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Google Pixel & Pixel XL Q&A: Your questions answered

By Peter K.

Updated: Oct 27, 2016, 3:33 AM

9comments

Google Pixel & Pixel XL Q&A: Your questions answered

A few days ago we gave you the chance to ask us whatever you wished to know about Google's new crop of smartphones – the Google Pixel and the Google Pixel XL. After our Pixel XL review went up, we are mostly sure that no matter how detailed this one is, we were certain that many of you might have a hefty amount of more obscure questions that could have remained unanswered.

This is where we usually give you the mic and let you ask us anything you wish to know. Here follow some of your questions and our answers to these. Buckle up and let's go!

pongkie: "Will there be a dual sim for other regions?"

PA: No information about a dual-SIM variant has popped up. We are pretty skeptical that there will be such a variant at all.

Nebula: "If you were to have only one phone for the whole year to choose would it be google pixel?"

PA: Although it varies from person to person and is generally a pretty subjective thing to say, we see no reason why the Google Pixel or PIxel XL won't serve you well for a year given that they are among the better, if not the very best Android devices money can buy you right now.

drew4392: "Is there a quick launch feature for the camera? Does it load quickly?"

PA: Yes, you can quick-launch the camera by double-tapping the phone's power button at any time. The app comes up near-instantaneously.

Babadook: Does the fingerprint scanner turn the display on even if you don't have a security lock on the phone (no pattern, no number code, etc)?

PA: No. If you're not using a lock screen, the scanner won't wake up the phone. You CAN still swipe down on it to access notifications, though.

ChanchoVIvi: Is the difference between the Pixel and Pixel XL screens noticeable in terms of resolution? Should I decide between them considering this, or isn't important?

PA: Given that display size and pixel density are among the few ways in which the two phones differentiate, you definitely need to pick wisely. Indeed, the 5.5" Quad HD display of the Pixel XL is a bit sharper than the 5.0" Full HD one on the Pixel, but we wouldn't call that a deal-breaker. For all intents and purposes, the Pixel is sharp enough and you should consider it if you prefer smaller devices. Otherwise, go for the Pixel XL.

talon95: "Can fingerprint sensor be used for web scrolling?"

PA: No, but that's an awesome idea. We imagine it's not implemented because the phone would get confused if a down-swipe meant "scroll down" or "pull down the notification shade".

talon95: "Do even photo sphere images make use of HDR+?"

PA: The camera software gives no indication that HDR+ is being used when assembling a Photo Sphere.

jellmoo: "Do you feel that the price hike is warranted? Does the Pixel offer anything truly appreciable over last year's Nexus 6p to warrant a $150/$270 price premium over the 6P?"

PA: We are in no position to criticize Google's pricing strategy. As far as whether the new functionalities and features of the Pixel XL warrant the higher price tag over last year's Nexus phones, it's up to the individual to decide. If you feel that you're going to use that fancy-schmancy Google Assistant on a daily basis, if you want to have a marvelous camera at the back, as well as unlimited cloud storage for pictures and video, then we'd advise investing your hard-earned cash in a Pixel, or better yet, a Pixel XL. Admittedly, there are devices that will serve you just as fine without breaking the piggy bank, but you certainly need to consider Big G's new devices if you are looking to buy a top-end Android device in the not-so-distant future.

drew4392: "Is there a slow-motion mode for video recording? If so, is it on par with the iPhone?"

PA: There's is slo-mo video recording. Apart from shooting 4K@30 frames per second, the Pixel and Pixel XL also support 1080p video-recording at 30, 60, and 120fps, as well as 240fps slo-mo at 720p.

Bankz: "In a nutshell. Is the pixel the best android phone out right now considering everything?"

PA: The Pixel and the Pixel XL are definitely among the very best Android phones you can get right now. Nonetheless, there are Android devices that provide a better bang for the buck, all things considered.

Bankz: "Do the Pixels have ambient displays?"

PA: There's no persistent ambient mode, but you can configure the phone for the screen to wake when new notifications arrive.

poptart574: "Can I run kodi and mobdro on it? Can I download movies from the web straight to the phone without a computer? Can I download music from the web without a computer? Can I connect and share with other phones or is the OS a bubble that only connects to the same OS only? Every Sunday I want to stream live sporting events from hundreds of sources on the web. Can I do that on this phone? Can I charge my phone and listen to music at the same time with a portable battery bank and great sounding headphones? Maybe watch Netflix using headphones and charging at the same time? Can I quick charge out of the box? Can I arrange my icons on the home page any way I like or even change the look of said icons to something more to my liking? Maybe dress up the phone to a Christmas theme around the holidays or install a cool Halloween theme with custom Halloween icons and homescreen? Any good live wallpapers offered to personalize your phone to your liking? Can I change my ringtone to any type of sound of my choosing rather than the limited selection pre-installed on the phone? What about message or alarm ringtones?"

PA: By golly, yes, you can do all that on the Pixel and Pixel XL! Actually, you can do almost all of that on any contemporary Android device, provided that you know your way around.

AhmoZ: "1. What are these three dots/holes/sensors in the back... Next to the camera? 2. What Gorilla Glass version is used in the back?"

PA: Two of the "dots" you mention are actually the transmitter and receiver for the laser autofocus system. The other one is a microphone.