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Google·Flagship · Released Oct 2016

Pixel (1st gen, 2016)

2016 first Google-branded phone.

86/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$649
Color · Quite Black
Display
5.0" FHD AMOLED
Chipset
Snapdragon 821
RAM
4 GB
Battery
2,770 mAh
Quick answer

The Pixel (1st gen, 2016) 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 capable main camera and a 2,770 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 86/100 — Google Pixel (2016). Standout strengths: dxo 89 best phone cam of 2016. and first google-branded phone. Main trade-off: no ip rating.

AI Snapshot

Google Pixel (2016).

Google's 2016 first Pixel set the camera benchmark with DxO 89 + unlimited Photos — launched the Pixel line.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display86
Performance86
Camera90
Battery78
Software92
  • DxO 89 best phone cam of 2016.
  • First Google-branded phone.
  • Unlimited original-quality photo storage.
  • Stock Android first-day updates.

Full specifications

Type
AMOLED
Size
5.0"
Resolution
1080 x 1920
Main
12.3 MP f/2.0 DxO 89
Front
8 MP

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v6
Δ class avg -91.5%
This
138,000
Class avg
1,620,000

How the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) compares

Pixel (1st gen, 2016)Galaxy S25 UltraPixel 8 Pro
SpecEagle score868986
ChipsetSnapdragon 821SD 8 EliteGoogle Tensor G3
Display5.0" FHD AMOLED6.9" LTPO AMOLED6.7" LTPO OLED
Main camera—200 MP · f/1.750 MP · f/1.68
Battery2,770 mAh5,000 mAh5,050 mAh
Launch price$649$1,299$999

Frequently asked questions

When was the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) released?

The Pixel (1st gen, 2016) was released in Oct 2016.

How much does the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) cost?

The Pixel (1st gen, 2016) 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, 2016) screen size and type?

The Pixel (1st gen, 2016) has a 5.0" FHD AMOLED display.

What chipset does the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) use?

The Pixel (1st gen, 2016) is powered by the Snapdragon 821 chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) have?

The Pixel (1st gen, 2016) ships with 4 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) battery capacity?

The Pixel (1st gen, 2016) has a 2,770 mAh battery.

What colours does the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) come in?

The Pixel (1st gen, 2016) is available in 3 colours: Quite Black, Very Silver, Really Blue.

Is the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) worth buying?

Google's 2016 first Pixel set the camera benchmark with DxO 89 + unlimited Photos — launched the Pixel line. SpecEagle gives the Pixel (1st gen, 2016) an editorial score of 86/100.

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