Tech History: Google’s First Pixel Phone Brought Unlimited Cloud Storage, Still Used by Many Today

Today, smartphones with 1–2TB of storage are becoming common, yet ten years ago, Google launched a phone that offered something far more revolutionary: unlimited cloud storage. This milestone device was Google’s first Pixel smartphone, which allowed users to store unlimited photos and videos in original quality on Google’s cloud—a feature that many users still rely on even today.

The Arrival of Unlimited Storage

In 2016, Google introduced the very first Pixel phone. Its standout feature was unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos in original quality, making it unnecessary for users to worry about running out of phone storage. This offer continued up to the Pixel 5 series, giving users a compelling reason to choose Pixel over other smartphones.

This feature quickly became a major selling point. High-quality photography enthusiasts and everyday users alike appreciated the freedom to back up as many photos and videos as they wanted without compromising quality or paying extra.

Policy Changes Five Years Later

Google continued its unlimited storage policy through the Pixel 5, but on June 1, 2021, the company announced that free unlimited storage would end for all users. From that point onward, every Google account received only 15GB of free cloud storage shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos.

For Pixel 3 and older devices, original-quality unlimited storage remained available until January 31, 2022. The move was primarily driven by Google’s intention to monetize its cloud services, encouraging users to purchase additional storage plans.

Pixel Users Today

Currently, Pixel phone users receive 15GB of free cloud storage per Google account. Additional storage requires a paid subscription. However, for older Pixel devices like the Pixel 5 and earlier, Google still offers unlimited storage in “Storage Saver” quality—though original quality backups are no longer free.

Legacy of the First Pixel

Despite policy changes, many users continue to use older Pixel devices as dedicated backup hubs. They often use these phones to store photos and videos from their newer devices on unlimited cloud storage. While the era of unlimited storage in original quality has ended, the Google Pixel’s pioneering feature remains one of the most memorable innovations in smartphone history.

In retrospect, Google’s first Pixel phone not only set a new benchmark for cloud integration in mobile devices but also changed the way users think about digital storage, making it a landmark in tech history.