Google has raised the curtain on the latest edition of its Pixel line of phones and Android fans won’t be disappointed.
A worthy successor to the original Pixel, the Pixel 2 combines an exceptional camera with reliable software and an attractive design, all in a waterproof aluminum package.
The phone is available in two sizes, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Unlike Apple and other manufacturers, the large and small versions are identical in grit and performance.
Look under the hat and you will find the same Snapdragon 835 processor, 4 gigs of RAM, and the same 64 or 128 gigs of storage. The camera is also the same. They both run Android Oreo with no bloat or customization for the OS. Battery life is approximately 7 hours with just 15 minutes of charging. Since it is “pure Android”, users will get security updates and more features faster than other phones.
The screen size is the big difference between phones. The smaller version has a 1920 x 1080 five-inch OLED screen. The larger version has a higher resolution 6-inch screen with a 2880 x 1440 screen. The larger phone also has a rounded bezel and an extra battery. big.
Google has added some design elements to the Pixel for a better experience. The search bar has been moved to the bottom of the home screen, making it more easily accessible. A new widget will show you useful information like the weather or your next appointment. An always-on display lets you know the time and new notifications.
Throw some more magic dust and you get an app called “Now Playing”. Automatically identifies whatever music is playing nearby, whether you’re in a bar, restaurant, or elsewhere. Download a list of similar songs to your phone. You can then select whether you want to listen to them.
For most, the camera is king when it comes to mobile phones and the Pixel 2 continues the excellent reputation of its predecessor. Photos are sharp with soft background portraits. The 12.2 megapixel rear camera and 8 MP front camera are fast and extremely impressive in low light.
The Pixel’s video capabilities will also turn heads. You can record slow motion video up to 240 frames per second. 4K recording can be done at 30 frames per second. Google also touts the phone’s ability to combine optical and electrical image stabilization to keep your video smooth even in the toughest conditions.
Worried about storage? Google says it is not necessary. Pixel provides unlimited free photo and video storage, even in 4k.
You can also search for “what you see” with Google Lens. Perform more searches by voice or just by pressing the device.
Since it is a Google phone, it comes with all the company’s accessories that work in tandem between the Google Assistant on the phone with Google Home and the Chromecast. Like most phones, there is no headphone jack, but the Pixel Bud wireless earbuds are reported to be on the way soon.
Colors include “Just Black”, “Clearly White” and “Kinda Blue” for the Pixel 2 with “Just Black” and “Black and White” available on the XL model.
Pricing starts at $ 649 for the Pixel 2 and $ 849 for the XL.
Although it may not be behind the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in performance options and price, Google has given up its magic wand and created a worthy competitor in the cell phone market. The Pixel 2 should certainly generate a lot of “ooh and ahhs” among Android fans.