Verizon is exclusively getting the Pixel and Pixel XL

Google has just unveiled the Pixel and Pixel XL, the two flagship smartphones from the technology giant, at their event in San Fransisco. This time around Google is teaming up with Verizon to be the exclusive carrier of the flagship devices.

The last time Google and Verizon worked directly together was with the Nexus 6. But Google traditionally didn’t just go with a carrier partner for it’s smartphones. They are changing that this year, as both the Pixel and Pixel will be exclusive to Verizon in the United States.

Pixel and Pixel XL are essentially identical devices, except for their size. Think of it as Google’s direct competitors for Apple’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Both are running a clean version of Android 7.1 Nougat and are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Processor with 4GB of RAM.

A 5.0-inch Full HD display with 441 pixels-per-inch is on the Pixel, while the Pixel XL gets a 5.5-inch WQHD display with 534 pixels-per-inch. Along with different screens, the battery sizes are unique to each model. The Pixel gets a 2770mAh, and a 3450mAh is inside the Pixel XL. Google has opted for USB-C ports in both devices and offers quick charging.

A 12.3-megapixel camera with flash is on the back of both devices, along with an 8-megapixel camera for video calling and taking selfies is on the front. Google’s Smartburst feature will let you capture the perfect action shot. Photos and videos will automatically be backed up in full resolution to Google Photos.

Google has three colors for customers to choose from– Quite Black, Very Silver, and Really Blue. I have to say that they did beat Apple to the market with a blue smartphone and it looks pretty nice. The 32GB models of both the Pixel and Pixel XL will only come in Quite Black, while the 128GB variants will come in all three colors.

Regarding accessories, Google is still making live cases. For the Pixel and Pixel XL, customers can get a Google Trends or Google Earth case. Both of these will provide easy access to maps or search trends right from a selected button. The cooler accessory is Google’s Daydream View which was unveiled back at I/O 2016. Daydream View is both a VR headset and a controller that will work with the Pixels and other Daydream certified devices.

Pre-orders for the Pixel and Pixel XL will kick off today, and they will launch on October 20. The 32GB Pixel is $649 at full retail for $27.08 a month. The 128GB Pixel is $749 at full retail or $31.24 a month. As expected the Pixel XL has a higher price at $32.08 a month and $769 at full retail for the 32GB model. The 128GB Pixel XL comes in at $36.34 a month and a $869 at full retail.

If you pre-order the device between October 4 and October 19, you will get a Daydream View for free. Exact details on how this will work are coming tomorrow, plus Verizon will have the Google Live Cases online and in-stores soon.