Google Pixel: A Complete History (2016-2023)

Pixel is the phone by Google... but there's more to Google and phones than you might think. This is the story of the Google Pixel series -- how the Google phones we have today came to be, and how it's taken the past seven generations of development to really figure out what a Google phone should be -- with a fair few missteps and false starts along the way. Over six years we've gone from Pixel being defined by stock Android and a great camera -- to one built around semi-magical AI-powered features.

In this video, Alex takes a look at how #TeamPixel's fortunes have transformed over time, from Pixel 1 all the way through to #Pixel7Pro and also look at some of the unseen Pixels that didn't make the cut.

00:00 Intro
01:03 The Nexus Era (2009-2015)
03:35 Pixel, Phone by Google (2016)
06:59 Growing Pains (2017, Pixel 2)
12:16 AI In Your Pocket (2018, Pixel 3)
17:17 One Step 4wards... (2019, Pixel 4)
21:17 Simple Phones, Complicated Times (2020, Pixel 5/4a/5a)
25:02 Peak Pixel (2021-2022, Pixel 6-7)

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[zacharylee]

This "longer form content" style of video was just what I was hoping to find to catch me up on the history of the Pixel Series. I've just gotten a Pixel 2 XL as a backup/spare second line and despite being stuck with android 11 and security updates no longer provided I think it's a great looking phone that feels slick paired up with Google's original Android software. Definitely considering upgrading my main line to a more current model. Thanks for the info!

[GaryCimsRN]

I like the long format for the historical video like this. If you're just reviewing, a device under 15 minutes is good. You can do another 10 or 15 specifically on cameras if you want to go deeper. production on the videos have always been good. I've been following the Android Central crew since inception coming off of crackberry with Phil Nickinson and Jerry Hildebrand. Keep it going brother.

[ProudiPhoneOwner]

Just got my first Pixel device ever, a Pixel 6a. This was a really cool historical view of how my Pixel 6a came to be. Back from its Nexus roots :)

[HunzaTech]

Went to a Pixel 2 from a OnePlus 3T and I've been using Pixels exclusively ever since! Hands down the best software experiences for me and I'm not interested in any other phones. Pixel 2 to Pixel 4 to 6 Pro and now 7 Pro. The Pixel 2 was practically flawless for me and now that's how the 7 Pro feels, flawless. Great video, thanks for the Pixel history!

[ae]

I absolutely LOVED the Nexus One, Nexus 6, Pixel 3, and Pixel 5. I kinda liked the Pixel 3a XL and the PIxel 4 XL. I tried to give the Galaxy Nexus a chance, but I just couldn't fall in love with it. I have a Pixel 6 Pro and I'm gonna switch to the 7 Pro mainly because of the modem update.

I thoroughly enjoyed this long form video. It definitely works with historical topics. You should do more of these.

[ManosMe]

I’m a huge Pixel fan and I’ve been upgrading yearly. My experience with them is very different than what is been described here. The Pixel 2 XL was incredible with no screen issues for me and the 4 XL had a pretty good SOT with around 5 hours. Most reviewers compare the battery life of a device, instead of just reporting it and if there is a device with better SOT, then they ditch each device! Not fair… after all how often does one use their phone more than 5 hours a day?! On vacation, maybe?

[thecoryguy]

I loved my Nexus 7. Was so open ended for testing ROMS, rooted apps, etc... I'm not a developer, but really enjoyed tinkering and trying to optimize kernals and performance. You could root your Google device very easily and have fun with it.

[raizo]

That white Pixel 7/7 pro just screams "class" Just beautiful! This is what reasonable growth looks like. Well done Google, I am without a doubt sticking with Pixels for the foreseeable future.

[Man_of_Oil]

My experience with Google products began with my Nexus 7 as a young lad lol. When I got my first smartphone I switched to iOS but man I loved that thing. Fast forward to 2021 and when I was looking to finally upgrade my smartphone, I was just gonna get the new iPhone until I saw what Google was cooking up with the 6. I got a really good price on it and I have no regrets. This year I traded it in for the 7 Pro and I'm absolutely loving the experience. It feels good to be back on Android!

[shahrukhmasoodhashmi]

You make this long video worth watching Alex kudos to you..

[acegerodias]

my first pixel phone was the Pixel 2, and now am rocking the Pixel 5. Still enjoying using the phone.

[olumideaanu]

I really do not think any of the pixels phones was a failure. This is just their 7th generation, compared to other manufacturers that have over 10 years to improve their phone.

[michaeljacobdy]

Retired my s9+ for 5 years...
And now watching on my first ever Google phone, the Pixel 7.

[raizo]

Wow, detailed, informative and impressive! good work was definitely put in this presentation, well done Alex!

Google Pixel has come a long way. Definitely my favorite phone brand especially for the HTC similarities in terms of software design. I love their phone-design language, price-performance ratio, camera performance, and overall feel of the phone, no other android brand gives me this "feel".

Pixel is my go-to brand whenever I think Android.
Keep it coming Google!

[thandiwewoodard]

Yes. The long form informational videos are great. This was great!

[katinasoutherland]

I just want to say Thank you so very much for making this I cannot tell you how much I truly enjoyed it!!

[DarthProlif]

My Pixel 7 Pro which arrived the Monday after its release is my first pixel phone. And the things that it does just blows me away. Ive had nothing but smartphones throughout the 2010s, but this is the very first smart phone that truly feels smart. A TRUE smart phone.

[lancergt]

20:50 to be honest while the Pixel 4 got a boring design it had the most inspired paint-jobs with that two-tone between the frame and back panel, I wish theres another phone with that paint job

[nl]

Thanks Alex! Great video! I owned every Pixel and for me the 7 Pro that I have now is the very best! But also the 6a is really good! It's the best compact Pixel in my opinion!👌

[Read_Heat_]

Awesome video, I really enjoyed watching this mini-documentary. Just wanted to point out that the G1 wasn't made to go after apple and their iphone, but against windows mobile. They started to work on the G1 before the iphone was announced. (there is currently a thread on twitter about one of the founder of android talking about that)