Google on Wednesday took the wraps off its next-generation Pixel devices, the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2, which were designed to compete with similar, up-to-date offerings like the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, LG V30, and high-end iPhone X.
Unfortunately, while their design might disappoint, Google insists that its main focus was on improving internal functions like maximizing battery life, camera quality, storage, and the overall Android experience. So let’s take a look and see how they did.
Pixel 2 and Xl 2
If you placed the new Pixel 2 devices next to their predecessors, you might have a tough time telling the difference between them as they feature a similar, thick-bezeled design as their predecessors, which is somewhat disappointing.
- The Pixel 2 features a 5-inch AMOLED display at 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, while the Pixel XL 2 interestingly bumps the display up to a 6-inch pOLED panel with a native resolution of 2,880 x 1,440.
- Both Pixel 2 devices will be offered with either 64 GB or 128 GB of SSD storage, 4 GB of RAM, and both models feature IP67 water- and dust-proof certification, which is on par with the iPhone 7 and will allow for water submersion of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Both Pixel 2 devices are powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835, which is also at the heart of its leading competition like the Galaxy Note 8 and LG V30.
Interestingly, both Pixel 2 devices will boast a fast-charging battery, and they’ll even ship with a gratis fast-charging adapter in the box. Google claims that just 15-minute of charging will provide as much as 7 hours of extended battery life, which is certainly impressive, if true. However they won’t feature wireless charging like the Galaxy Note 8 and latest iPhone models.
Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 also feature new ‘dual pixel’ camera hardware on their back-sides, which Google claims are calibrated to take advantage of augmented reality applications. They both feature 12 MP sensors with improved f/1.8 aperture lenses, built-in Optical Image Stabilization, and Google’s proprietary Portrait Mode — which is arguably one of the Pixel line’s biggest selling points. The company has also added Portrait Mode capabilities to the front-facing selfie camera.
Another neat feature Google added to the Pixels this year is an HTC U11-inspired ‘bezel squeeze’ input method, which uses a specially-designed area around the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2’s frame that, when squeezed with one’s hands, will instantly launch an app, software feature, or carry out a command of your choosing.
Pure Android
And of course, both Pixel 2 devices will ship running the latest and greatest version of Google’s mobile OS — Android 8.0 Oreo, which the company says will feature a new ‘Pure Android’ experience that “hasn’t been tampered with or spoiled by the addition of unwanted bloatware and strange skins.” Google is also promising up-to-the-minute firmware and security updates for the Pixel 2 devices for “up to 3 years,” which guarantees you’ll always be on the cutting-edge of Android.
Price, Release Date and Availability
- Both Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 are available to pre-order now, and should begin shipping by October 17.
- As for the Pixel 2, it will be available in three colors (white, black, and blue), and is available with either 64 GB or 128 GB storage for $649 or $749, respectively.
- The Pixel XL 2, meanwhile, is being offered in just plain black and white — however the white version does feature a few aesthetic bonuses like a nice black/white, two-tone rear cover and a vibrant, orange home button.
- Pixel XL 2 is available in the same storage sizes of 64 GB and 128 GB for $849 or $949, respectively.
The company is also offering those who order either Pixel 2 phone a promo code to receive one of the company’s freshly-unveiled Google Home mini devices sometime within the next few weeks.