Google Chromebook Pixel (2015)

Updated on February 5, 2026

Note: This product has been discontinued and reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) in June 2021. The information below is kept for historical reference.

The Google Chromebook Pixel (2015) stands as one of the most significant Chromebooks ever released, representing Google’s bold statement that Chrome OS could power a truly premium laptop experience. Announced in March 2015 as the successor to the original 2013 Pixel, this second-generation device addressed nearly every criticism of its predecessor while pushing laptop hardware forward in ways that influenced the entire industry. At $999 for the base model and $1,299 for the “LS” (Ludicrous Speed) variant, the Pixel 2015 wasn’t designed for budget-conscious consumers—it was Google’s showcase of what Chrome OS could achieve when paired with exceptional hardware. The device introduced USB Type-C to the mainstream laptop market, featured a display that outshone virtually every competitor at any price point, and delivered build quality that reviewers consistently compared favorably to MacBooks. While its premium price and Chrome OS limitations generated debate about its value proposition, the Pixel 2015 proved that web-centric computing could feel luxurious rather than compromised.

Pros and Cons of the Google Chromebook Pixel (2015)

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Google Chromebook Pixel (2015) Comparison Chart

	Google Chromebook Pixel (2015)	Google Chromebook Pixel (2015)
Price	List Price: $999.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $1299.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	Chromebook Pixel 2015	Chromebook Pixel 2015 LS
Perfomance Rating	4.7	5.6
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 2.20 Ghz Intel Core i5-5200U	Dual-core 2.20 Ghz Intel Core i5-5200U
RAM	8 GB	16 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB SSD	64 GB SSD
Screen Size	12.85"	12.85"
Screen Resolution	2560x1700	2560x1700
Screen Type	IPS	IPS
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.7 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches (297.18 x 223.52 x 15.24 mm)	11.7 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches (297.18 x 223.52 x 15.24 mm)
Weight	3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)	3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	Yes	Yes
Webcam	720P HD	720P HD
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth	4.0 BR/EDR/LE	4.0 BR/EDR/LE
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	HDMI (via adapter)	HDMI (via adapter)
USB Ports	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	SD	SD
Battery	59 Whrs, Lithium-ion	59 Whrs, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	12.0 hours	12.0 hours
Fanless	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2021	June, 2021

Detailed Insights into the Google Chromebook Pixel (2015)

The second-generation Chromebook Pixel addressed its predecessor’s most glaring weakness—battery life—while refining virtually every other aspect of the design. Google’s 5th-generation Intel Core i5-5200U Broadwell processor delivers responsive performance for web applications and Android apps, enabling JR Raphael at Computerworld to report that the “laptop boots up in about four to five seconds and has you online and ready to roll another second or two after that.” The processor handles heavy multitasking with ease, maintaining smooth operation even with 15-20 browser tabs open simultaneously. For users who demanded even more headroom, the LS model stepped up to a Core i7-5500U processor with 16GB RAM, though the base model’s 8GB proved more than sufficient for the vast majority of Chrome OS workloads.

Port selection set the Pixel 2015 apart from every competitor at launch and influenced laptop design for years to come. Google took the bold step of including two USB Type-C ports—one on each side—making this among the first mainstream laptops to adopt the reversible standard that would eventually become ubiquitous. Both USB-C ports support charging, data transfer, and video output, allowing users to plug in from either side for maximum convenience. The USB ports also work well with peripherals like USB Ethernet adapters for wired networking. Complementing the forward-looking USB-C connectivity, Google retained two USB 3.0 Type-A ports for compatibility with existing peripherals and an SD card slot for photographers and content creators who needed expandable storage beyond the modest internal SSD. The port arrangement demonstrates Google’s practical approach: embracing the future while not abandoning the present.

The 12.85-inch IPS touchscreen display remains the Pixel 2015’s most striking feature, delivering 2560x1700 resolution at 239 pixels per inch in an unusual 3:2 aspect ratio. Dana Wollman at Engadget described it as featuring “sharp, rich display colors with excellent viewing angles” that produce imagery “brilliant colors and clarity that borders on being surreal” according to Computerworld’s assessment. The 3:2 aspect ratio prioritizes vertical space over widescreen video dimensions, making it particularly well-suited for document editing, web browsing, and productivity tasks where additional vertical pixels reduce scrolling. Touch responsiveness proved snappy and accurate, though the elevated display made the touchscreen functionality feel more like a bonus than a primary input method.

