Before the launch of the Google Pixel series, Google had already begun its journey into the world of smartphones. They started with Google Nexus in January 2010 before putting an end to the product line 6 years later. Before then, Google had already acquired Android in 2005 for $50m.
It makes sense for Google to start manufacturing its own smartphone line after collaborating with a lot of Smartphone manufacturers to build theirs.
Since 2016, the Google Pixel series has consistently set the bar high when it comes to Android smartphones. With each new release, they’ve pushed the boundaries of mobile technology, offering a blend of cutting-edge hardware and Google’s signature software prowess.
Let’s take a deep dive into the Google Pixel series’ evolution, exploring its inception before the birth of its Flagship product (Google Pixel 7 Series), launch prices, key specifications, release year, and a quick overview of each smartphone.
1. Google Pixel (2016)
Year Released: 2016
Price at Launch: Starting at $649
The original Google Pixel, released in 2016, marked Google’s foray into the smartphone hardware market. It introduced the world to the pure Android experience, free from bloatware and enhanced by Google’s AI capabilities. With a 5-inch AMOLED display and a 12.3MP camera renowned for its low-light performance, the Pixel set a high standard for smartphone photography.
Google Pixel’s Spec Sheet:
- Display: 5.0-inch AMOLED
- Camera: 12.3MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 32GB or 128GB
- Battery: 2,770mAh
- Operating System: Android 7.1 Nougat (Upgradable to Android 10)
- Price at Launch: Starting at $649
2. Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (2017)
Year Released: 2017
Price at Launch: Starting at $649 (Pixel 2) and $849 (Pixel 2 XL)
The Pixel 2 series refined the Pixel experience. These phones introduced features like Active Edge, which allowed users to squeeze the phone to activate Google Assistant. The camera technology improved further, delivering stunning portrait mode photos with a single lens. The Pixel 2 XL, with its larger display, appealed to those who preferred a more immersive visual experience.
Spec Sheet of Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Display: 5.0-inch AMOLED (Pixel 2) / 6.0-inch pOLED (Pixel 2 XL)
- Camera: 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Battery: 2,700mAh (Pixel 2) / 3,520mAh (Pixel 2 XL)
- Operating System: Android 8.0 Oreo (Upgradable to Android 11)
- Price at Launch: Starting at $649 (Pixel 2) and $849 (Pixel 2 XL)
3. Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (2018)
Year Released: 2018
Price at Launch: Starting at $799 (Pixel 3) and $899 (Pixel 3 XL)
The Pixel 3 series continued Google’s tradition of exceptional smartphone photography. These phones featured dual front cameras for wide-angle selfies and enhanced computational photography capabilities. They also introduced wireless charging and the Pixel Stand, offering a seamless integration of the phone into your daily life.
Spec Sheet of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL:
- Display: 5.5-inch pOLED (Pixel 3) / 6.3-inch pOLED (Pixel 3 XL)
- Camera: 12.2MP rear camera, dual 8MP front cameras
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Battery: 2,915mAh (Pixel 3) / 3,430mAh (Pixel 3 XL)
- Operating System: Android 9 Pie (Upgradable to Android 11)
- Price at Launch: Starting at $799 (Pixel 3) and $899 (Pixel 3 XL)
4. Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (2019)
Year Released: 2019
Price at Launch: Starting at $399 (Pixel 3a) and $479 (Pixel 3a XL)
The Pixel 3a series brought Google’s camera prowess to a more budget-friendly range. These phones retained the same camera technology as their more expensive counterparts, delivering impressive photography at a lower price point. They were well-received for offering a premium Google experience without breaking the bank.
Spec Sheet of Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL
- Display: 5.6-inch gOLED (Pixel 3a) / 6.0-inch gOLED (Pixel 3a XL)
- Camera: 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 670
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery: 3,000mAh (Pixel 3a) / 3,700mAh (Pixel 3a XL)
- Operating System: Android 9 Pie (Upgradable to Android 11)
- Price at Launch: Starting at $399 (Pixel 3a) and $479 (Pixel 3a XL)
5. Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL (2019)
Year Released: 2019
Price at Launch: Starting at $799 (Pixel 4) and $899 (Pixel 4 XL)
The Pixel 4 series continued to innovate in the camera department with features like astrophotography mode for stunning night sky shots. The introduction of Motion Sense, powered by radar technology, allowed for gesture controls. However, some users were left wanting more in terms of battery life.
Spec Sheet of Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
- Display: 5.7-inch AMOLED (Pixel 4) / 6.3-inch AMOLED (Pixel 4 XL)
- Camera: 16MP + 12.2MP rear cameras, 8MP front camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Battery: 2,800mAh (Pixel 4) / 3,700mAh (Pixel 4 XL)
- Operating System: Android 10 (Upgradable to Android 11)
- Price at Launch: Starting at $799 (Pixel 4) and $899 (Pixel 4 XL)
6. Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G (2020)
Year Released: 2020
Price at Launch: Starting at $349 (Pixel 4a) and $499 (Pixel 4a 5G)
The Pixel 4a series addressed the battery concerns of its predecessors while maintaining the same great camera performance. The Pixel 4a 5G brought 5G connectivity to the lineup, catering to users looking for faster network speeds.
