There's no doubt that if you want the Pixel or the Pixel XL, you'll definitely be paying a premium for having access to Google's latest experience. The question you're probably asking right now is – should you buy either?

Google Assistant is fantastic Excellent camera with HDR+ and ES Lighting fast experience Above average battery life Above average speaker performance Great display Pixel Launcher is one of the best interfaces

Generic; understated design Easily chipped and dented Lack of OIS can affect videos High price tag

It's been 5 months since I started using a Google Pixel XL and, like no other phone before it, I can't imagine switching to any other device. While it's quite possible the newest wave of smartphones from brands like Samsung and LG will out-style and out-display the Pixel with their newest devices...

Best smartphone camera on the market; Google's software and hardware; Seamless updates without need for tapping; Swift; responsive UI that does not slow down; months later; Strong; flat; standard industrial design

Could benefit from wireless charging; Front-facing speakers would be best; Availability should've been solid from the start; Android File Transfer should work or be replaced

There is no such thing as a perfect smartphone. I know because I've been trying to find one for longer than I care to remember. There's also no such thing as being 100% happy with the phone you have. At least this is true for me.

Very fast; Great camera; Long battery life; 2 years of OS updates; 3 years of security updates

Expensive; Not water resistant/water proof; No stereo speakers

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

There's a lot to like here. Google is making a second attempt at a first impression. For folks most concerned about software performance, we think they'll be very pleased with what they get. Seriously. The Pixel XL is a screamer when paging around the UI.

Phenomenal UI Performance; Eye Catching Rear Design; Excellent Camera Auto Software; Best in Class Voice Assistant; Very Good Battery Life and Recharging Speeds

Pricier than the Nexus it replaces; Poor Camera Lens Quality; Camera software ignores more experienced users; Poor Headphone Quality

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

Without a doubt, the Pixel XL and its little brother, the Pixel, are both very good smartphones in our opinion. Although the change of name from Nexus to Pixel implies dramatic changes to the smartphone, the reality is that Pixel phones hardly differ from the previous Nexus smartphones.

Brilliant display; Rapid performance; Top camera; No bloatware

Very high Price; No headphones included; Only IP53 certified

Google's Pixel XL is the best Android phone you can buy, hands down.

Pure Android is perfection; Automatic updates to the latest software; 24/7 customer support; Fantastic camera; Premium design

More expensive than previous Nexus phones; Not waterproof

Many have questioned Google's reasoning for taking the direction it has with the Pixel XL. Last year's Nexus 6P was a great phone at a great price. The Pixel line isn't about value, however; the focus here is on sheer quality.

Stunning; fast camera; The best version of Android yet; Impressive stamina; Bright display; Google Assistant is better than Siri

No water-resistance; Not very durable; Pretty pricey

The Pixel XL is a bit of a puzzle. A ￡719 puzzle that I'm not sure I've managed to solve after a week of using one. Right now, though, the OnePlus 3 is still the best value Android phone - it's half the price of the XL, but matches it for build quality and a near-stock version of Android.

Fast camera that takes quality snaps; As slick and streamlined as Android gets

Only average battery life; Marmite school of design; No standout features