Pixel 2
![]() Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL | |
Codename | |
---|---|
Developer | |
Manufacturers |
|
Slogan | Ask more of your phone. |
Series | Pixel |
Model |
|
Compatible networks | |
First released | October 19, 2017 |
Discontinued | April 1, 2019[2] |
Predecessor | Pixel |
Successor | Pixel 3 |
Type | Pixel 2: Smartphone Pixel 2 XL: Phablet[3] |
Form factor | Slate |
Dimensions | Pixel 2: H: 145.7 mm (5.74 in) W: 69.7 mm (2.74 in) D: 7.8 mm (0.31 in) Pixel 2 XL: H: 157.9 mm (6.22 in) W: 76.7 mm (3.02 in) D: 7.9 mm (0.31 in) |
Weight | Pixel 2: 143 g (5.04 oz) Pixel 2 XL: 175 g (6.17 oz) |
Operating system | Original: Android 8.0 "Oreo" Current: Android 10 |
System-on-chip | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
CPU | Octa-core (4 × 2.35 GHz, 4 × 1.9 GHz) Kryo |
GPU | Adreno 540 |
Modem | Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE (integrated) |
Memory | 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM |
Storage | 64 or 128 GB |
Battery | |
Display | Pixel 2: 5 in (130 mm) FHD AMOLED, 1920 × 1080 (441 ppi) Pixel 2 XL: 6 in (150 mm) QHD P-OLED, 2880 × 1440 (538 ppi) All: Gorilla Glass 5 |
Rear camera | |
Front camera | 8 MP Sony Exmor IMX179 1.4 µm pixel size f/2.4 aperture |
Connectivity | GSM, LTE, LTE Advanced, Voice over LTE, HSDPA, CDMA, TD-LTE, TD-SCDMA |
Website | store |
Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are Android smartphones designed and developed by HTC and LG respectively, and marketed by Google. They were announced during a Google event on October 4, 2017, as the successors to the Pixel and Pixel XL. They were released on October 19, 2017, and serve as the second set of smartphones in the Google Pixel hardware line. On October 9, 2018, they were succeeded by the third-generation Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.
History
In early March 2017, Google's Rick Osterloh confirmed that they would bring a "next-gen" Pixel smartphone later that year. He stated it would "stay premium" and that there would be no "cheap Pixel".[4]
Google originally intended to use HTC to manufacture both their 2017 flagships, but later shifted to LG to manufacture the bigger Pixel 2 XL. The unreleased device that was supposed to be the Pixel 2 XL under the codename "Muskie", was later re-developed by HTC into the HTC U11+.[5]
The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were carried in the United States by Verizon and Project Fi. On October 4, 2018, Verizon Wireless stopped selling the Pixel 2.[6]
Specifications
Design
The back of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are made from aluminum with a thin "premium coating" of plastic and has a top section made from glass to provide wireless transmissivity.[7] Unlike the original Pixel XL, which was simply an enlarged version of the Pixel design with no other changes, the Pixel 2 XL's external design differs from its smaller sibling, employing a taller 2:1 P-OLED display (marketed as 18:9) instead of the Pixel 2's 16:9 AMOLED.
Hardware
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are both powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, coupled with 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM. They both come in storage options of 64 or 128 GB.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Pixel_2_PenTile_arrangement.jpg/220px-Pixel_2_PenTile_arrangement.jpg)
The Pixel 2 has a 5-inch (130 mm) 16:9 1080p (1920 × 1080) AMOLED display panel with a pixel density of 441 ppi, while the Pixel 2 XL comes with a 6-inch (150 mm) 2:1 1440p (2880 × 1440) P-OLED display panel with a pixel density of 538 ppi.
Both phones have a 12.2 megapixel rear camera capable of recording 4K video at 30 FPS, 1080p video at 120 FPS, and 720p video at 240 FPS. The camera also contains phase-detection autofocus, laser autofocus, and HDR+ processing. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL also include the Pixel Visual Core (PVC) image processor for faster and lower power image processing, though it was not enabled until Android 8.1 was released in January 2018.[8][9] The PVC was custom design by Google's consumer hardware team with collaboration from Intel.[10] The Pixels do not have support for 4K video at 60 FPS, as the processor is not powerful enough.[11][12] The Pixel 2 includes optical image stabilization which the Pixel lacked. Google uses Fused Video Stabilization which reduces issues with camera shake, motion blur, rolling shutter distortion, and focus breathing as found in other image stabilization methods.[13]
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL support USB Power Delivery quick charging, have a fingerprint sensor on the rear, IP67 dust and water resistance and are Daydream-ready.[14] The Pixel 2s has a nano-SIM and an eSIM, Android Q Beta 2 enabled dual SIM support however Android Q Beta 3 disabled it.[15]
Software
The phones ship with stock Android 8.0 "Oreo" on launch. Google has promised three years of software and security updates,[16] making it closer to the average four years of support that Apple provides for its iPhones.[17]
The new Pixels also include a feature called "Active Edge". With this, the Google Assistant can be launched by squeezing the phone's sides, similar to the HTC U11's "Edge Sense" feature.
