Android Nougat experiences: Time with Google Pixel XL reveals LG V20 may be greater than you think

While some phones are starting to see software updates to Android 7.0 Nougat, two phones recently launched with Nougat out of the box and I've been using both of them.

The LG V20 claim to fame was that it was the first to launch with Nougat, while the Google Pixel XL also launched with Nougat and then was quickly updated to Android 7.1 with the latest monthly Android security updates.

It took me a couple of months to finally purchase my own Google Pixel XL so I could try out the newest Google phone with the latest Android software. It is a fantastic device and I am very pleased with everything, except for the high price and limited internal storage of the 32GB model I purchased.

The LG V20 has been with me for a couple of months and in typical LG fashion it is a phone that gets better the more that you use it. Spending the last week with the Google Pixel XL and LG V20 side-by-side has convinced me the LG V20 may be the most underrated phone of 2016.

As you consider the Google Pixel XL or the LG V20, here are some of my experiences with both devices, which may help you focus in on one of these two Android Nougat-powered smartphones.

WHY CHOOSE THE GOOGLE PIXEL XL?

The Google Pixel XL continues to be rather difficult to purchase with limited availability on the Google Store. I purchased a used one from Swappa and am satisfied with the purchase. Here are a few reasons that readers may want to choose the Google Pixel XL over the LG V20:

Software: The primary reason to purchase a Pixel phone is to make sure your phone receives the latest and greatest version of Android before anyone else. You also get the monthly Android security updates, and that means a lot for those looking for the most secure Android phone.

Google Assistant: One function in Nougat that may stay exclusive to the Pixel is Google Assistant. You can experience this service in the Google Allo app on other devices, but it is integrated on the Pixel. Hands-free assistants can be very helpful and Google's may just be the best..

Performance and latest Snapdragon processor: I'm not sure how much speed you gain with the Snapdragon 821 over the 820, but the Google Pixel XL flies. The LG V20 is fast, but the Pixel just seems to move a bit faster with everything. Having the latest processor also helps future-proof your device for at least the next couple of years.

Larger capacity battery: While the LG V20 has a removable battery, which is very important to some people, the Google Pixel XL battery is 250 mAh larger. Like my Apple iPhone 7 Plus, I can easily go a full standard day with the Pixel XL and never worry about my battery life. This is rare for me on an Android phone and so far I couldn't be happier with the battery life.