Google Pixel vs. iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7
Google's Pixel phone is finally here -- but does it have what it takes to compete against Apple and Samsung's flagships?
At a San Francisco press event today, Google finally announced its highly anticipated phone, Pixel. Equipped with a 5-inch display and a 12.3-megapixel camera, the device is also notable for being one of the first phones (next to its bigger counterpart, the Pixel XL) to come with Google's Assistant software.
Assistant is a voice-controlled AI platform that uses Google's vast search database to answer (in a conversational way) several kinds of questions you throw its way. For example, you can type, "Cafes nearby?" and it will find popular coffee shops in your area. You can ask it to translate phrases in different languages, show your latest emails, look up airfare prices, and other common queries.
In terms of hardware, the device offers comparable specs to rivals. Unlike the Apple iPhone 7, the Pixel retains its 3.5mm headphone jack and has a bigger, sharper display. Compared to Samsung's Galaxy S7, it has a smaller battery but a slightly more advanced processor. For more information, check out our comparison chart below. And be sure to read more of CNET's coverage of Google's event here.
Google Pixel comparison chart
| Google Pixel | Apple iPhone 7 | Samsung Galaxy S7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, resolution | 5-inch; 1,920x1,080 pixels | 4.7-inch; 1,334x750 pixels | 5.1-inch; 2,560x1,440 pixels |
| Pixel density | 441 ppi | 326 ppi | 576 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.66x2.74x0.34 (at its thickest) | 5.44x2.64x0.28 inches | 5.6x2.7x0.3 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 143.84x69.54x8.58 (at its thickest) | 138.3x67.1x7.1 mm | 142.4x69.6x7.9 mm |
| Weight (ounces, grams) | 5.04 oz; 143 g | 4.87 oz; 138 g | 5.4 oz; 152 g |
| Mobile software | Android 7.1 Nougat | iOS 10 | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Camera | 12.3-megapixel | 12-megapixel (wide) | 12-megapixel |
| Front-facing camera | 8-megapixel | 7-megapixel | 5-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Processor | 2.15GHz + 1.6GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 | A10 chip (64-bit) | 2.15GHz + 1.6GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapgradon 820 |
| Storage | 32GB, 128GB | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB | 32GB, 64GB (varies by region) |
| RAM | 4GB | TBD | 4GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | Up to 200GB |
| Battery | 2,770mAh | 14 hour talk time on 3G, 10 days standby, 12 hours internet use on LTE | 3,000mAh (nonremovable) |
| Fingerprint sensor | Back cover | Home button | Home button |
| Connector | USB-C | Lightning | Micro-USB |
| Special features | Google Assistant built-in; unlimited cloud storage; Daydream VR ready | Water-resistant; taptic Home button | Water-resistant; wireless charging |
| Price off-contract (USD) | $649 (32GB); $749 (128GB) | $649 (32GB); $749 (128GB); $849 (256GB) | AT&T: $695; Verizon: $672; T-Mobile: $670; Sprint: $650; U.S. Cellular: $672 |
| Price (GBP) | Pixel: 32GB: £599 128GB: £699, Pixel XL: 32GB: £719 128GB: £819 | £599 (32GB); £699 (128GB); £799 (256GB) | £569 |
| Price (AUD) | TBD | AU$1,079 (32GB); AU$1,229 (128GB); AU$1,379 (256GB) | AU$1,149 |