Here’s why the Google Pixel XL isn’t as cheap as a Nexus

There's now a clear reason why the Google Pixel line costs more than older, cheaper Nexus devices did when each launched.

Finance service company IHS Markit has revealed the Pixel XL materials cost $278 (about £230, AU$370) for each device. 

It also costs $7.75 (about £6, AU$10) to manufacture each device as well.

The Google Pixel XL features a 5.5-inch screen, 32GB of storage and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor – high-end specs that match other flagship phones in 2016.

Not Nexus prices

It currently costs $769 (£719, AU$1,269) to buy a Pixel XL upfront, which gives it a similar cost-to-sales-price ratio in line with the iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S7.

The Galaxy S7 has a slightly smaller manufacturing cost of $255 (about £210, AU$340), which includes the materials and manufacturing costs. The Galaxy S7 is now cheaper to buy than the Pixel XL at $750 (about £569, AU$900) though.

Andrew Rassweiler, senior director of cost benchmarking services for IHS Markit, said “Total BOM costs for the Google Pixel XL are, not surprisingly, in line with those of other competitors, because the supply base and specs are very similar from phone to phone—whether it’s an iPhone, a Galaxy-series phone or the Google Pixel XL."

You may be disappointed the Pixel XL costs more than previous Nexus phones, but if Google can make a profit from these devices the company is sure to keep on making great, high-end phones for you to buy in years to come.

James Peckham

James is Managing Editor for Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.