Reviewer Insights on the Google Chromebook Pixel (2015)

Dana Wollman’s Engadget review delivered perhaps the most balanced assessment, praising the hardware while questioning the value proposition at its premium price point. She measured 10 hours of continuous video playback—more than double the original Pixel’s disappointing 4-hour runtime—establishing the Pixel 2015 as a genuine all-day machine. Wollman noted that “between the design, display, keyboard and battery life, it’s among the finest notebooks I’ve had the pleasure of using,” before adding the crucial caveat that “when a laptop costs $999, you should use it exactly how you want”—something Chrome OS limitations prevented for many users. Her testing revealed benchmark scores of 23,907 on Google Octane, confirming the Pixel 2015 as the fastest Chromebook available at launch. The review specifically debunked the myth that Chromebooks require constant internet connectivity, demonstrating robust offline capabilities that had matured significantly since Chrome OS’s early days.

JR Raphael at Computerworld approached the Pixel 2015 from the perspective of a dedicated cloud computing user, calling it “remarkably close to perfection” for those who live primarily in Google’s ecosystem. His hands-on experience revealed impressive thermal management, describing the device as “consistently cool and quiet—practically silent—while running,” a dramatic improvement over the first-generation Pixel’s reputation for running hot and loud. Raphael measured up to 12 hours of battery life under lighter workloads, with heavy multitasking still delivering 9 hours—transformative numbers for a high-performance Chromebook. He appreciated practical touches like fast charging capability (gaining 2 hours of battery in just 15 minutes) and the included 1TB of Google Drive storage for three years. The review acknowledged the 3.3-pound weight as somewhat heavy compared to ultrathin competitors but positioned this as an acceptable trade-off for the solid construction and premium materials.

Kevin Lee’s TechRadar review described the Pixel 2015 as “the Chromebook perfected” while questioning whether anyone actually needed this much performance to run a web browser. He awarded the device 4 out of 5 stars, praising its “wickedly fast” performance where “web pages load up lightning quick, scrolling is smooth and even pinch to zoom on the touchscreen feels snappy.” Lee’s testing confirmed the device never slowed down even with 20 or more Chrome tabs open, validating Google’s performance claims. However, his review raised the philosophical question at the heart of the Pixel debate: “you don’t need this much performance to run a web browser.” TechRadar highlighted the legacy port selection as a key differentiator, noting that including both USB-C and USB-A ports meant users could embrace new technology without immediately abandoning existing peripherals. The review criticized the 3:2 aspect ratio for making widescreen video playback less immersive and hurting multitasking compared to traditional 16:9 displays.

The Pixel’s Legacy and Historical Significance

The Chromebook Pixel (2015) proved to be Google’s final self-branded Chromebook laptop, succeeded by the Pixelbook in 2017 which shared its premium positioning but featured a convertible design. The Pixel 2015’s influence extends far beyond its sales numbers, which were never publicly disclosed but generally understood to be modest. Its USB-C ports arrived before Apple adopted the standard on MacBooks, establishing Google as a leader in laptop connectivity rather than a follower. The device demonstrated that Chrome OS could feel premium and responsive rather than cheap and limited, paving the way for subsequent high-end Chromebooks from manufacturers like Samsung, HP, and ASUS. Perhaps most importantly, the Pixel forced conversations about what computing actually requires—for users whose work genuinely centered on web applications, Google proved that a browser-based operating system could deliver a first-class experience.

For collectors and Chrome OS enthusiasts, the Pixel 2015 represents a pivotal moment in laptop history. Though it passed its Auto Update Expiration date in June 2021 and no longer receives Chrome OS updates, the hardware quality ensures well-maintained units continue functioning smoothly. Some owners have found new life for their Pixels by installing Linux distributions, taking advantage of the excellent keyboard, trackpad, and display with a more traditional operating system. The device stands as a reminder that the “right” laptop isn’t always about running the most software—sometimes it’s about running the right software exceptionally well in beautiful hardware.

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