Google Pixel 2 XL

The Google Pixel 2 XL is the absolute top model from the search giant for late 2017 / early 2018. Did the first generation of Pixels look pretty much the same besides its size, that is not the case for this 2nd generation. This Pixel 2 XL distinguishes itself by a longer screen with a different screen ratio and considerably thinner bezels.

Bigger and especially different screen

Google surprised us positively at the end of 2016 by coming out with its own and self-developed smartphone line. The Pixel 2 XL is a nice development of the first Pixel XL but with a much larger screen of 6 inches. The large bars above and below the screen are gone, which means that the device itself is hardly any larger. Instead of an AMOLED panel from Samsung, Google now uses a POLED panel from LG. Qualitatively, this is a step backwards. For example, the Pixel 2 XL screen has a clear blue haze at a sharp angle. If you find this disturbing, you can adjust the colour saturation in the settings to mask it somewhat. This does not solve the problem of the small viewing angle.

Perhaps the best camera in a phone

When Google first came out with a Pixel phone, it surprised friend and foe alike with its more than excellent camera qualities. Something that was not only indorsed by the testers of DxOMark but also many tech journalists swear by a Pixel camera phone. The Google Pixel 2 XL builds on that success and the camera does not disappoint. Extra clever if you consider that many other manufacturers still need 2 cameras for a reasonable end result. Google mainly uses software in the form of HDR + to polish up photos. This is so good and true to life that especially in low light you will be very impressed that a phone can take such pictures. On the video side, the optical image stabilisation is new, which makes your videos less shaky. This Pixel 2 XL also does portrait photos with a blurred background, but optical zooming is not possible due to the lack of a 2nd camera.

Most important Google Pixel 2 XL specifications

• Great P-OLED display with 6.0 inches diameter and sharp Quad HD+ resolution
• Quick 4G mobile internet on the go thanks to LTE
• 12.2 megapixel camera + 4K video recording and high 98 DxOMark score
• Fast Snapdragon 835 processor up to 2,35 + 1.9 GHz and 4 GB of RAM memory
• Choose between 64 or 128 GB of non-expandable storage
• High 8 megapixel selfie camera with Full HD video
• IP67 water and dust resistant case with hybrid coating

Hardware and software working together

Because Google makes both the hardware and software for the Pixel 2 XL, everything works together seamlessly. So expect a smooth and fast experience. For example, all Google services are built in including the Google Assistant and Google Lens. And Google's storage service is also maximised by all photos and videos you shoot in maximum resolution to and at least until January 15, 2021. Google promises to roll out monthly security updates until October 2020 and Android updates will continue to roll in until then. New is the music recognition 'Now playing'. A kind of Shazam that shows on the lock screen what song it is hearing in the background. Also new but on a hardware level is the dual speaker at the front. This high-definition stereo speaker sounds louder because it is directed to the front. If you prefer to listen to music wired then you have to connect it via USB-C. The normal headphone input is sadly missing this year.

Pro and cons Google Pixel 2 XL

• Bigger screen, thinner edges
• Perhaps the best camera today
• Loud stereo speakers up front
• Excellent software support

• Headphone input is no more