Google Pixel Breakdown

Google has made several enticing comments about its new Pixel phone like a battery that lasts all day and "the highest rated smartphone camera. Ever." With the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in hot water, Google's Pixel phone becomes an interesting new runner in the mobile game.

Google is branching away from its affordable and developer-focused Nexus brand and focusing on the Pixel and Pixel XL. But with a starting price of $649 what exactly does it have to offer?

Key Features:

• Challenging cloud solutions, Google offers unlimited storage for all photos and videos in it's original resolution for the life of your phone.
• First phone with Google Assistant built in
• Pixel Imprint: Fingerprint sensor swipe to unlock
• Latest version of Android: Android 7.1 Nougat which allows Google Daydream VR capabilities, rivaling Samsung's Gear VR
• Google Duo: No more limitations with Facetime. Webcam with any Android or iOS user with Duo

Camera:

• Currently the best-ever 89 DxOMark Mobile score
• 12.3MP camera on back
• 8MP shooter in front 
• f/2.0 aperture for bright photos
• Autofocus with laser and phase detection (LDAF and PDAF)
• Recording capabilities: 4K video at 30fps, and 1080p video at up to 120fps

Look and options:

• Glass-aluminum body with smooth surfaces and curved edges
• Vivid display with AMOLED screen featuring true blacks and 16.77 million colors
• Two sizes: 5" or 5.5"
• Three colors: Quite Black, Very Silver, or Really Blue
• Get more specs here.

Carriers and retailers:

Verizon claims itself as Google Pixel's exclusive carrier, but you can always buy it unlocked directly from Google and use it through any carrier. Verizon is simply the only carrier directly selling the phone online and in stores.

Buying the Pixel directly from Google also allows for software updates directly from Google as soon as they're released. No more middleman behavior from carriers that sometimes delay upgrade processes and software deliveries. (computer world)

When to get it:

Google is preparing to launch the phone October 20th. Pre-orders began on October 4 in the US, UK, and Australia.

If you pre-order directly through Google, they're also offering the new Daydream View VR headset with purchase, which allows high quality mobile virtuality anywhere.

Learn more about Google's recent moves from our previous blog post.