10 years ago today, Google launched the first Pixel smartphone and, at the time, teased it by saying we’d still be talking about it years later. And, yeah, we still are, and this is a Google project that shows no signs of slowing down.
Google has a bit of a reputation for churning through projects. If something isn’t a hit, it either gets canned or converted into something else. And that’s what many assumed would happen to Pixel, especially during the lean years in the middle of the series. While Pixel hit the ground running with great first impressions, missteps on the Pixel 2 XL’s display, the Pixel 3 XL’s funky bathtub notch, and the Pixel 4 series just, as a whole, left room for plenty of doubt.
Prior to the first Pixel’s launch, Google’s at-the-time head of Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer, said that we’d still “be talking about October 4, 2016.” And, 10 years later, he wasn’t wrong.
Google has stuck to its guns around Pixel, and perhaps expanded the project more than anyone might have thought. Investments like a mid-range lineup, Tensor chips, and a whole ecosystem of accessories weren’t really in the thought process a decade ago. Yet, here we are.
We’ve revisited several of Google’s Pixel devices this week and asked our readers what they think the best Pixel of all time is. So far, Pixel 10 Pro XL is winning that poll.
Drop a comment below and let’s talk. What was your first Pixel? Will you keep buying Google’s phones? What do you think should come next?
Google this week ended its drought in regards to flagship AI models with the launch of Gemini 4 Argon. The new model is rolling out gradually and makes big promises in terms of what it upgrades.
Right on schedule, Google has pulled the plug on Assistant for Android, going all-in on Gemini as a replacement.
After some hiccups, Samsung is more widely rolling out Android 17 and One UI 9 to a host of Galaxy devices. The rollout has gone with for Galaxy S26 with more devices not too far behind.
In case you didn’t know, one of our fellow Android sites, Android Central, effectively shut down earlier this week. The long-running publication’s existing staffers were laid off and the future of the site is unclear at this point. Shruti, Derrek, Harish, Namarah, and Nick were all talented journalists and we wish them all the best in these dark times of the tech news industry.
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