PhoneLifespan

Google Pixel (1st gen)

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$45
used/refurbished market price
$649 at launch

How long will it last?

Official promise

Supported until October 2019 · Buy-by October 2017

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2016◆ Buy-by Oct 20172019

Google promises 3 years of updates for this phone, so it's supported until October 2019 — buying it today still gets you about -6.6 years of safe use.

Source: Google's official policy · last verified 2026-06-12 · how we compute this

Our verdict

Google's very first Pixel, a compact 2016 flagship that launched the line's camera legacy.

Pros

  • Top-rated 12.3MP camera for its era
  • Compact body with a headphone jack
  • Clean, fast stock Android

Cons

  • Security updates ended in October 2019
  • No water resistance and small battery
Best for: Collectors of the original PixelBest for: Ultra-cheap backup phonesAvoid if: You need security updatesAvoid if: You want modern features like wireless charging

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen5.0-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 1920, 60Hz
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 821
RAM4GB
Storage32GB / 128GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main12.3MP
front8MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery2,770 mAh
Charging18W wired
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions143.8 × 69.5 × 8.6 mm
Weight143 g
MaterialsAluminum body, Gorilla Glass 4 front
Water resistanceNone
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 7 Nougat at launch
Connectivity4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C, headphone jack
Update policy2 OS upgrades · 3 years of security updates (official promise)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the original Pixel get updates?

Google provided OS updates through October 2018 and security patches through October 2019. It is fully end-of-life now.

Did the original Pixel come with Google Assistant?

Yes. The 2016 Pixel was the first phone to ship with Google Assistant built in, a key selling point at launch.

Is the first Pixel safe to use in 2026?

No, not for anything sensitive. It has had no security updates since 2019, so it is best treated as a collector's item or basic device.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-12.