Pixel (google)

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Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones

Pixel has been the name of a product line of devices from the US company Google LLC since 2013 that use either Android or Chrome OS as operating systems. The Android devices are considered the successor devices of the Nexus series .

Smartphones

Pixel and Pixel XL

The first Pixel smartphones, which appeared on October 4, 2016, were advertised by Google itself as “Made by Google”. The devices were of HTC manufactured and were much more expensive than the previous Nexus devices. The first Pixel and Pixel XL have an aluminum housing, on the back the upper third is made of glass, which also houses the fingerprint sensor. A Snapdragon 821 with 2.15 GHz + 1.6 GHz with 4 GB RAM is used as the processor . The built-in battery can be charged with 2.77 Ah or 3.45 Ah (Pixel XL) with 18 W via a USB-C connection. For photos taken with the Pixel, Google grants all owners free storage space on Google Photos . The last security update for Android 10 received the first generation of pixels in October 2019.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

One year after the launch of the first Pixel smartphone, Google presented the successor Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL as part of its own “event”. The Pixel 2 was again made by HTC while the Pixel 2 XL was made by LG . Both smartphones are equipped with a Snapdragon 835 , which is clocked with 4 × 2.5 GHz and 4 × 1.9 GHz. Above all, the camera has been revised, which now has a dual-pixel sensor and can process photos using a dedicated image processor ( Pixel Visual Core ). Photos taken with Pixel 2 devices can be saved in Google Photos for free until January 2021 , after which only the storage space for “high quality” photos is free.

Among other things, Google guarantees new Android versions and security fixes for three years. That is a year longer than usual for other manufacturers. Users of all Pixel 2 devices can currently download the latest Android R beta version free of charge. Google has unscheduled support for the Android update. The beta version focuses on important security and privacy updates.

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

On October 9, 2018, Google introduced the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL . The devices are a further development of the Pixel 2 series, can be charged contactlessly using the inductive Qi charging standard thanks to the new glass housing , and are equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC (2.5 and 1.6 GHz). As a camera, Google continues to use only a 12.2 MP main camera. However, the camera on the front is a dual camera with 8 MP, which has wide-angle and telephoto areas. Compared to its predecessor, the device is now protected against permanent immersion in accordance with IPX8 . A Titan-M-Chip is used as additional new hardware, as it is already used on Google servers. This is intended to make unprotected access to sensitive and encrypted data and the bootloader more difficult. As a hardware manufacturer, Google turned to Foxconn this time .

Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL

On May 7, 2019, Google presented the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL. They differ from the Pixel 3 models in that they have a lower price and various drawbacks, which puts them in a lower price segment. These trade-offs include the lack of Qi charging capability and IP certification, the weaker Snapdragon 670 SoC, a thicker polycarbonate case in contrast to metal and glass, the lack of a wide-angle camera on the front, a slower modem, larger display bezels, the use of Dragontail glass instead of Gorilla Glass on the front, a slow USB 2.0 interface, which still has the modern Type-C design, and the fact that wired in-ear headphones are included in the scope of delivery while the Pixel 3 and 3 XL come with the wireless Pixel Buds with an RRP of € 249. In addition to the much lower price, the larger battery is an advantage of the 3a devices. The most important feature is the camera on the back, adopted from the Pixel 3, which is a unique selling point in this price segment. The software was also adopted from the more expensive devices. Due to the materials used, the devices are lighter than the Pixel 3 models. In contrast to the high-end Pixel devices, the Pixel 3a models again have a 3.5 mm jack connector for headphones.

Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL

The Pixel 4 devices released in October 2019 have 6 GB of RAM for the first time and are equipped with a Snapdragon 855 SoC (4 × 2.84 Ghz + 4 × 1.78 Ghz). A dual camera with 16 MP telephoto and 12 MP wide-angle lens is now used as the main camera. On the other hand, the previous dual camera of the Pixel 3 models is no longer available on the front. According to Google, the image processing of the camera has been further improved by the new "Pixel Neural Core" compared to the previous models, which should also be suitable for astrophotography . Another new feature is the gesture control called “Motion Sense”. Furthermore, the fingerprint sensor of the previous models, which can be used to unlock the device, is omitted. Instead, Google relies on "Face Unlock" using facial recognition, which is implemented by various sensors in the display. The aspect ratio of the display resolution is now 19: 9 for both models and offers a dynamic refresh rate of 60 or 90 Hz. Like the previous models, the Pixel 4 devices can be used with an eSIM . The battery is only 2800 mAh and is therefore smaller than its predecessor (2915 mAh). The XL has 3700 mAh, which is more than its predecessor (3430 mAh).

