The return of the Pixel

Before diving into the usual specs and design aspects of the new Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, we have to highlight the major differences or improvements of this new flagship compared to others in the market. And before we look into that, the first impressions of the new Pixel smartphones have been given a solid thumbs up.

A proper assistant

Google’s Assistant is more capable now than ever. These are slightly different, subtle yet significant upgrades. To start things off, while you’re phone is locked and showing you the usual clock and other notifications, the new feature Now Playing can pick up music playing around you and lets you know what song is being played. The song title and artist fades onto the OLED display, without you having to unlock the phone and use an app to figure out what song is being played. That’s plus one for all of you curious music lovers out there. You can always turn this feature off, but it’s a fun one to have on. They take things a step further. If you double-tap on the song title, Google Assistant will launch immediately and show you all the necessary information on the music being played. The Assistant is much more engaging than before with the addition of Google Lens. The function is quite simple, really. You can unlock your phone, go to Assistant and press the Lens icon to launch the camera, which will allow you to search for images that you have taken a shot of. You will receive clickable links to whatever the Lens has captured. For example, you can receive all types of information of a painting in an art gallery. Finally, there is the addition of Active Edge, which allows you to launch Google Assistant by simply squeezing the sides of your phone. For now, unfortunately, it only launches Assistant.

A pedigree camera

One of the better improvements, which is saying a lot, is the phone’s camera. The first Pixel had a very impressive camera at the time of its release. In fact, many tech reviewers would go as far to say it had the best camera on any phone. Now, the single rear camera is even better. The 12-megapixel camera is actually something to boast about, while other flagship phones are relying more on dual-lens cameras for their primary shots. Almost as impressive is the 8-megapixel front-facing camera that takes stunning Portrait Mode shots. Again, not too many phones are known for this type of quality.

A looker but not a head-turner

We do have to admit the slight improvement on the design from its predecessor. The smaller 5-inch display Pixel 2 has a passable design. Let’s just say it isn’t bad looking. However, the Pixel 2 XL has the more notable and attractive features. The display itself doesn’t thin out around the edges like the industry standard. So it might look a tad strange with the bezels and borderline. The feel seems to be, at first glance, quite premium, as it should be. And we do receive an OLED display, which of course is a must for flagship phones nowadays. Apart from the littlest complaints of the new design, it really isn’t a bad looking phone. Although it retains its original signature distinction from other phones, it still isn’t spectacular. The overall look and feel still makes for one attractive phone. More importantly, it is the phone’s abilities, and better perks like the front dual-speakers.

A final impression

For a pure Android, and this time Oreo, experience, you can’t look further than the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Both models come with 64GB of storage, but for a little extra you’ll be able to get the 128GB model for the 2 XL. Both phones also house the new Snapdragon 835 with 4GB of RAM, along with all the camera features. The only foul move in the new addition is getting rid of the headphone jack. Sorry, people, you’ll have to get used to this. As upsetting as it might sound, at least you’ll have the Bluetooth 5.0 easing up those tensions when connecting your headphones or earphones. Pixel 2 has a 2,700mAh battery, while the larger XL rocks a 3,530mAh battery. Another plus side to this is its fast-charging capabilities. The reports suggest you’ll be able to get seven hours of use on a single charge of 15 minutes. That’s, for the lack of a better term, nuts. There is much more to discover and experience with the new Pixel phones, and the coming months will obviously be quite telling. The first impressions might get the thumbs up but a full review is still in queue. As for now, passing marks all around.