Google Pixel 2 Review | Gadget Spotlight
While the world continues waiting for the release of the Google Pixel 3, we decided it was worth the time to go back and look at its predecessor. Keep reading to check out our Google Pixel 2 review, which goes over the most relevant features and examines how it stacks up against competitors.
In this article:
- Price
- Size and Display
- Camera Quality
- Processor Speed
- Additional Features
- Other Google Pixel 2 Standout Specs
Google Pixel 2 Review | How Does It Stack Up?
Price
The Google Pixel 2 came in at a price of $650 for its base model. That seems like a pretty good deal in the face of Apple’s foray into high-end luxury phones and its upcoming elimination of the smaller and more budget-friendly iPhone SE. It also looks good against the $1,000 starting price of a 128-GB Galaxy Note 9.
Size and Display
The 5-inch AMOLED screen may be less than impressive for those accustomed to larger phablets. It has a larger bezel size than you’d expect from a smaller phone. It’s surprising considering other phones on the market appear to be in a race to eliminate as much of this as possible. Google uses it to feature a large speaker with a more substantial bass sound than you usually get with modern phones.
The phone’s aluminum outer framework comes coated in a textured material designed to be chip-resistant, though this may not quell the fears of those worrying about scratches from heavy use. It still stands out from the trend of other phones designed with a shiny back or glass coating.
Google Pixel 2 size and display specs:
- 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution
- Features an always-on display
- Screen constructed from Gorilla Glass 5
Camera Quality
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Google’s always pushed things when it came to camera quality, and this is where the Google Pixel 2 truly stands out. Most who’ve tried the phone raved about the clear, sharp quality of the pictures produced. It even beat out the iPhone XS in picture quality when comparing results side-by-side.
It does this without the need for multiple cameras. The Google Pixel 2 allows you to take pictures in motion with remarkable clarity. There’s no issue with keeping it focused when you’re rushing to catch the perfect shot.
Google Pixel 2 camera quality specs:
- 12.2 MP front camera/8 MP rear camera
- Comes with optical and electronic stabilization for images
- 1080p video from both the front and back cameras
Processor Speed
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The speed of the Google Pixel 2 can’t compare to the offerings from Apple’s iPhone XS or even the Samsung Galaxy 9. Everything is driven by a Snapdragon 835, an older-generation processor than what’s currently running the newer flagship offerings from those companies.
Still, there’s no lag experienced as you go about standard tasks on your phone. The speed compares favorably to what you’d find in an iPhone 8. It’s also a smoother experience than doing the same on a new S9 or S9+. We’re sure Google will be looking to upgrade its processor when it rolls out the Pixel 3. Those looking for something now, however, should be quite satisfied with the Pixel 2’s quickness.
Additional Features
The Google Pixel 2 runs on Android 8.0 Oreo software. You will receive three years of guaranteed OS and security updates starting from the year it was first sold on the Google Store.
One thing we found surprising was Google following Apple’s lead in eliminating the headphone jack. You’ll need to have a reliable pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones to take advantage of the HD Audio. Buyers upgrading from older models will need to update any additional chargers purchased to USB 3.0.
One thing we found slightly disappointing was the pedestrian 2700 mAh battery. It’s enough to get you through the six or seven hours advertised, but most will find themselves charging sooner than that. You’ll want to upgrade to the XL version with its 3520 mAH battery if you’re looking for a longer-lasting charge. You also can’t get a version with storage greater than 128GB.
Other Google Pixel 2 Standout Specs
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 4GB of RAM
- Internal storage of either 64GB or 128GB
- Front-firing stereo speakers
- Resistant to water and dust
- “Now Playing” tells you what music’s playing in the background
- Google Assistant lets you know about upcoming scheduled events
Check out this Google Pixel 2 review by The Verge:
The Google Pixel 2 doesn’t quite match the power and flashiness of the latest offerings from Samsung or Apple. It does, however, give you access to a high-quality phone with a lot of nice features. You can’t do much better than the Google Pixel 2 phone if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly high-end phone with a great camera. It’s an excellent phone to have for those preferring to wait until they’re sure Google’s worked out all the bugs in their next iteration. We hope you enjoyed reading our Google Pixel 2 review, and that it helped you decide if this is the right phone for you.
Do you agree with our Google Pixel 2 review? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
Up next: Google Pixelbook Review
Featured image photo by Google
