Google XL.. its like you are going backwards. The only thing moving forward here is the OS. But the design and otherelse, its like a 4yrs ago samsung. Look at the top and bottom bezel, very big.

  • Sheikh
  • 24 Oct 2016
  • 6Q2

I am using iphones for the last 3.5 years quite satisfied with the performance and the main reason of using iphones is the same and that's performance. Even though there are numerous disadvantages of ios as compared to android like downloading media ...

  • Samson Jathanna
  • 24 Oct 2016
  • Y}8

I feel price is too high. I am not a phone expert. But A price tag of INR 40000/- would have been appropriate. The secondary camera is just 12MP and event the battery is not very high for a 5.5 inch phone. No OTG. There are many other phones off...