Google Pixel 2 Review: An iPhone For Android Lovers
In 2016, Google launched the Pixel brand with a pair of smartphones - the Pixel and the Pixel XL. The Pixel series replaced the long-standing Nexus line as Google's own-brand smartphone hardware, co-developed and created by partner manufacturers such as HTC and LG.
The Pixel was intended to fill the same niche of a Google-honed handset, but where the Nexus line was the darling of hardcore Android afficionados, Google wanted the Pixel to have a wider-audience. Essentially it wanted the same mass consumer appeal Apple gets from its hordes of ravening fans from all walks of life. Having a smartphone in virtually every home is a far better prospect than just in the hands of developers, early adopters, and dyed-in-the-wool technophiles who love geeking out over pure Android and side-loading their own apps, which is, let's face it, a niche audience.
The Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL were two of my favourite phones from 2016. Picking up where The Big G’s Nexus brand left off, the Pixel phones were a more serious play for the mobile space and this was reflected in how they were marketed, as well as the pricing of the handsets themselves.
For one reason or another, however, Google's first-gen Pixel didn't exactly fly off the shelves. It didn't tank, not by a long shot, it did do reasonably well in the consumer space, but it didn't do as well as perhaps Google was hoping for in terms of that mass-market appeal. The first shot did not make Pixel a household brand.
Google has confirmed that its “other revenues” have doubled in the past 12 months. Other Revenues refers to Google Play and Google’s hardware division, meaning it is the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL that are responsible for this growth, illustrating that Google’s phones are now starting to find traction with punters both here in the UK and the US and elsewhere.
The revenues were up 38%, which accounts for $4.69 billion in total, according to reports, and this figure no doubt includes Google Home and Google Mini too, as well as the PixelBook. All told, it looks as if Google foray into the hardware space is starting to pay dividends.
The Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL are now here to carry on the momentum, but are they decent enough to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 and Apple’s iPhone X? I would argue, in most respects, they are – but there are some caveats that you need to be aware of…
Google Pixel 2 Review – Design
I am a big fan of the Google Pixel 2 XL. You can read my review of that awesome handset for more detail. Yes, it has some issues, but for the most part, in my experience, it is one hell of a device with masses of power, an exceptional camera, and an improved design.
The Pixel 2 has all the same internals, and benefits accordingly, however, unlike the Pixel 2 XL, I do feel that the design of the Pixel 2 is slightly regressive. I do not like the massive, wedge-like bezels that sit at the top and bottom of the handset’s front; they just look ugly, like the display has been cut off prematurely.
I have been using the phone for over a month now, and I thought I’d get used to this odd design quirk, but I haven’t. It annoys me every time I look at the handset. I don’t know who signed off on this, but whoever it was should be sent packing – the overall effect is jarring, ungainly, and distracts heavily from an otherwise exceptional handset.
The logic for these wedge-like bezels is fairly simple, Google has installed a set of stereo speakers for improved sound on the handset. But I just don’t understand quite why the surface area at the top and bottom had to be so bloody huge. I mean, HTC has been doing these for years and its bezels were always OK. As it happens, the Pixel 2 was made by HTC, but of course it's under Google's direction in a lot of areas, and particularly the design department, because it has to match up with the LG-made Pixel 2 XL.
In an ideal world, I’d much prefer the Pixel 2 XL’s design on a smaller scale. This way you get an expansive display and new styling and a more seamless overall design that is clearly a step forwards from last year’s models.
You could also definitely fit a headphone jack inside these massive bezels too; but, no… Google opted to remove it. Why? Probably because it wants you to buy a pair of its Pixel Buds.
Beyond this, I do like the rest of the phone. It’s well put together, it’s waterproof, and it has all the utility of its larger counterpart. The build materials are premium and the construction and composition of the handset is extremely tidy. And because of its size, it does sit beautifully in the hand.
The display is a 1080p setup and is bright and detailed. Why no QHD? I don’t know, actually, but for my money, 1080p works fine at this screen size. Details are crisp and the colours are nice and natural – it actually looks better than my Pixel 2 XL’s display side by side and that rocks a QHD OLED panel. Go figure!