Spec Sheet of Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G
- Display: 5.81-inch OLED (Pixel 4a) / 6.2-inch OLED (Pixel 4a 5G)
- Camera: 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G (Pixel 4a) / Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (Pixel 4a 5G)
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 3,140mAh (Pixel 4a) / 3,885mAh (Pixel 4a 5G)
- Operating System: Android 10 (Upgradable to Android 11)
- Price at Launch: Starting at $349 (Pixel 4a) and $499 (Pixel 4a 5G)
7. Google Pixel 5 (2020)
Year Released: 2020
Price at Launch: Starting at $699
The Pixel 5 offered a well-rounded package with a focus on battery life. It featured a 90Hz OLED display and a dual-camera system that continued to impress in photography. With 5G support and a more affordable price compared to previous flagship Pixels, it catered to a broader audience.
Spec Sheet of Google Pixel 5
- Display: 6.0-inch OLED
- Camera: 12.2MP + 16MP rear cameras, 8MP front camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4,080mAh
- Operating System: Android 11
- Price at Launch: Starting at $699
8. Google Pixel 5a
Year Released: 2021
Price at Launch: Starting at $449
The Google Pixel 5a, released in 2021, continued the tradition of offering a compelling mid-range smartphone experience. It featured a similar design to its predecessor, the Pixel 4a, with a focus on affordability and core Google experiences. With features like a reliable camera system, a clean Android interface, and excellent software support, the Pixel 5a catered to users seeking a dependable smartphone without breaking the bank.
Spec Sheet of Google Pixel 5a
- Display: 6.34-inch OLED
- Camera: 12.2MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4,680mAh
- Operating System: Android 11 (Upgradable to Android 12)
- Price at Launch: Starting at $449
The Google Pixel 5a, with its balance of affordability and essential features, joined the Pixel family, expanding Google’s offerings to cater to a broader range of users. It continued the legacy of dependable Android smartphones with a focus on delivering the core Google experience.
9. Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (2021)
Year Released: 2021
Price at Launch: Starting at $699 (Pixel 6) and $899 (Pixel 6 Pro)
The Google Pixel 6 series marked a significant step forward in Google’s smartphone evolution. These phones introduced Google’s custom-designed Tensor SoC (System on a Chip), focusing on AI and machine learning capabilities.
The camera system continued to impress, offering stunning photography and improved computational photography features. With a fresh design and the promise of Android updates for years to come, the Pixel 6 series cemented Google’s position as a leader in the Android smartphone market.
Spec Sheet (Pixel 6)
- Display: 6.4-inch AMOLED
- Camera: 50MP + 12MP rear cameras, 8MP front camera
- Processor: Google Tensor SoC
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Battery: 4,614mAh
- Operating System: Android 12
- Price at Launch: Starting at $699
Spec Sheet (Pixel 6 Pro)
- Display: 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED
- Camera: 50MP + 12MP + 48MP rear cameras, 12MP front camera
- Processor: Google Tensor SoC
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
- Battery: 5,003mAh
- Operating System: Android 12
- Price at Launch: Starting at $899
10. Google Pixel 6a
Year Released: 2022
Price at Launch: Starting at $449
The Google Pixel 6a, introduced in 2022, upholds Google’s tradition of delivering exceptional mid-range smartphones. With a focus on affordability and core Google experiences, the Pixel 6a offers a reliable camera, a clean Android interface, and solid software support.
Spec Sheet of Pixel 6a
- Display: 6.1-inch Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Camera: 12.2 MP + 12MP rear cameras, 8 MP front camera
- Processor: Google Tensor (5 nm)
- RAM: 6GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB, No card slot
- Battery: Li-Po 4410 mAh
- Operating System: Android 12, upgradable to Android 13s
- Price at Launch: $449
The Google Pixel 6a continues Google’s legacy of providing an accessible yet feature-rich smartphone option for users who value the Google ecosystem and an exceptional mid-range Android experience.
Google Pixel Series – A Subtle Road to Flagships
As the Google Pixel series evolved over the years, it maintained its commitment to delivering a clean Android experience, exceptional photography, and meaningful innovations. With each release, Google sought to strike a balance between premium features and affordability, making its devices accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a fan of clean Android, or simply in search of a reliable smartphone, the Google Pixel series has something to offer.
Fun fact, Google Pixel 7 Pro’s camera is currently the best smartphone camera in the world, defeating both iPhone and Samsung’s flagship phones (as at the time of writing this in 2023) and this proves that Google is refining the Pixel series, years over years.
