Sections
- Page 1 Google Pixel Review
- Page 2 Performance and Software Review
- Page 3 Camera Review
- Page 4 Battery life and verdict Review
Google Pixel – Battery Life
While the battery on the Google Pixel is good, it obviously isn’t quite as impressive as the one featured in the larger Pixel XL. While the Pixel XL can easily make it through a day and comfortably into the next, the Pixel is more of a charge every night device. That’s to be expected from the 2,770mAh battery, but it’s still comparable to other devices of this size.
One thing I have noticed is that battery drain in the Pixel is far quicker when you’re pushing it harder. Asphalt 8 took about 15% off during a 30-minutes session, but for everything else it is fine.
Streaming an hour-long episode on Netflix (over Wi-Fi with auto-brightness on) consumed 10%; the same episode streamed on the iPhone 7 took 18%. It’s a similar story for battery life throughout: it’s nothing to shout about, but it’s much better than the iPhone 7.
So although you’ll be reaching for the charger every night, thankfully the Pixel powers up very quickly. The included 2A charger takes the handset from dead to 50% full in about 30 minutes; a further 40 minutes will take it to 100%. The Pixel charges via a USB Type-C cable, and both a USB Type-C to USB Type-C and USB Type-C to regular-sized USB are supplied in the box.
Should I buy the Google Pixel?
There isn’t a better Android phone out there right now than the duo of Pixels, and considering the strong competition that’s a ringing endorsement.
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S7 is better in a number of ways – notably, it’s water-resistant and has a microSD card slot, plus a slightly flashier design – but the fantastic software, consistent performance and access to faster updates directly from Google make the Pixel a great choice.
Personally, I prefer the extra screen real-estate afforded by the larger XL model, and I’m sure its higher-resolution display will be much better when Daydream View hits. But if you want something much more manageable in one hand, the Pixel will be for you.
However, unlike the Nexus phones of previous years the Pixel isn’t cheap. At £599 for the 32GB model and £100 more for 128GB, it matches with the iPhone 7. It’s expensive, but you do get a lot for your money.
Verdict
A stunning camera makes Google’s first proper smartphone a contender for best Android phone of 2016.
How we test phones
We test every mobile phone we review thoroughly. We use industry standard tests to compare features properly and we use the phone as our main device over the review period. We’ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Performance 10
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Camera 9
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Design 8
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Battery Life 8
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Value 7
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Software 10
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Calls & Sound 7
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Screen Quality 9
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.