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Pixel, the first real Google phone, in pictures

Google added a new camera module, a smarter fingerprint reader and Android 7.1 to its new Pixel and Pixel XL phones.

Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Joshua GoldmanManaging Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
ExpertiseLaptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and dronesCredentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
Stephen Shankland
Joshua Goldman
​Google camera tech leader Tim Knight holds a Google Pixel phone.
1 of 35James Martin/CNET

Behold, the new Google Pixel phone. The back has a smarter fingerprint reader, an improved 12-megapixel camera, a Google G logo and a two-tone look with an antenna-friendly "glass shade" across the top.

The main camera on the Google Pixel (shown) and Pixel XL phones combines a 12-megapixel sensor built by Sony with an f2.0 lens. Apple iPhone 7 has an f1.8 lens lets more light through, but Google argues its larger sensor compensates by capturing more photons.
2 of 35James Martin/CNET

The main camera on the Google Pixel (shown) and Pixel XL phones combines a 12-megapixel sensor built by Sony with an f/2.0 lens. Apple's iPhone 7 has an f/1.8 lens that lets more light through, but Google argues its larger sensor compensates by capturing more photons.

The Google Pixel phone features a "glass shade" on the upper part of the back and a Google "G" to denote who designed the phone.
3 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

The Google Pixel phone features a "glass shade" on the upper part of the back and a Google "G" to denote who designed the phone.

The front of the Pixel phones are white, but the overall phones come in "very silver," "quite black" and "really blue." On the upper-right corner is an 8-megapixel selfie camera that uses relatively large pixels for better low-light performance.
4 of 35James Martin/CNET

The front of the Pixel phones are white, but the overall phones come in "very silver," "quite black" and "really blue." On the upper-right corner is an 8-megapixel selfie camera that uses relatively large pixels for better low-light performance.

Fans of the decades-old 3.5mm audio jack standard will be happy to see one on the Google Pixel phone.
5 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

Fans of the decades-old 3.5 mm audio jack standard will be happy to see one on the Google Pixel phone.

Like 2015's Nexus phones, the Google Pixel (shown) and Pixel XL sport a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. Alongside are two speakers on the bottom of the phone.
6 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

Like 2015's Nexus phones, the Google Pixel (shown) and Pixel XL sport a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. Alongside are two speakers on the bottom of the phone.

Google Pixel phones feature a textured power button and a rocker switch for volume control on the right side of the phone, similar to last year's Nexus phone models.
7 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

Google Pixel phones feature a textured power button and a rocker switch for volume control on the right side of the phone, similar to last year's Nexus phone models.

At the upper middle of the Pixel back is a fingerprint reader. When you swipe it, it both unlocks the phone and shows your recent notifications.
8 of 35James Martin/CNET

At the upper middle of the Pixel back is a fingerprint reader. When you swipe it, it both unlocks the phone and shows your recent notifications.

Below the Pixel phones "G" logo is one of several accents showing where antennas can harness radio signals.
9 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

Below the Pixel phones' "G" logo is one of several accents showing where antennas can harness radio signals.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL both taper slightly, from 8.6mm at the top end to 7.4mm at the bottom.
10 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL both taper slightly, from 8.6 mm at the top end to 7.4 mm at the bottom.

The sides of the Google Pixel have chamfered edges.
11 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

The sides of the Google Pixel have chamfered edges.

On the left side of the Pixel is a SIM card slot.
12 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

On the left side of the Pixel is a SIM-card slot.

For the first time, Google's Pixel phones sport a Google "G" logo. The back of the phone has a bead-blasted finish.
13 of 35James Martin/CNET

For the first time, Google's Pixel phones sport a Google "G" logo. The back of the phone has a bead-blasted finish.

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14 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

The key highlights for the Pixel are Google Assistant, virtual reality, communications, storage and, of course, the camera.

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15 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Here's the camera module pulled apart.

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16 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

DxO rated the camera an 89.

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17 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

It's the highest-rated phone camera to date.

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18 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Using its fast performance, the camera is able to capture just the right moment shooting at 30 frames per second.

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19 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

That same speed is used to balance highlights and shadows with its HDR+ feature.

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20 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Though you can't tell from this shot, the camera has advanced electronic image stabilization for video taking out all the effects of shake even while walking with the camera.

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21 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

You'll get unlimited storage for photos and video and at full resolution.

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22 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

The phone has full integration with the new Google Assistant that's able to use what's on screen along with voice commands to get you the information you're after.

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23 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Google's new video chat app Duo is preinstalled.

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24 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

As a Pixel phone, you'll get automatic OS and security updates.

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25 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Fast charge for 15 minutes and get 7 hours of use.

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26 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

All users get round-the-clock customer support.

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27 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Ready to switch from iOS? Google made it easy.

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28 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Cases will be available.

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29 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Two sizes, but with the same specs.

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30 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Here are all the specs.

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31 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Available in three colors.

​Dave Burke, Google's VP of engineering for Android
32 of 35Stephen Shankland/CNET

Dave Burke, Google's vice president of engineering for Android, holds a "really blue" Pixel phone.

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33 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Here are the worldwide carrier partners, but they'll also be available through Google.

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34 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Pricing starts at $649 in the US.

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35 of 35Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

Ready for preorder.

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