For 2016, Google did not renew the Nexus line of devices and instead have released a family of new devices: the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL. These two devices are both based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset backed up by 4 GB of RAM and at least 32 GB of internal storage. The Google Pixel uses a 1080p resolution AMOLED panel and the larger Google Pixel XL uses a 5.5-inch, QHD or 1440p resolution AMOLED panel. Both devices share a number of similarities including their HTC build and design, the the same 12MP rear camera sensor by Sony and run the very latest version of Android, 7.1 Nougat. Another feature that both devices share is the same IP53 dust and water resistance rating.
This is the same rating that the HTC 10 flagship device uses and it essentially means the handset offers resistance to most dust particles and limited water resistance: the Google Pixel family of devices provides resistance to jets of liquid or fine particles. Essentially, the Google Pixel should be resistant to minor spills, sprinkles of rain and may be kept in a humid environment, such as a pocket, without it failing. This is at odds with two notable 2016 flagship devices, the Samsung Galaxy S7 family and the Apple iPhone 7. Both of these device families offer “proper” water resistance and may be left out in the rain or dunked in water, whereas the Google Pixel devices should not be abused in this way.
Or should they? In one of the ultimate “don’t try this at home” YouTube video clips, YouTuber Harris Craycraft has been testing the Google Pixel in a number of wet environments and the device stood up to the challenges. Harris dunked the Google Pixel into a shallow puddle and sprayed it with water to test the IP53 rating: no problem. And then he dunked it into a jug of water for thirty minutes and the device survived without reported issue: both the charger port and speaker were reported to be working at the end. It should be added that the device was only submerged by a couple of inches. Also, the device does not include wet finger tracking, which means that the touchscreen will not work when the device is wet. As Harris said at the end of his video, this does not mean that the device will survive submerging but should you happen to dunk your Pixel in water, it might be okay afterwards.