Google decided it was time to develop hardware! Since I am (was?) a hardware developer…this is great news.
Google announced several new hardware products yesterday (October 4, 2016), but, I am only super excited about one: The Pixel phones.
Note: I will add more information as I get hands-on experience with this phone after I get it (it is currently out of stock!), so watch for updates over the next few months.
Why Do I Want a Pixel Phone?
First of all, I am Google-fied at the present time: Email, domain names, android phone, Duo, Google Docs, Keep, etc. etc…….
Second, I am sick of waiting FOREVER for the latest OS updates! My Note 4 just got Marshmallow last week! I am TechyMike!!! I want the latest NOW! I’ll even take Beta, or Alpha….if I can get it. 🙂
Third, I have become VERY wary of Samsung engineering. They seem 
to be letting marketing / sales rule the release times and do not seem to be as careful as they once were putting out quality engineered hardware. Time to change….
Fourth (see picture), I hear the camera is awesome in low light. We go to concerts….’nuff said.
My Plan Moving Forward
I am full-in on getting a Pixel XL to replace my terrific Galaxy Note 4 when it is paid off in December 2016. We have AT&T as our carrier, and supposedly the unlocked Pixel phones will work with all four major carriers….one being AT&T.
As soon as my new phone arrives, I will try the SIM card from my Note 4 in the Pixel XL (yeah….I like the 5.5 inch larger screen). Will it work? Bookmark this page and check back…..
If the SIM card needs adjustments, so be it. We will head to the AT&T store to get that done……OR….I may just switch to Project Fi (I was signed up and accepted a long time ago, but, $$ prevented me from buying a phone that would work). Project Fi is now open to everyone.
This is what I have requested from Google Store: A Pixel XL, Quite Black, 128 Gig, Insurance, and Project Fi capability. The 128 Gig is out of stock, so I will have to wait X amount of time to get it. No problem as I am still paying for the Note 4 until December.
Basic Pixel Specs (go here for full Info)
Here are the basic specs of the two Pixel phones (the XL is bigger):
Operating System: Android Nougat 7.1
Display: 5.0 or 5.5 inch AMOLED, Gorilla glass 4
Cameras: 12.3 MP rear, 8 MP front facing
Processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821, 2.15 Ghz+ 1.6 Ghz Quad-Core
Memory & Storage: 4 Gig RAM, Internal: 32 Gig or 128 Gig (I want the 128 Gig but it is out of stock)
Colors: Very Silver, Quite Black, and Really Blue (see top photo)
Battery: Pixel: 2,770 mAh, Pixel XL: 3,450 mAh
Wireless: WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2×2 MIMO dual-band (2.4 Ghz, 5.0 Ghz), Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, GPS and GLONASS, Digital compass.
Networks: All four major carriers supported (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile)
Ports: USB-C, Nano SIM slot, 3.5 mm audio jack (take THAT Apple!), USB 3.0 data transfer.
Material: Anodized aluminum and Gorilla glass 4
In the Box:
Pixel or Pixel XL
USB-C 18W adapter with USB-PD
USB-C to USB-C cable
USB-C to USB Standard-A plug cable
SIM tool
OTG Dongle
Safety and Warranty information
Quick start guide
Google Play Music promo card
Google Assistant card
Google Social promo card
Financing: Google Store has a 24 month payment plan. So, with the options I want, it looks like I will be paying $36 to $40 per month. We can handle that….I think. The boss will let me know. 🙂
Extras: Google Store has several different kinds of cases, chargers for your car, wall chargers, USB-C cables, etc. etc. for your new Pixel phone.
Conclusion:
The Google Pixel XL will be my next phone. I will see how well it really works and blog about that here.
TechyMike: Technology Made Easy 