Pixel (1st gen)
Google's first in-house phone — best camera of 2016.
The Pixel (1st gen) is a flagship Google smartphone released Oct 2016, with a launch price of $649. It pairs the Snapdragon 821 with a 5.0" FHD AMOLED display, a 12.3 MP, f/2.0 (DxO 89) main camera and a 2770 mAh, 18W battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 78/100 — Where the Pixel camera began. Standout strengths: best smartphone camera of 2016 (dxo 89) and launched google assistant. Main trade-off: small 2770 mah battery.
Where the Pixel camera began.
The first Pixel debuted Google's computational photography — a single 12.3 MP sensor that topped DxOMark in 2016 through software alone. It also launched Google Assistant and free unlimited photo backup, setting the Pixel template for years.
Read the full review- Best smartphone camera of 2016 (DxO 89)
- Launched Google Assistant
- Free unlimited original-quality photo backup
Full specifications
Benchmarks
How the Pixel (1st gen) compares
| Pixel (1st gen) | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Pixel 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpecEagle score | 78 | 89 | 78 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 821 | SD 8 Elite | Google Tensor |
| Display | 5.0" FHD AMOLED | 6.9" LTPO AMOLED | 6.4" OLED 90 Hz |
| Main camera | 12.3 MP, f/2.0 (DxO 89) | 200 MP · f/1.7 | 50 MP · f/1.85 |
| Battery | 2770 mAh, 18W | 5,000 mAh | 4,614 mAh |
| Launch price | $649 | $1,299 | $599 |
Frequently asked questions
When was the Pixel (1st gen) released?
The Pixel (1st gen) was released in Oct 2016.
How much does the Pixel (1st gen) cost?
The Pixel (1st gen) launched at $649 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).
What is the Pixel (1st gen) screen size and type?
The Pixel (1st gen) has a 5.0" FHD AMOLED display.
What chipset does the Pixel (1st gen) use?
The Pixel (1st gen) is powered by the Snapdragon 821 chipset.
How much RAM and storage does the Pixel (1st gen) have?
The Pixel (1st gen) ships with 4 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.
What is the Pixel (1st gen) battery capacity?
The Pixel (1st gen) has a 2770 mAh, 18W battery.
What is the Pixel (1st gen) main camera?
The Pixel (1st gen) has a 12.3 MP, f/2.0 (DxO 89) main camera.
Does the Pixel (1st gen) have a headphone jack?
The Pixel (1st gen) has a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
How much does the Pixel (1st gen) weigh?
The Pixel (1st gen) weighs 143 g.
What colours does the Pixel (1st gen) come in?
The Pixel (1st gen) is available in 3 colours: Quite Black, Very Silver, Really Blue.
Is the Pixel (1st gen) worth buying?
The first Pixel debuted Google's computational photography — a single 12.3 MP sensor that topped DxOMark in 2016 through software alone. It also launched Google Assistant and free unlimited photo backup, setting the Pixel template for years. SpecEagle gives the Pixel (1st gen) an editorial score of 78/100.
Owner opinions
Unfiltered · oldest deleted neverOwner opinions are rolling out — check back soon. Got something to say right now? Send it to the editors.