GSMArena.com GSMArena.com

Tip us

1.5m
109k
RSS

EV

Merch

Log in

Login

I forgot my password
Sign up
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Videos
  • Featured
  • Phone Finder
  • Deals
  • MerchNew
  • Coverage
  • Contact
ADVERTISEMENTS
GSMArena team, 04 October 2017

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL hands-on

  • Comments (120)
  • Pixel 2
  • Pixel 2 XL

1. Introduction
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Google Pixel 2 XL hands-on
  3. 3. Google Pixel 2 hands-on, camera samples
  4.  
  5. Google Pixel 2 specification
  6. Google Pixel 2 XL specification
  7. Review comments (120)

Google Android Hands-on

Introduction

Google acquired the HTC team that built the new Pixel 2 - let's see what the search giant bought for a billion dollars. Strangely enough, the smaller of the two devices hasn't changed much, but the larger Pixel 2 XL is much more in step with modern flagships.

First things first, let's check what's new. Google upgraded to the flagship-standard Snapdragon 835 chipset, and the phones run Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box. The screens are AMOLEDs with pixel densities identical to their predecessors, but there are stereo speakers above and below now. The headphone jack is dead, however.

The new Pixels do not feature dual cameras - Google believes it can keep its edge with just one (it was always about that HDR+ processing anyway). Optical Image Stabilization is a nice addition to the feature set (the old EIS lives on too).

We're glad to see  stereo speakers back, but other old Nexus features remain absent - wireless charging and high-grade water resistance.

Google Pixel 2: Just Black Google Pixel 2: Just Black Google Pixel 2: Clearly White Google Pixel 2: Kinda Blue
Google Pixel 2: Just Black • Clearly White • Kinda Blue

Google Pixel 2

So that's the Google Pixel 2 for you. It has a 5" 1080p AMOLED, a new chipset and not a great deal more. Well, outside of HTC's squeezable feature, this time tied to Google Assistant.

Google Pixel 2 at a glance:

  • Body: metal and glass; IP67 dust and water resistant
  • Screen: 5" AMOLED, 1080p resolution (441ppi); Always On Display; Gorilla Glass
  • Camera: 12MP 1/2.6" sensor; f/1.8 aperture; OIS and Dual Pixel AF
  • Video: 4K recording
  • OS: Android 8.0 Oreo
  • Platform: Snapdragon 835 chipset; octa-core CPU (Kryo 280); Adreno 540 GPU
  • Memory: 4GB of RAM; 64GB or 128GB storage (non-expandable)
  • Battery: 2,700mAh (sealed); USB Power Delivery
  • Misc: Active Edge, stereo speakers, fingerprint reader
  • Price: $650 / €800 / £630 (available October 17)

Google Pixel 2 XL: Just Black Google Pixel 2 XL: Just Black Google Pixel 2 XL: Black & White Google Pixel 2 XL: Black & White
Google Pixel 2 XL: Just Black • Black & White

Google Pixel 2 XL

The Google Pixel 2 XL did see a redesign - those heavy top and bottom bezels have been shaved down to more manageable levels. Not quite bezel-less, but the new XL is part of the 18:9 screen crew. This handset was built by LG, perhaps it reminds you of a certain other Fall flagship?

Google Pixel 2 XL at a glance:

  • Body: metal and glass; IP67 dust and water resistant
  • Screen: 6" AMOLED 18:9, QHD+ resolution (537ppi); Always On Display; Gorilla Glass
  • Camera: 12MP 1/2.6" sensor; f/1.8 aperture; OIS and Dual Pixel AF
  • Video: 4K recording
  • OS: Android 8.0 Oreo
  • Platform: Snapdragon 835 chipset; octa-core CPU (Kryo 280); Adreno 540 GPU
  • Memory: 4GB of RAM; 64GB or 128GB storage (non-expandable)
  • Battery: 3,520mAh (sealed); USB Power Delivery
  • Misc: Active Edge, stereo speakers, fingerprint reader
  • Price: $850 / €940 / £800 (available in mid November)

How's that for a year of progress? Perhaps fans won't sing songs glorifying the new Pixels, but they do seem like solid devices. We got some alone time with those two, starting with the Pixel 2 XL, which we think is the more interesting device. Here are our thoughts on the matter.

Next Page » 2. Google Pixel 2 XL hands-on
1. Introduction
  1. 1. Introduction
  2. 2. Google Pixel 2 XL hands-on
  3. 3. Google Pixel 2 hands-on, camera samples
  4.  
  5. Google Pixel 2 specification
  6. Google Pixel 2 XL specification
  7. Review comments (120)

Reviews Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL hands-on
  • Comments (120)
  • Pixel 2
  • Pixel 2 XL

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL hands-on - Reader comments

j
  • just
  • LC8
  • 17 Oct 2017

and just android gmail google youtube

  • Reply
?
  • Anonymous
  • j5$
  • 15 Oct 2017

Errrr: Android Maps Chrome(/OS) Tensorflow Docs/GSuite Drive Ad(sense|words)

  • Reply
Z
  • ZiGiTy-Zo0giTy
  • 78c
  • 12 Oct 2017

The original pixel did well enough in sales that they are making another, the nexus 5 sold well also. Chromebooks are popping up more and more too.

  • Reply
  • Read all comments
  • Post your comment
Total reader comments: 120

Phone finder

  • Samsung
  • Apple
  • Huawei
  • Nokia
  • Sony
  • LG
  • HTC
  • Motorola
  • Lenovo
  • Xiaomi
  • Google
  • Honor
  • Oppo
  • Realme
  • OnePlus
  • vivo
  • Meizu
  • BlackBerry
  • Asus
  • Alcatel
  • ZTE
  • Microsoft
  • Vodafone
  • Energizer
  • Cat
  • Sharp
  • Micromax
  • Infinix
  • TCL
  • Ulefone
  • Tecno
  • BLU
  • Blackview
  • Acer
  • Panasonic
  • Plum

All brands Rumor mill

ADVERTISEMENTS

Related articles

  • Google settles lawsuit with US app developers for $90 million
  • iFixit now carries replacement OEM parts for repairing Google Pixels
  • Google's Switch to Android iOS app now supports all Android 12 devices
  • Google Pixel 7 to support 4K selfie video, Pixel Tablet to feature a single main camera
ADVERTISEMENTS

Popular reviews

Apple iOS 14 review

Apple iOS 14 review
Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra review

Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra review
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G review

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G review

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

BYD overtakes Tesla to become the world's best selling EV brand BYD overtakes Tesla to become the world's best selling EV brand First commercially-viable solid state battery charges in 15 minutesNio reaches 10 million battery swaps and opens 999 swap stations
ADVERTISEMENTS

Home News Reviews Compare Coverage Glossary FAQ RSS feed Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram

© 2000-2022 GSMArena.com Mobile version Android app Tools Contact us Merch store Privacy Terms of use Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data