10 things you need to know about Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Sometimes it's not just about the hardware

Google is a software and services company through and through despite its new focus on hardware. So it's only fitting that we shift our gaze from the specs sheet and look instead at what really makes the handsets tick.

Ahead of our full review, here's a list of 10 key things that we feel make Google Pixel phones stand out from the crowd.

Android 7.1 Nougat
The Pixel ships with an incremental upgrade to Android 7.0 Nougat. This 7.1 build offers a wealth of new functionality like Night Light, a blue light filter for use at night, a Daydream VR mode, and improved notifications that can be opened using a downward swipe on the fingerprint sensor.

Google Assistant
Some of the features found in Android 7.1 Nougat are Pixel-specific, including Google's new Assistant AI and the Pixel Launcher (more on that next).

Assistant builds on the groundwork laid by Google Now to provide Siri-like levels of intelligence. It can be used to find answers, manage everyday tasks, monitor travel plans, and translate languages on the go.

Pixel Launcher
The Pixel Launcher effectively replaces the Pixel's Home screen with a new and intuitive interface.

The design is cleaner than stock Android, and has rounder app icons and a new search box. It also provides an alternative to the App Drawer which is accessed through a simple upward swipe.

10 things you need to know about Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Sometimes it's not just about the hardware

Unlimited storage for photos and videos
The Pixel is available in 32GB and 128GB configurations, but we suspect that even that higher capacity won't be enough for most.

Google hopes to sweeten the deal by offering unlimited photo/video backup to Google Photos. This allows media to be saved in original (highest) quality.

Smart storage
The Pixel and Pixel XL also take advantage of smart storage. When storage is full the system automatically (and intelligently) removes old backed up photos/videos on the device to make extra room.

Electronic image stabilisation
The Pixel and Pixel XL lack optical image stabilisation, but Google has included safeguards to combat shakiness while recording video. The Pixel achieves this by tying the camera to the phone's gyroscope. It's electronic image stabilisation, for want of a better term.

HDR+/Smart burst
Google's 12.3MP snapper uses hardware acceleration to make the HDR+ mode possible. It can combat low light and high dynamic range, and is handily enabled by default.

Smart burst is another camera-specific feature. It works by capturing a burst of shots and using AI to select the most pleasing result.

10 things you need to know about Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Sometimes it's not just about the hardware

First for updates
Just like the Nexus devices that went before, Google's Pixel phones will be the first to receive new OS updates.

These will be downloaded in the background and installed the next time the phone restarts, saving loads of needless prompting.

Quick switch adapter
Pixel uses the new USB Type-C standard for charging and data needs, but Google has included a Quick switch adapter in the box that allows migration of content.

The adapter plugs into the cable from your old phone, and fits Android and iPhone handsets. From there a Switch process will take over and guide you through.

15-minute charge
It remains to be seen just how long the 2,770mAh battery lasts, but the improvements to Android's battery-saving Doze feature will eke things out that little bit longer.

Fast battery charging technology also allows the Pixel to get seven hours of charge from just a 15-minute pit stop.

The Pixel XL battery has a slightly bigger 3,450mAh capacity.