The Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones released this weeks offer some pretty robust features when it comes to the camera and video recording. It offers UHD 4k at 30fps and keeping up with the Google Nexus 6p of last year it retains the slow motion mode that made it competitive with the iPhone 6s and 7. However there are no further improvements when it comes to frame rates above 240fps. It is however a much better phone with faster CPU and GPU which should help with all imaging tasks.
The new Pixel Phones are by any measure the flagship Android phone for those seeking Google update support and a more pure Stock Android OS experience. You get the benefit of no bloatware, No Android skinning and up to date updates that made the Nexus line of phones so desirable to users of the platform.
Google Pixel and Pixel XL Camera Specs:
| Primary | 12 MP, f/2.0, phase detection & laser autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash |
| Back Camera Sensor | 1/2.3″ sensor size, 1.55µm pixel size. |
| Video Recording | 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@240fps |
| Front Camera | 8 MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2″ sensor size, 1.4 µm pixel size, 1080p |
As you can see the Google Pixel is very competitive and the Camera testing site DXO gives the Pixel and Pixel XL a rating of 89 points which is according to them the highest score of any phone tested to date. See the DXO Pixel review here! These phones did not get the highest score in every test but in all around they scored the highest. The Galaxy S7 camera is still better handling shadow detail for instance. Still this is a huge step for Google which always has a good enough camera for the Nexus phones but not a best in class. The Pixel is geared to change all that.
Slow motion:
The Slow motion modes are tied with the Google Nexus 6p and Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 7. It is good to see 1080p 120fps which is absent from Samsung offerings.
- 1080p – 60/120fps
- 720p – 240fps
Google Pixel phone hands-on by Android Police:
The phones also offer video image stabilization in software which is not the best out there. Optical Image stabilization is more desirable as it does not warp the image and loose pixels in the process. Still these phones should perform well when it comes to video recording with the stabilization turned on.
Unlimited Video and Photo Storage:
Both the Pixel and Pixel XL phones will be offered with unlimited storage at full resolution without conversion of your pictures and videos taken with the phone. The phones will also delete already backed up images and or videos when space on the device is reaching capacity so you can endlessly shoot without worrying about device storage. This is a feature that should not be taken for granted and a major plus for this phone.
Pricing and availability:
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones will only be available in the USA with Verizon as an exclusive carrier; both are sporting Android 7.1 Nougat which is the latest release of the OS.
Google Pixel 5 Inch – 32GB $649 USD $128GB $749 USD
Google Pixel XL 5.5 Inch – 32GB $769 USD $128GB $869 USD
Both phones can be purchased unlocked at those prices. Google Pixel Store here!
Both Phones should start shipping by the end of October 2016, in time for the Holidays!
Google Pixel full specs and comparisons at the Google Pixel page here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rykmwn0SMWU
We will have slow motion samples of the Pixel Phones as they become available. -HSC
Google brought 1080p@120fps video recording to Android very early.
Sony brought it with their premium compact/bridge RX100/10 series.
But I wonder, why the Nexus 6p and GooglePixel lack two essential smartphone features, that the Nexus 6 actually has: water-protection and an optically stabiliƶed camera lens.
And I wonder, why the HFR (2160p@60fps) camcorder HC- X1000e lacks slow motion video recording.
About the Galaxy S7/S7h: the following Quora questions might be interesting:
http://www.quora.com/Why-is-the-S7-unable-to-record-2160p-60fps-and-1080p-120fps
http://www.quora.com/How-does-the-iPhone-6s-manage-to-record-1080p-at-120-frames-per-second-Why-is-the-S7-and-even-Note-7-unable-to-do-that
Thanks for sharing, the Pixel does show a product that is capable but with lost of room for improvement in design and weather sealing. The HC- X1000 does have 120fps at 1080p recording as it’s maximum spec using variable frame rate mode. 60fps at 4k.