Google Pixel 2 Review – Specs & Features
The Pixel 2, like the Pixel 2 XL, is a powerhouse when it comes to specs. Out the box, you get Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 CPU alongside 4GB of RAM and Android Oreo. All work together seamlessly for what is easily the best Android experience around right now. Bar none.
Boot times are rapid – the phone will start from dead in under 10 seconds –, apps load in the blink of an eye, and everything chugs along at a very impressive rate. It is also next to impossible to trip this phone over; throw whatever you like at it and it’ll keep on trucking.
And because it’s a Pixel phone, it’ll be first in line for Android updates and security patches as soon as they happen. If you’re serious about Android and want to get everything first, you basically need to run one of Google’s Pixel phones. Nothing else comes even remotely close.
You now also get better storage options: 64GB (base model) and 128GB (high-end model), so no more running out of storage early. On top of this, Google is also offering unlimited uploads to Drive and, yes, that includes 4K video too. For software, usability, and overall performance it is more or less impossible to beat Google’s Pixel 2 phones rights now.
Google Pixel 2 Review – Camera
And then we come to the camera… and it is exceptional. And I really do mean exceptional. The bottom line is; if you’re after the best possible camera phone on the market right now, you need to be looking at the Pixel 2 phones.
What Google has done with its imaging technology is beyond impressive. The Pixel and Pixel XL had very good cameras, but the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL take things several steps further with more advanced settings, Portrait Mode, and a wealth of software tweaks that combine to make this one of the most potent camera setups in history.
And what makes this all the more impressive is that Google has done ALL of this with a 12MP main camera with a f/1.8 aperture and super-smart software. The app itself is a little limited compared to the competition, but the results are what matters most and in this respect, the Pixel 2 is miles ahead of the competition.
If imaging is important to you, get this phone (or the Pixel 2 XL).
Google Pixel 2 Review – Battery Life
The Pixel 2 is considerably smaller than the Pixel 2 XL, and so too is its battery, but somehow Google has managed to make the Pixel 2’s battery almost as impressive.
You will get a full day (and more) via a single charge and, when combined with all of Google’s battery saving options, you can, at a push, keep it running for prolonged periods of time even when there isn’t much juice left in the tank.
This battery life is achieved through a few clever choices; things like using a 1080p panel instead of a QHD one, Android Oreo optimisations, and better management of background applications all combine to make for truly exceptional battery performance.
I wasn’t expecting much from the Pixel 2 in this regard, but it blew me away. By the end of my first week with the phone, I was kind of at a loss as to what Google had done to achieve this kind of performance from a decidedly normal-sized battery.
Turns out Google’s pretty darn smart when it comes to optimisation, software and power management. Who knew!?
Google Pixel 2 Review – Verdict
I hate the bezels. I really HATE them. But I love everything else about this immensely powerful, super-useful phone. Given the choice, I would always go with the Pixel 2 XL, but if you want something smaller with a brighter display, then the Pixel 2 is about as good as it gets.
It has best in class performance, imaging, battery life, and will get Android P and Android Q as soon as they’re ready. So if that sounds like something you’d be interested in being a part of, what are you waiting for?
Google’s Pixel 2 phones are amazing, do not believe the haters.
Best Place To Buy The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
If you’re in the UK, the best place – IMHO – to preorder the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is Carphone Warehouse.
Why? Simple: they offer a range of deals from a range of networks. You can also opt to buy the handset outright and then shop around for the best possible deal for your data and minutes.
Have a gander at what’s on offer now; prices start from £44 a month with a £59.99 upfront fee.
How To Buy Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL In the US?
No, bother – Verizon has you covered. The carrier has a ton of options for those looking to pre-order the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
You can buy the phone outright for $849.99 or go on a contract where prices start at $35.41 a month.
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/mobile-phones/google-pixel-2/24671/google-pixel-2-review-iphone-android-lovers