More than just another Nexus, the Pixel has what it takes to compete with other high-priced premium phones.

Fantastic camera; Super fast and responsive; Unlimited online photo and video backup

Not waterproof; Very expensive; No stereo speakers

You'd be forgiven if you were a little suspicious of Google's resolve in the smartphone game. This is, after all, the company that's used a revolving door to partner with every major player/competitor except Apple for each generation of device.

Uses new Android Nougat, Google's latest OS; usable both on Verizon and Google's Project Fi; solid construction

Price is as high as the competition's; camera functionality could be better

If you're going to switch to a Pixel phone, the Pixel XL with Google Assistant is worth the extra money

Brilliant battery life; excellent Google Assistant and lightweight

Hardware feels cheaper than it is

The Google Pixel is a very good smartphone, but it's also very expensive. It starts at ￡719 for the 32GB Pixel and runs up to ￡819 for the 128GB Pixel XL. Those are iPhone 7 and 7 Plus prices for a phone whose predecessors from the Nexus range were best known for their unbeatable bang-for-buck.

Editors' Note: This review focuses on the Pixel XL. Read our Pixel review for a more in-depth look at Google's 5-inch phone. After watching other manufacturers attempt to deliver a pure Android experience with the Nexus for years, Google has taken total control with the Pixel.

Fantastic camera; stunning image stabilization; Superb Google Assistant; Great performance; Strong battery life; Built-in support and unlimited storage in Google Photos

Disappointing design; OK audio; No microSD card slot

A strong statement of intent and a gazillion leaks later, they are finally here - the Pixel and Pixel XL are the first Google-branded smartphones. As evident from the launch event in San Francisco on Tuesday, Google is positioning the Pixel smartphones against Apple's iPhone, at the premium-end of...

On first impressions, weecan't help but feel that the Pixel is a bit of a wasted opportunity. The handset has a largely boring design, doesn't offer much in the way of innovation and is expensive compared with previous Nexus smartphones.