After weeks of heavy leaks, Google has announced its latest handsets, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The devices were introduced as being smarter and also have news designs, pushing the Pixel design slightly forward. Both handsets offer an aluminum body with a hybrid coating; in order to add a bit of fun, Google has also added a pop of color to the power button.
Those looking for more performance when it comes to audio will be happy to know that both handsets will offer dual speakers, giving more depth and offering a better listening experience. Unfortunately, this go-around, the devices also take a bit of hit and will not have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, but will instead require a USB Type-C headset or use of the included adapter.
As far as the screen, the Pixel 2 will arrive with a 5-inch display, while the Pixel 2 XL will have a slightly curved 6-inch screen. The firm also touted its Always-On display, which will be able to give users more information at a glance. While notifications have been standard, the new Now Playing will be able to identify music without lifting a finger.
The new phones will come with Android 8.0 Oreo and will have a new home screen. At a glance, those familiar will notice that the Google Search Bar has been moved to the bottom. There are also new live wallpapers, and on the top area, you"ll see details "at a glance" like your calendar, flight information and more.
As for the camera, both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will come with a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and its much-applauded HDR+. Google was proud to announce that the camera has the highest rating from DxO Mark with a 98. The camera will be able to take portrait mode images without the need of a second camera. The new Pixel will use machine learning to produce convincing portrait photos, not only with the rear camera but also the 8MP front-facing one as well.
The phones will also utilize both optical and electric image stabilization, to capture the perfect clips. Last year"s Pixel phones offered impressive results, this year"s should exceed its predecessor and produce impressive stabilized footage. As for its more unique feature, the new Pixel 2 will offer something called Active Edge. This will allow a user to squeeze the phone so they can instantly access Google Assistant.
The specifications for both phones will be the same, with the only difference being the design and screen size.
| Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| Display | 5-inch AMOLED at 441ppi (16:9) | 6-inch QHD+ pOLED at 538ppi (18:9) |
| Camera | 12MP rear, 8MP front-facing | 12MP rear, 8MP front-facing |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 64GB / 128GB |
| Colors | Just Black, Clearly White, Kinda Blue | Just Black, Black & White |
| Battery | 2,700mAh | 3,520 mAh |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MIMO | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2x2 MIMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Android | 8.0 | 8.0 |
The Pixel 2 will be available for pre-order starting today in six countries: Austraila, Canada, Germany, India, the UK and the US, with plans to bring it to Italy, Singapore, and Spain by the end of this year. In the US, the Pixel 2 will start at $649 for the 64GB model, while the Pixel 2 XL will start at $849. The Pixel 2 XL will be a carrier exclusive to Verizon, and both phones will start shipping on October 19. Additionally, Google is also bundling in its newly-announced Home Mini for a limited time at a cost of free, for Pixel 2 XL purchases made in Austraila, Canada, Germany, the UK and the US.