Pixel 4a

On August 3, 2020, Google presented the Pixel 4a, a cheaper entry-level version of the Pixel 4, which is also the successor to the Pixel 3a. As with the predecessor, a less powerful processor (Snapdragon 730G) is used compared to the more expensive Pixel 4 models (Snapdragon 855). The other hardware has been upgraded compared to the Pixel 3a. 6 GB of RAM are now installed instead of 4 GB, there are 128 GB of faster UFS 2.1 storage instead of eMMC and a USB 3.1 interface. The dual main camera is omitted, the 12 MP wide-angle camera used, however, corresponds to that of the Pixel 4, but without the image optimization functions of the "Pixel Neural Core". Compared to the Pixel 3a, both the device and the display edge have become smaller, which means that the front camera can be integrated into the screen and is only visible through a “punch hole”. The Pixel 4a again uses Gorilla Glass 3 instead of Dragontail glass. In contrast to the Pixel 4 models, Google again uses a fingerprint sensor to unlock the device in this model and there is a 3.5 mm jack.

Tablets

Pixel C

This was published in December 2015 Tablet pixel C is equipped with an Nvidia Tegra X1 -4 + 4 Multicore - SoC with 1.9 GHz and 3 GB memory, allowing him to perform well in arithmetic in the graph and in relation the built-in camera and the battery capacity (34.2 Wh battery for up to 10 hours of use) are certified. The housing of the Pixel C is made of anodized aluminum, has stereo speakers and four microphones with noise cancellation. An 8-megalpixel camera is installed on the back of the housing, and a 2 MP camera is used on the front. The screen diagonal is 10.2 inches with a resolution of 2560 × 1800 pixels. The display aspect ratio is 1: 1.414 or what corresponds to that of a DIN A paper format.

In addition, the device is only moderately equipped. For example, it is criticized that there is no cellular modem , no GPS receiver and no possibility of expanding the internal memory. Furthermore, up to Android 6, several applications could not be displayed side by side on the high-resolution screen . With the update to Android 7, however, a split-screen option is available with which two apps can be displayed side by side on the screen. Likewise, the synchronization of data cannot be carried out in the local network, but only via a cloud on the Internet , so that there is no possibility of data avoidance and data economy .

Two compact keyboards are available as accessories, which are connected via the Bluetooth interface and lock with the device. The Pixel C keyboard is attached to the housing by means of a magnetic strip and can be angled continuously from 100–135 degrees. For transport, the keyboard is attached to the screen using a magnetic attachment. The Pixel C Folio Keyboard is a leather case with an integrated keyboard, in which the tablet is attached and the case is better protected. When opened, the Pixel C can be positioned at two angles (127 and 146 degrees). Both keyboards have a 0.5 Wh battery that is inductively charged via the Pixel C as soon as the keyboard is attached to the side of the screen or the cover is folded up ( Pixel C Folio Keyboard ). In addition, various key combinations are supported to e.g. B. to get to the homescreen, a certain or in App Switcher.

Sales of the device were stopped in December 2017, and Google published the last Android updates in July 2019.

Pixel slate

On October 9, 2018, Google announced the technical data of the Pixel Slate , which is designed as a tablet computer and, compared to its predecessor, Pixel C, is operated with Chrome OS instead of Android. Depending on the configuration, the device is available with various Intel processors with 4 to 16 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of flash memory. In addition to two USB-C ports, an attachable keyboard is optionally available. The display size is 12.3 inches and has a resolution of 3000 × 2000 pixels. The 48 Wh battery should enable a usage time of up to 12 hours. The fingerprint sensor, which is built into the on / off button, can be used to unlock. The Pixel Slate is not yet available in Germany.

Notebooks

Chromebook Pixel

With the Chromebook Pixel , Google released the first notebook based on Chrome OS in February 2013 . The device weighs 1.5 kg and has a 12.85-inch display with a 3: 2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2560 × 1700 pixels. A third generation Intel Core i5 with a clock frequency of 1.8 GHz is used as the processor. In addition to 4 GB DDR3 working memory , two USB 2.0 ports, mini HDMI output and SD card reader , the notebook has 32 GB flash memory, the cellular variant with LTE has 64 GB memory.

In March 2015, an updated version of the Chromebook Pixel was released , which now has two additional USB-C ports and a larger battery. In addition, the fifth generation of the Intel Core i5 processor with 2.2 GHz is installed and the RAM is increased to 8 GB. A variant with an Intel Core i7 is also available, which is equipped with 16 GB of RAM and 64 GB of flash memory. The LTE option was omitted, as was the mini HDMI output.

Sales of the Chromebook Pixel stopped in August 2016.

