The Lowdown on the Google Pixel 2

Chris Holmes Staff Writer

Updated 05 October 2017

While Apple's new iPhones have been garnering most of the wireless spotlight over the past several weeks, Google just released a similarly impressive device with its Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL.

The first edition of this device earned plenty of fans, with its great camera, fast speeds, and elegant design. The Google Pixel 2 improves upon its predecessor in every possible way, while introducing new machine learning innovations that leave the rest of the industry in the dust, at least for now.

The 64 and 128 GB versions of the Pixel 2 (starting at $649) and Pixel 2 XL (starting at $849) are available for preorder now--albeit in limited supply--and will be in users' hands October 19. Here are a few need-to-knows about the new device.

Pixel 2 camera improves on an already-great one

The original Pixel boasted one of the best cameras on the smartphone market, arguably besting even the likes of the iPhone. The Pixel 2's camera looks even better, with a bigger lens and a dual pixel sensor that breaks down each pixel into two smaller ones, improving picture quality and giving you more options for shaping them.

The Pixel 2's 12-megapixel rear cameras and 8-megapixel selfie feature a litany of improvements, including: improved optical image and video stabilization, portrait mode on the front and back, and a f/1.8 aperture. You'll get the same camera whether you choose the regular Pixel 2 or the larger Pixel 2 XL. Take that Apple!

Google Lens: the future

Google has imbued its Pixel 2 with several innovations that don't involve hardware--one of which is Google Lens.

With Google Lens engaged, your camera turns into a search engine of sorts. Just take a picture, and Google will the identify the items you've captured--anything from flower species to watch types to album covers, to name a few random categories. The company is still building out its database of items, so this technology will improve over time.

Want to ask Google something? Just squeeze.

You no longer have to cue Google Assistant by saying "OK Google" (though you can still do that); you need only to squeeze your Pixel 2. Early reviews of this feature indicate that it takes some getting used to, as you have to strike a balance between a death grip and a gentle squeeze.

No headphone jack - and no free headphones

Google has followed Apple's lead by removing the headphone jack from its new devices. You also won't find headphones bundled with the device. The Pixel 2 does come with a USB-C adaptor for you to plug your current wired headphones into, but clearly the company wants to encourage its users to pick up a pair of wireless Pixel Buds at a cool $159.

The Pixel Buds give you the ability to change songs, enable Google Assistant, read messages and enable real-time language translation with the tap of a finger. Pretty amazing, but not cheap, especially for someone who's already shelling out several hundred dollars for their Pixel 2.

Bundled with Google Home Mini

While the Pixel 2 doesn't come with headphones, it is bundled with Google Home Mini, a small smart speaker that you can control with your voice to do web searches, schedule appointments/set reminders, get directions, and control your smart home (among other uses).

Google hasn't joined the bezel-less society

In a world of bezel-less phones--see the iPhone X, Samsung Galaxy S8, Note 8--the presence of bezels on the Pixel 2 may seem a bit old-fashioned (the Pixel 2 XL feature smaller ones). If you can get past this, though, there's a lot to admire about the Pixel 2's design. The colors are gorgeous, and the neon power buttons are cool. Some outlets have labeled the Pixel 2's design "utilitarian" but I think that's selling it short.

One other note on the Pixel 2's display--Google says it features a 100,000:1 aspect ratio, dwarfing the 1,400:1 ratio on the iPhone 8.

Other Pixel 2 need-to-knows. . .

No wireless charging, but can be fast charged
Water resistant body
Includes "Now Playing" feature which automatically identifies songs without the need to open an app or press a button
The fastest fingerprint sensor on the market, according to Google
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, OLED screens, 12-megapixel rear cameras and 8-megapixel selfie cameras are all pretty par for the flagship Android course

Where to get the Pixel 2

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are available via the Google Store, or exclusively (so far) via Verizon. Additionally, T-Mobile is offering $325 back to customers who bring their Google Pixel 2 with them and sign up for the carrier's unlimited ONE plan.

Better act fast, though: the Verge has reported that several models of the regular 2 and the 2 XL are already out of stock.

Chris Holmes

Staff Writer

Chris Holmes is a Contributing Writer for WhistleOut, where he covers the cell phone and internet industries. His work has been cited in publications like The Verge, The New York Times, and WIRED.

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