When Google set out to develop and market its first Phone by Google branded device - not co-branded with a partner - and spiritual successors to its legacy Nexus brand, the company drew a line in the sand.

Had a HTC 10 but drowned it. The Pixel XL so far is great. The finger print scanner on the back works extremely well. The camera and video quality the best yet, with the quick launch of either by long pressing the camera app is a great feature.

The Pixel XL features 2016's top-of-the-line specs and is a fine vessel for Android Oreo. This VR-capable phone has a suitably fast processor, even by 2018 standards, and a superb camera, all sandwiched into a funky design.

One of the best phone cameras around; Streamlined Android software; Google Assistant is promising

More expensive than a Nexus phone; Peculiar design and no always-on screen; No stereo speakers or waterproofing

Google pulled the covers off its newest smartphone creations earlier this month - the Pixel and the Pixel XL . The new devices mark a departure from the Nexus line that has served the company well for so long, bringing high-end specs and prices to match.

The Google Pixel XL is a very good phone. It's camera is great, it's snappy, has the latest version of Android and will get updates first, it's powerful and lasts over a day between charges. Despite its size it's also relatively easy to use one-handed and it's well made.

Android 7.1 Nougat; rapid updates; great camera; great screen; more than a day's battery life; Google Assistant; great fingerprint scanner

not waterproof; no expandable memory; no front-facing speakers; no wireless charging; expensive; not as easy to handle as some rivals

The Pixel XL beats out all comers in the 5.5″ or larger smartphone category, but at a high price tag. Buy it if you want the best Android smartphone in creation. For those looking for a budget model, try the OnePlus 3 $170 Nextbit Robin.

Fast camera that takes quality snaps; As slick and streamlined as Android gets;

Only average battery life; Marmite school of design; No standout features;

The Google Pixel is a fantastic phone with a brilliant camera, but increasing competition means its days may be numbered

The Google Pixel XL is an acceptable piece of hardware buoyed by superb software and excellent performance. It's hard to call it the best overall Android smartphone when it lacks waterproofing, removable storage, and OIS, even though it definitely runs like the best Android smartphone, with a clean...

Great software; Excellent performance; Camera produces stunning pics in many shooting situations; Ships with useful adapters

Not waterproof; No expandable storage; Camera's low-light performance disappointing

The new Google Pixel phone and its supersized cousin, the Google Pixel XL, represent a paradigm shift in the smartphone world. Although this isn't the first time the search giant has sold smartphones under its own name, it's the first time it has marketed them under the Pixel brand.