Pixelbook

The successor to the Chromebook pixel appeared in October 2017. The as Convertible designed Pixel Book has a 12.3-inch display at the 3: 2 format with a resolution of 2400 × 1600 pixels and 360 degree hinge. The screen can also be operated with a stylus on this model , for which Google also offers the specially developed Pixelbook Pen . In addition to processors of the Intel Core i5 and i7 types, there is a choice between 8 and 16 GB of RAM and 128 to 512 GB of flash memory, depending on the variant. The 1.1 kg device has two USB-C ports, one of which is used for the charger, and a 3.5 mm headphone output. Google is again using Chrome OS as the operating system.

Pixelbook Go

The Pixelbook Go is a Chrome OS-based notebook that appeared in October 2019 and is offered as a supplement to the Pixelbook . In terms of hardware, Google is again using Intel processors from the Core m3, i5 and i7 series. The 13.3-inch display in 16: 9 format has a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, the model with i7 processor has 3840 × 2160 pixels. The Pixelbook Go weighs 900 g and is available with 4 to 16 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of flash memory, depending on the CPU variant.

List of Pixel Devices

Android

Surname Device type Market launch RRP from
(Euro) 		Android version

at market launch

Android version

current

size resolution

(Pixel)

processor random access memory Flash memory Main camera
Pixel C Tablet Dec 8, 2015 499 6.0 8.1 10.2 ″ 2560 × 1800 Nvidia Tegra X1 3 GB 32/64 GB 8 MP
pixel Smartphone 4th Oct 2016 759 7.1 10.0 5 ″ 1920 × 1080 Snapdragon 821 4 GB 32/128 GB 12.3 MP
Pixel XL Smartphone 4th Oct 2016 899 7.1 10.0 5.5 ″ 2560 × 1440 Snapdragon 821 4 GB 32/128 GB 12.3 MP
Pixel 2 Smartphone 19th Oct 2017 799 8.0 10.0 5 ″ 1920 × 1080 Snapdragon 835 4 GB 64/128 GB 12.2 MP
Pixel 2 XL Smartphone 19th Oct 2017 939 8.0 10.0 6 ″ 2880 × 1440 Snapdragon 835 4 GB 64/128 GB 12.2 MP
Pixel 3 Smartphone Nov 2, 2018 849 9.0 10.0 5.5 ″ 2160 × 1080 Snapdragon 845 4 GB 64/128 GB 12.2 MP
Pixel 3 XL Smartphone Nov 2, 2018 949 9.0 10.0 6.3 ″ 2960 × 1440 Snapdragon 845 4 GB 64/128 GB 12.2 MP
Pixel 3a Smartphone May 8, 2019 399 9.0 10.0 5.6 ″ 2220 × 1080 Snapdragon 670 4 GB 64 GB 12.2 MP
Pixel 3a XL Smartphone May 8, 2019 479 9.0 10.0 6.0 ″ 2160 × 1080 Snapdragon 670 4 GB 64 GB 12.2 MP
Pixel 4 Smartphone Oct 21, 2019 749 10.0 10.0 5.7 ″ 2280 × 1080 Snapdragon 855 6 GB 64/128 GB 12.2 + 16 MP
Pixel 4 XL Smartphone Oct 21, 2019 899 10.0 10.0 6.3 ″ 3040 × 1440 Snapdragon 855 6 GB 64/128 GB 12.2 + 16 MP
Pixel 4a Smartphone Aug 3, 2020 349 10.0 10.0 5.8 ″ 2340 × 1080 Snapdragon 730G 6 GB 128 GB 12.2 MP

Chrome OS

Surname Device type Market launch RRP

(USD)

size resolution

(Pixel)

processor random access memory Flash memory Front camera Main camera
Chromebook Pixel (Wi-Fi) Notebook Feb 21, 2013 1299 12.85 ″ 2560 × 1700 Intel Core i5 4 GB 32 GB 0.9 MP -
11th Mar 2015 999 8 GB
1299 Intel Core i7 16 GB 64 GB
Chromebook Pixel (LTE) Apr 12, 2013 1449 Intel Core i5 4 GB
Pixelbook Convertible Oct. 30, 2017 from 999 12.3 ″ 2400 × 1600 Intel Core i5 8 GB 128/256 GB 2 MP -
1649 Intel Core i7 16 GB 512 GB
Pixel slate Tablet Oct 9, 2018 from 599 12.3 3000 × 2000 Intel Celeron 4/8 GB 32/64 GB 8 MP 8 MP
from 799 Intel Core m3 / i5 8 GB 64/128 GB
1599 Intel Core i7 16 GB 256 GB
Pixelbook Go Notebook Oct 15, 2019 from 649 13.3 ″ 1920 × 1080 Intel Core m3 / i5 8/16 GB 64/128 GB 2 MP -
1399 3840 × 2160 Intel Core i7 16 GB 256 GB

equipment

Surname Device type Market launch RRP
Pixel C Keyboard keyboard Dec 5, 2015 169 €
Pixel C Folio Keyboard keyboard Dec 5, 2015 169 €
Pixebook Pen Input pen Oct. 30, 2017 US $ 99
Pixel Buds headphone Dec 2017 199 €
Pixel USB-C headphones headphone Nov 2018 35 €
Pixel Stand Docking station Nov 2018 € 79
Pixel Slate Keyboard keyboard Oct 9, 2018 US $ 199

