Phone42.com
HTC

HTC Google Pixel (2016)

Android OS v7.1 (Nougat)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro
Adreno 530
4 GB / 32 GB
5 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus

The manufacturer offers this phone with a 5 inch AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro chipset, and 4 GB of RAM.

Discover its hidden sides, both good and bad!

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the HTC Google Pixel smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.

HTC Google Pixel / 1

HTC Google Pixel specifications

BrandHTC
NameGoogle Pixel
ModelPIXEL
Release date2016

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.04 oz
Dimensions5.66 x 2.74 x 0.34 inch
Colorsblack, blue, silver
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the HTC Google Pixel is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

HTC Google Pixel / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v7.1 (Nougat)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 821 MSM8996 Pro
CPUQuad-core, Dual-core 2.15 GHz Kryo, Dual-core 2 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 530

The HTC Google Pixel comes with Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

HTC Google Pixel / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

The Google Pixel's AMOLED display has deep blacks and vibrant colors. It also has fast response times and features like Always-On Display. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

HTC Google Pixel / 3

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The HTC Google Pixel comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets us keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The Google Pixel has 32 GB. We can expand the internal storage of the Google Pixel (32 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The main camera of Google Pixel smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. The Google Pixel supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. We can use Bluetooth to connect our Google Pixel smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The Google Pixel has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The Google Pixel comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 2770 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 2770 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Google Pixel does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 4

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Google Pixel smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this HTC phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • AMOLED display
  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
Add HTC Google Pixel to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Updated: May 11, 2024

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
Phone42.com / Smartphones / HTC / HTC Google Pixel