For those that like the core Google experience, the wait to find out what Google has in store for its mobile hardware is officially over. Earlier today Google unveiled their latest smartphones for 2016 as the Pixel and the Pixel XL. Both of these smartphones represent a step away from what is commonly thought to be Google products as they no longer boast the Nexus brand or even the manufacturer, but instead are Google products. While not technically ‘made by Google’, they have been conceived by Google and do represent what Google wants its hardware to represent, and are therefore, ‘phones by Google’.
If you are interested in being one of the first to get your hands on the Pixel XL then you will likely want to know when availability will open. Well, although they have been announced today you will have to wait a little longer to physically get your hands on one as the Pixel XL will not be available to buy until later in October. However, Google has also confirmed that pre-orders will open today. However, how you get the phone will be a lot more limited than other flagship devices. With this being a Google phone the most obvious way to buy it will be directly from Google and the Google Store as this will be sold as an unlocked model. Price does depend on which storage variant you opt for with prices starting for the 32GB model from $649.99 (or $27 per month). It is worth pointing out that these prices are for the Pixel phone and not the Pixel XL. Google has yet to provide full pricing details but it would be expected that the Pixel XL will come in at a higher price point. Those looking to go the carrier route will be far more limited as Google has confirmed that the Pixel XL will be exclusive to Verizon Wireless, although it will be available through major retail stores like Best Buy – as well as Verizon stores. So if you are not a Verizon customer, you will likely have to go the unlocked route. If going through Verizon, then it looks like the Pixel XL 32 GB model will cost $32.08 per month over 24 months while the Pixel XL 128GB model will cost $36.24 per month over a course of 24 months.
If you need a reminder of what is on offer with the Pixel XL, this is a smartphone which is designed to offer a premium build and makes use of a clever combination of glass and metal. Accompanying the two-toned back is a 5.5-inch QHD display. While inside, the Pixel XL manages to pack in 4GB RAM, 32GB (or 128GB) storage and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 quad-core processor. In addition, you can expect to find a 12.3-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, a rear-positioned fingerprint sensor and USB Type-C connectivity. As well as a 3,450 mAh battery and the latest version of Android, Android 7.1 (Nougat).