Finally, on October 4, Google announced the 2nd generation of Pixel handsets. Dubbed as Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, which are the successors of Pixel and Pixel XL, Google unveiled them at its “Made by Google” event held in San Francisco among other goodies viz. Google Home Mini, Home Max, Pixel Book etc.
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. Sorry fellas! Google Pixel 2nd generation handsets don’t feature a headphone jack. While last year Google mocked Apple for removing headphone jack, this year Google has done the same. Weird!
Google Pixel 2 Design and Display
Anyway, as was rumored, the smaller Pixel 2 handset features 5.0-inch display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (FHD). And yes, it is not a bezel-less device. However, if you are a fan of bezel-less handsets, Google XL is the perfect device for you with 6-inch screen and QHD resolution (2880×1440). Although Pixel XL does not feature a perfect edge to edge display, the bezels have been trimmed a lot.
Also read: Google Assistant Tips and Tricks.
Further, it’s no secret that Pixel 2 is manufactured by HTC and Pixel 2 XL by LG. However, what’s interesting is that the squeezable edges find its place on both the handsets. Yes, like HTC U Ultra, you can now squeeze the edges of Pixel 2 handsets to launch Google Assistant or any other app. Moreover, both the handsets also feature dual front speakers and OLED display. As Google rightly said, “We don’t set aside better features for the larger device.” Got the jab?
Hardware and battery
Talking about performance, again, there is no difference in the specifications. Both the Pixel handsets feature Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM coupled with either 64GB or 128GB internal memory. The phones are almost similar in all respects except size, screen resolution, and battery. While Pixel 2 features 2700mAh battery, the larger Pixel 2 XL flaunts 3520mAh battery with fast charging support for both the handsets. However, no Wireless charging as was rumored but you have the USB Type C port.
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Camera
Without any doubt, last year’s Pixel handsets had the best smartphone camera out there. Skipping the dual lens bandwagon, Google Pixel 2 handsets feature a single rear camera of 12MP and 8MP front camera. However, don’t be disappointed, Google has made other cool hardware changes to the camera segment such as rear camera now has a dual-pixel sensor, OIS (optical image stabilization) for photos and videos in addition to EIS (electronic image stabilization), f/1.8 as compared to last year’s f/2.0 and augmented reality stickers. In addition to that, the smartphones now get advanced phase detection while keeping laser auto focus too.
And now comes the best part, Google has added portrait mode to the Pixel 2 handsets. To top it all off, it’s not just available for the rear camera but Google has implemented it for the front 8MP camera too.
Software
Google Pixel handsets will come pre-installed with Android Oreo (of course). However, Google has announced that the new Pixel handsets will receive new Android OS update for 3 years unlike 2 years as was the case with Google Pixel 1st generation handsets.
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Not only that, Pixel 2 handsets will be the first phones to fully support Google lens. In addition to that, Google has redesigned the home screen too. You now get a huge Google search button at the bottom.
Other features include IP67 dust and water resistance, eSIM technology for Project Fi subscribers and always on music identification.
Price and availability
About price and availability, pre-orders have already started in the US and the device will ship from October 19. While the 5-inch Pixel 2 (64GB) costs $649, you will have to shell $849 for Pixel 2 XL (64GB). To get 128GB model, you will have to spend $100 more.