Open Android bootloader

The “ bootloader ” (Fastboot) of the Android devices can easily be unlocked, which means that the Android version preinstalled by Google can be exchanged for a free version such as LineageOS without contacting the device manufacturer . Likewise, the pre-installed recovery system can be replaced by the much more convenient TWRP (offers, among other things, extensive data backup functions), and system administrator access can be set up (“ rooting ”).

Any common Android device is suitable for developing Android programs alone, as long as it supports ADB ( Android Debug Bridge ).

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ^ The Chromebook Pixel, for what's next . Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  2. ↑ madeby.google.com
  3. ↑ Select upload size for photos and videos - Android device - Google One Help. Retrieved August 13, 2020 .
  4. ↑ Always-on display thanks to OLED technology - Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL hands-on: Google's new premium smartphone class is convincing. Retrieved October 7, 2017 .
  5. ↑ Snapdragon 835 Mobile Platform with 10 nm 64-bit CPU. In: qualcomm.com. Retrieved October 7, 2017 .
  6. ↑ Nicolas La Rocco: Google Pixel 2 (XL) in the test. Retrieved August 13, 2020 .
  7. ↑ Hans-Christian Dirscherl: Google: Android updates for Pixel 2 for 3 years. In: pcwelt.de. Retrieved October 7, 2017 .
  8. ↑ Android Q: The first beta is here - for all Pixel devices . heise.de. March 14, 2019. Retrieved March 14, 2019.
  9. ↑ Nicolas La Rocco: Google Pixel 3 XL in the test. Retrieved August 13, 2020 .
  10. ↑ Titan M makes Pixel 3 our most secure phone yet. October 17, 2018, accessed on August 13, 2020 .
  11. ↑ Google Pixel 3 XL in the test: Android 9, camera, release, price, colors . In: computerbild.de . ( computerbild.de [accessed November 24, 2018]).
  12. ↑ Nicolas La Rocco: Google Pixel 4 (XL) in hands-on. Retrieved August 13, 2020 .
  13. ↑ Google Pixel 4 (XL): All functions, data and prices of the radar cell phone. In: handy.de - The magazine. October 15, 2019, accessed on August 23, 2020 (German).
  14. ↑ Google Pixel 3. Retrieved August 23, 2020 .
  15. ↑ Nicolas La Rocco: Google Pixel 4a in the Test - The Best Small Android Smartphone. Retrieved August 14, 2020 .
  16. ↑ Nicolas La Rocco: Pixel C in the test: Google builds the best Android tablet. Retrieved August 16, 2020 .
  17. ↑ Google Tablet Pixel C: Powerful - but spartan. In: test.de . January 8, 2016, accessed October 14, 2016
  18. ↑ Pixel C specifications - Pixel Help. Retrieved August 16, 2020 .
  19. ↑ Niklas Jutzler: Google Pixel C: Sale of the Android tablet stopped. December 29, 2017, accessed on August 12, 2020 (German).
  20. ↑ Pixel C: July update brings the end of Google's last Android tablet - derStandard.de. Retrieved August 12, 2020 (Austrian German).
  21. ↑ Google Pixel Slate specifications - Pixel Slate Help. Retrieved August 20, 2020 .
  22. ↑ heise online: Google: Chromebook Pixel with touchscreen and high-resolution display. Retrieved August 12, 2020 .
  23. ↑ Google Updates The Chromebook Pixel With Faster Processors, 12-Hour Battery Life & USB Type-C Charging, $ 999 Starting Price. In: TechCrunch. Retrieved August 12, 2020 (American English).
  24. ↑ RIP: Google ends production of the Chromebook Pixel 2 - without announcing a successor - GWB. In: GoogleWatchBlog. August 31, 2016, accessed on August 12, 2020 (German).
  25. ↑ heise online: Google's Pixelbook: Slim flagship Chromebook with pen. Retrieved August 12, 2020 .
  26. ↑ Google: The Pixelbook will be a $ 1,200 Chromebook - Golem.de. Retrieved on August 12, 2020 (German).
  27. ↑ ChromeOS: Google shows Pixelbook Go and names start of Stadia - Golem.de. Retrieved on August 12, 2020 (German).
  28. ↑ Available from November 2nd: Google introduces new "Pixel" smartphones. In: Zeit Online . Retrieved November 24, 2018 .
  29. ↑ Pixel Slate In: Google Store