Google Pixel 2 Review
Last Updated on February 23, 2024 10:12 am by Jeffrey Powers
What do you desire in a Smartphone? Better camera, more storage for apps, or simply a device that makes phone calls? Smartphones are getting more sophisticated and more expensive. You might just want a phone that can do the job, but not break the bank.
The Google Pixel 2 is a great Android upgrade at a more down to earth price. Right now, you can get either the Verizon version with payment plans, or pay full pricce for the unlocked phone for your carrier.
About the Pixel 2
This is the Pixel 2 XL, which means a slightly larger display, better resolution screen at 2880 x 1440, and 3520 mAh battery. The Pixel has a 1920×1080 screen, 2700 mAh battery, and is smaller.
Weight is a 1.19 ounce difference. Pixel 2 at 5.01, and 2XL at 6.2 oz.
Of course, there is also a $200 difference in price – $649 for the base Pixel 2, as opposed to $849 for the base Pixel 2 XL.
Both models have dual-front speakers – which work best when you watch video horizontally. Both models also have the same camera – 12 MP with 1.8 f-stop rear camera, and a 8 MP front face. They are IP67 water resistant, and come in 64 and 128 GB models.
Real World Use
I took this phone with me to California, and used it alongside my iPhone 8 Plus. As a phone, it functions as expected. I can make and recieve calls, send texts, and fill my friends boxes with as many emojis that I can think of.
Apps on the Google Play App store are no issue with this device. I was playing Clash of Clans, and Walking Dead within minutes.
On the back of the phone is the fingerprint reader. I am not a fan of this position, but it does work fine. You can also type in your PIN for access.
I am also not a fan of bevelled phones, although this one is a lot better than the Samsung S8 Edge. I do have to admit, it fits better in my hand over a larger device.
No Headphone Jack?
Missing from the device is a headphone jack. But in the grand scheme of devices, this feature will be gone anyway for Bluetooth, and WiFi audio. It also allows the device to be more water resistant, and the audio to be digital, rather than analog.
The Google Assistant is there for you as well. Not only can you say “OK Google” to call it up, there is a new feature where you squeeze the bottom of the phone to bring it into play.
Processor inside is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 at 2.35 GHz. This is a 64-bit CPU based on ARM Cortex technology. Graphics is the Adreno 540, and RAM is 4 GB LPDDR4x.
You also have the 1 Gigabit Class X16 LTE modem, which works on 802.11ad signals. Finally, the processor allows for 32MP photos using the Spectra 180 ISP. This helps in shutter lag, smooth zoom, and quick auto focus.
Coming Soon – Google Lens
Google Lens is another feature of the Pixel, but it’s not out yet. This is an augmented reality feature – point the camera at certian items – like a movie poster, or a food box, and it can tell you more about that item.
In all tests, I found this to be a very sufficiant phone. The battery drain/charge test went without issue – I even started a slow-test. This includes using a charger like this, which is conciderably slower than what you get in the box. The USB-C connector charged the device to 15% within about 20 minutes.
The one big difference in upgrading to Oreo was the camera software. It improved features dramatically. I can take video, slo motion, panoramas, and 360 shots without issue.
So if you’re looking for a good Android phone, the Pixel 2 and 2 XL won’t disappoint. Like I said, it’s available on Verizon networks right now, and could be a great holiday gift for that special someone.
Get the Pixel 2 from Verizon, or Buy the Pixel 2 Unlocked
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