Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL now official – learn everything, price, specs, release date

Leaving behind the developer focused Nexus line-last year Google stepped into more consumer focused hardware and re-branded its smartphones with “Pixel”. However its Pixel smartphones were still developer friendly from within. The year has passed and Google has jumped to the next stage with newly introduced duo of Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones.

With a little past memory, it’s worth mentioning here (for the fans indeed) that last year’s Pixel smartphone’s camera took the top spot as examined by the camera experts. It had then-latest Android OS, it had top notch hardware of its time. But when time passes, it even tells what the best things lack at. That’s what enables manufacturers to improve on those things and bring even advanced features and technologies. So this year’s Pixel 2 smartphones, more than hardware and software, runs across artificial intelligence.

By looks, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL don’t look too too different from their predecessors, specially when you look at the back. With aluminum chassis on the back, the glass panel covers the upper portion. However the glass part is shorter in length and ends before the fingerprint scanner, unlike the last year’s Pixel. What remains in the upper glass portion, is the camera which is also bigger in size.

Right below the glass, there is fingerprint scanner which according to Google unlocks faster than any other smartphone. Then comes the branding “G”.

Difference between Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

The biggest difference, which is visually apparent, is of course the size. Pixel 2 is sports a 5-inch OLED display with full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 which is now-traditional 16:9 aspect ratio. On the other hand, Pixel 2 XL is the larger sibling with 6-inch screen that rides the bandwagon of 18:9 aspect ratio. It features a P-OLED display but with higher resolution of QHD+ 2880 x 1440.

Another difference, also right on the front, is the bezel factor. Pixel 2 has the old prominent bezels, whereas Pixel 2 XL has very slim bezels around its screen. To support different screen sizes, Pixel 2 comes with only 2700 mAh battery while the Pixel 2 XL is packed with the bigger capacity of 3520 mAh battery.

With only these notable differences, Pixel 2 weighs 143 grams while the larger Pixel 2 XL weighs at 175 grams. Both devices are even equally slim with a minor difference of 0.1 mm.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Features

With only a few notable differences as mentioned above, both of the phones are basically identical from within.

Running the latest Android 8.0 Oreo OS, Google’s new flagship phones are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile Platform with octa-core processor clocked at 2.35 GHz and 1.9 GHz, and for sure the Adreno 540 GPU. Both have only one option with 4 GB of RAM, however both will be available in 64 GB or 128 GB internal storage models.

See full specifications of Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Camera

The predecessor Pixel smartphone of last year gained top score by DxOMark right after its release. Since then many smartphones have shown up with greater camera capability and looks like Google again had to take back its position. In fact Google has officially included Pixel 2’s camera performance as tested by DxOMark this year too, where it has gained its top position back with its latest Pixel 2 smartphone.

Google Pixel 2 once again takes the top spot at DxOMark’s list with the score of 98 and took the lead from both the recent iPhone 8 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. But on paper, Pixel 2’s camera hardware doesn’t seem to be any better than its predecessor, else than the addition of an optical image stabilization — bold is better, otherwise it’s less or equal to predecessor. 12.2 MP image sensor on the back has support of an f/1.8 aperture. Even though the lens aperture is better than before, the image sensor itself is a bit smaller and has even smaller pixel size. Pixel 2’s camera has a 1/2.6″ image sensor with 1.4µm compared to the 1/2.3″ sensor with 1.55µm on its predecessor.

8-megapixel camera on the front is pretty much identical as well to the last year’s Pixel smartphone. This however is not know yet from where the sensors were provided. There is a great possibility of improved camera units whether they have similar features. But most importantly if you remember, last year’s Pixel camera also didn’t depend on its hardware. Google went on with software optimization approach to deal with the camera quality. So there should be no objection if the same camera hardware could produce better results with optimized software and algorithms based on a year’s long R&D.

Loosing Audio Jack in favor of Water Resistance

Upgrading from predecessors, both the Pixel 2 and 2 XL now are water and dust resistant with IP67 ratings. It means, new Pixel 2 devices can survive under 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Google looses the 3.5mm audio jack and provides earphones with USB Type-C connection or you can use adapter to old 3.5mm pin. But the thing is you won’g be able to charge your phone while you are using headphones or vice versa.

Pixel 2 Gestures

Active Edge is a new gesture supported by Pixel 2 smartphones. It is similar to what we have known as HTC Edge Sense in HTC smartphones. This feature allows you to squeeze the sides of Pixel 2 smartphone to quickly launch the Google Assistant.

Double-tap power button to launch camera app, double-twist to switch to selfie mode, double-tap the lock screen for essentials. There is another which we have seen on Huawei’s recent smartphones, swipe-down on the fingerprint sensor for notifications.

Price and Availability

The Google Pixel 2 costs $649 for the 64 GB model and $749 for 128 GB model. Pixel 2 XL costs $849 for 64 GB while it costs $949 for 128 GB variant. Both smartphones are already up for pre-orders and will start shipping from October 19th. Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will come with a free Google Home Mini for a limited time.

Pixel 2 will be available in Just Black, Clearly White, and Kinda Blue. Whereas Pixel 2 XL comes in only two color options, Just Black and Black & White.

Check full specifications of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.