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On October 4th Google introduced two new smartphones: the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. These phones pack the latest 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and large displays, along with the impressive AI systems that make these devices stand out from many of their peers.
You have to be a real phone aficionado to remember the Nexus One – Google’s first smartphone (codeveloped with HTC) – which debuted in 2010. In 2017 terms the One’s specs are almost laughable, with its single-core processor, half gigabyte of RAM, 5MP rear camera and whopping 3.7″ display. The Nexus One actually had two different displays. It initially shipped with a PenTile AMOLED display but later switched to a Super LCD that promised better power efficiency and color accuracy (though saturation and deep blacks got worse as a result). It also had a trackball reminiscent of Blackberry phones of that era.
The phone launched with Android 2.1 (Eclair) preinstalled and supported voice-guided navigation and voice-to-text transcription. Not long after the One got upgraded to Android 2.2 (Froyo), which added support for Adobe Flash (which was short-lived), a new home screen and Wi-Fi tethering. The final update the Nexus One received was to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), as its hardware couldn’t keep up with subsequent versions.
Were you one of the lucky few who owned a Google Nexus One? Let us know in the comments.
View our Google Pixel 2 launch coverage
Product mockup by Zach Vega.
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