Google is back this year with the second generation of their Pixel smartphones. Last year’s Pixel and Pixel XL with best-in-class cameras seem hard to beat, but the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL far outshine them in just about every way. By amazing hardware, software, and AI, Google has a winning formula with the new Pixels.
However, the new Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 2 XL in particular, are blighted by more than the usual number of issues in the early days after the new device got into consumers’ hands.
The blue tint on the screen when viewed at an angle is real. I think the extent of the problem could vary from one Pixel 2 XL device to another. On the issue of natural colours, that could be a matter of preference, and Google has since addressed that with a software update that brings back a saturated setting, putting back the vibrancy that so many users are clamouring for. As for burn-in, Google says the characteristics of the Pixel 2 XL’s LG display are comparable to OLED panels used in other premium smartphones. That notwithstanding, Google is extending the Pixel 2 XL warranty to 2 years, and will make some software tweaks to mitigate any potential burn-in.
Like last year, the two Pixel smartphones this year are almost identical except for size. The Pixel 2 XL is the larger of the two, with a 6-inch screen instead of 5-inch, has 2880×1440 resolution instead of 1920×1080, and comes with 3520 mAh battery instead of 2700 mAh. The front of the new Pixels look a bit different, with the larger Pixel 2 XL having lesser bezel space, but the hardware specs are otherwise mostly identical. The Pixel 2 XL measures 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm, and weighs 175 grams. This is a comfortable and manageable size to hold. The screen is bigger, but the phone hasn’t gotten too wide.
The Pixel 2 XL’s new design addresses a few of the main complaints of last year’s Pixel XL. The huge bezels from before have slimmed down. It’s nowhere as minimal as the likes of Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. However, there’s a good reason for the space there. The Pixel 2 XL now has two impressive front-facing speakers.The bit of bezel space there also makes it easier to hold the Pixel 2 XL when you’re playing games on it, and it makes so much sense for the speakers to face you that I wonder why anyone would design speakers to face any other direction to begin with.
The front face is covered entirely by a slab of Gorilla Glass 5, curved around all the edges. The 2800×1440 resolution pOLED display underneath is not curved, but does have rounded corners. The LG-made pOLED display is essentially the same technology as Samsung’s AMOLED.
After proudly announcing they’ve kept the 3.5 mm headphone jack around in last year’s Pixels, Google has abandoned it this time around. It’s time to live the dongle life, or get yourself a new pair of Bluetooth headphones. If you decide the former, Google has included a USB-C to 3.5 mm dongle in the box.
The back of the Pixel 2 XL has a design that makes it uniquely identifiable as a Pixel. There’s glass at the top, and aluminium below. But compared to last year, there is less glass now, and the aluminium is covered in what Google says is a hybrid coating. The new coating feels like a plasticky textured material that helps make the device more grippy. It seems a bit strange to build a metal phone, and then put plastic on it, but I suppose the metal adds rigidity to what would otherwise feel flimsily cheap. As before, the fingerprint scanner is on the back, properly centred laterally, exactly where your index finger can easily rest on.
There are other notable hardware improvements in the new Pixel 2 XL. It now has IP67 water and dust resistance, something I really looked forward to after seeing how Samsung and iPhone users could bring their smartphones to the pool.
The camera is also improved, adding OIS to the new 12.2 MP sensor on the rear camera, with f/1.8 aperture, laser and dual pixel phase detection autofocus, which still does EIS. The front camera has a 8 MP sensor with f/2.4 aperture. I thought the Pixel XL’s amazing camera last year, having claimed the best smartphone camera ever on the DxOMark Mobile score, would be tough to beat, but the Pixel 2 XL came out far better, setting a new DxOMark Mobile record score of 98. I’ll talk about camera again later.
There’s one notable feature, not already mentioned, that didn’t make it into the Pixel 2 XL. It’s wireless charging. Since Google is already pushing for headphones to go wireless, you’d think they should do the same for charging. Unfortunately, you need a cable for that, and Google provides a 18 W USB-C charger in the box.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 2 XL is truly an Android flagship smartphone, with the most amazing camera, and the best Android experience you can get. There are some screen issues, though, and you’ll have to see if you can look past them.
Pros:
- Best camera
- Excellent battery life
- IP67 certified
- Best Android experience, very fluid UI experience
- Good front-facing speakers
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- No 3.5 mm headphone jack
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