Google using proprietary hardware and design with the first generation Pixel which was released last year has proven to be a resounding success. Oh and the camera, arguably the most standout feature on the Google Pixel, definitely the best camera phone on the market. Now there were some issues with the Pixel, one being the design of the smartphone being so mundane and unappealing. All in all, the Pixel for the most part bold well with consumers. But we're in the now and Google has just released the Pixel 2 a couple of days ago prior to this article being published. Upon all the collected information I've gathered and viewed videos, here's what I learned about the Google's newest flagship device, the Pixel 2.
What I've Learned About The Design and Display
In terms of overall design I would say the Pixel 2 has gone through incremented changes, nothing drastic. The backside of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL pretty much remains the same with its two tone colorization. Turn the Pixel over to the front the display varies, or the size of both smartphones are different, there's the 5-inch version and a much bigger variant coming in at 6-inches. As far as the display goes, the Pixel 2 XL is pretty much an industry standard featuring AMOLED QHD display, packing a whopping 2880 x 1440 resolution, while the Pixel 2 still uses an AMOLED technology, but the resolution count is a shade less at 1080p.
Both smartphones is constructed mostly out of aluminum, with the top portion of device being made out of glass. Devices like that of the Pixel 2 being shrouded in aluminum gives the feeling of weightless in the hands. No glass back on both devices means wireless charging is out of question.
Smaller bezels are present on both the Pixel 2 and 2XL, but not smaller than the likes of the current Samsung Galaxy series, but it is seemingly smaller than last year models. The Pixel 2 XL conforms more to the modern trend as it sports a much smaller chin and top. Unlike its Samsung counterparts, the display does not spill over the edge.
So design itself is pretty much same as last years iteration with some minor tweaks. What probably stands the Pixel 2 apart from most flagships devices in terms of design and features is the speakers, count em, there is two dual front facing stereo speakers on both the Pixel 2 and XL. Judging by from the images I've viewed on the web, these are some pretty nice size speakers that should output decent sound.
Speaking of sound output, Google actually took it there, that's right, the Pixel 2 unfortunately is following Apple and other smartphone manufacturers by nixing the headphone jack. At least Google provides potential users USB-C adapter for those refusing adapt to the whole USB for audio out through the headphones, lose that adapter it will cost you $20 bucks which by the way you can get from the Google Play store.
Good news, you no longer will experience the moment of cringe if by chance you drop your brand new Pixel 2 in a puddle of water ( the toilet) as it is now resistant to dust and water. The biggest problem the 2016 version is it lacked any type of protection from water and dust. Both the Pixel 2 and 2XL have a dust and water resistance rating of IP67.
What I've Learned About The Hardware
You can always expect impeccable hardware being standard in most flagship smartphones that's come upon us in the last couple of months. The Pixel 2 is also embedded impeccable hardware as its rocking a 835 SnapDragon processor, an Adreno 540 GPU, 4GB of RAM , your choices in 64GB or 128GB as a storage option. Probably the only drawback for me with the hardware is memory being 4GB, smartphones such as the Note 8 have 8GB of RAM, trust me that extra two GBs is noticable in its performance.
What I've Learned About The Camera
Arguably the most impressive feature on last years Pixel smartphone is the camera, the sample images that was posted online captured by this camera phone were quite stunning. If you don't believe me, just do a Google search and you'll see what I'm talking about. The Pixel 2 on the other hand the camera leaves nothing short of amazing, again just explore some of the sample pictures that's on the web snapped by the Pixel 2. The camera specs are indeed impressive and it goes as follows: it's rocking a 12.2 MP sensor, f/1.8 aperture, dual-LED flash. Not following other smartphone manufacturers trend, Google did not implement dual-cameras on the Pixel 2. Considering its high performance and its ability to capture great images, dual-cameras is not a necessary need.
What I've Learned About The Price and Availability
As of Oct 4th which was last Wednesday, both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL is now up for pre-orders, date of shipping will begin Oct 19th. The price point will go as follows: the Pixel 2 $649 for the 64GB variant and $749 for the 128GB version, while the 64GB Pixel 2XL will run you $849, $949 for the 128GB model.
As far as which carrier will be carrying the Pixel 2 Verizon will be exclusively the on the carrier selling the Pixels in-store ad online, and importantly there will be unlocked version which you purchase from the Google Store.
As with the color choices, the Pixel 2 come in Just Black, Kinda Blue, Clearly White and Black and White.