This phone was also released with the new Google Lens app, which is designed to bring up relevant information using visual analysis by the camera. The "Now Playing" feature allows the device to automatically detect music through its microphone, and identify the song on the lock screen.[18]
On December 5, 2017, Android 8.1 Oreo was released for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.[19]
On October 4, 2017, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were granted an extended warranty period which guarantees Android version updates for them until October 2020, 3 years from when they were first available on the Google Store,[20] and free unlimited storage for all photos and videos taken on the phone in original quality through the end of 2020, with unlimited high-quality storage continuing afterwards.[21]
Android 9.0 "Pie" was made available upon its launch on August 6, 2018.[22] Following the release of the Pixel 3, some of its features were backported to the Pixel 2, including updates to the camera software, augmented reality stickers, and a history log for "Now Playing", among others.[23] Android 10 was made available upon its launch on September 3, 2019.[24][25]
Cellular networks
Generation | Standard | Bands[26] |
---|---|---|
2G | GSM | 850, 900, 1800, 1900 |
3G | CDMA EVDO Rev A | BC 0, 1, 10 |
UMTS / HSPA+ / HSDPA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 | |
4G | LTE-FDD | 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5, 7*, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66* |
LTE-TDD | 38*, 40, 41 | |
* Indicates the bands that support 4x4 MIMO |
Reception
The Pixel 2 camera received a score of 98 from DxOMark, making it the highest performing mobile device camera at the end of 2017, and was overtaken in March 2018 by Samsung's Galaxy S9+.[27]
The Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL received mixed reviews. The phone was praised for the camera quality and water resistance,[28] but was criticized for the removal of the headphone jack,[29] particularly after Google mocked Apple for doing the same with its iPhone 7 phone at the launch of the first generation Pixel phone just 12 months prior.[30] Google was also criticized for the price of the USB-C to 3.5 mm headphone adapter it sells, which costs US$20 while Apple's Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter costs US$9,[31] as well as for not including headphones with the phone. However, news outlets noted that because USB-C is a standard interface, unlike Lightning, there are a variety of third-party adapters that retail for less than Google's official one.[32] Google later dropped the price of the adapter to US$9, keeping the price in-line with Apple's offering.[33][34][35]
YouTuber JerryRigEverything, who performs durability tests on various smartphones, criticized Google for their design choice with the antenna lines on the sides of the handset. When he bent the Pixel 2, it cracked at the antenna line near the middle of the phone, voiding its water resistance and warranty, while most other phones from competitors pass his bend test. This does not apply to the Pixel 2 XL.[36][37][38]
The design of the smaller Pixel 2 was regarded as plain, and its big chunky bezels were not well received, considering that earlier 2017 phones like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6 had moved to nearly bezel-less screens.[39]
The Pixel 2 XL screen became infamous for quality control issues, a flaw shared with the LG V30 which also has the same manufacturer and P-OLED screen type. The Pixel 2 XL has a blue tint visible on the screen when the phone is viewed at an angle. Many were dissatisfied[40][41] and it was speculated that Google had installed the polarizer incorrectly.[42] However, when Google addressed the tint, they stated that it was a design choice to have the blue tint to go along with the cooler color temperature used by the screen (it is calibrated to a D67 white point, which is 6700K).[43][44]
The Pixel 2 was updated with the Pixel 3's Night Sight feature which dramatically improves low light performance with no flash or tripod. Using Night Sight the Pixel 2 takes superior low light photos than newer 2018 flagships such as the iPhone XS, Huawei Mate 20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note 9.[45]
Issues
Screen issues
Vlad Savov of The Verge has complained of under-saturated and distorted OLED displays,[46] and there have also been reports of screen burn-in on some Pixel 2 XL units.[47]
The Pixel 2 XL also suffers from a "black smear" problem, which occurs when a group of black pixels transition to colored ones, and tend to linger for a while, before changing to their expected state.[48][49]
Google conducted an investigation and said that a software update would be coming soon that would add a new mode for more saturated colors, reducing the maximum brightness of the Pixel 2 XL devices by 50 cd/m2 to reduce load on the display, and fading out the navigation bar after a period of inactivity.[50] The November security patch came with three new screen modes that Google promised earlier,[51] although Google has also said that further enhancements would be included in a separate software update to be released in December.[52] Google also extended device warranty to two years for both devices worldwide.[53]
The Pixel 2 XL has an issue where the screen may flash randomly. It occurs when the phone is locked or unlocked.[54] The issue was fixed in the June system software update, but returned with the July update.[55]
Audio issues
Hundreds of Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners have complained about high-pitched and clicking sounds coming from the phone.[56] Google investigated the issue and recommended turning off NFC to temporarily fix the problem until a software update comes out.[57][58] The November security patch fixed the clicking sound as well as the KRACK WPA2 Wi-Fi security issue, however, it did not fix the buzzing sounds heard during calls on some devices. Google failed to deliver on a promise to fix buzzing sounds in a future update.[59]
The Pixel 2 XL has a volume flaw that reduces the sound level of audio clips sent through messaging apps such as Google Allo, Instagram, and Telegram among others. Google is aware of the problem and is looking into it.[60]
Some of the USB-C to 3.5 mm adapters for the headphones do not work. In some cases, rebooting the phone can fix the issue temporarily. Google is offering replacements for the faulty adapters.[61][62]
Some Pixel 2 XL suffer from speaker rattling when playing content or even during phone calls.[63]
Multiple users reported that the microphone can randomly stop working. A possible solution is to blow into the microphone.[64]
Some units suffer from Bluetooth connectivity issues.[65]
There is an issue where Google Assistant does not work with some Bluetooth headphones.[66]
Sales
In the United States, Verizon and Project Fi are the exclusive carriers for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. They are available direct-to-consumer for use on any wireless network through Google's online store, or from Best Buy and Target.[67] According to IDC Senior Research Director Francisco Jeronimo, Google shipped 3.9 million units in 2017, twice as much as Pixels sold in 2016.[68]
On March 21, 2018, Google did a temporary offer where, if a consumer financed a Pixel for 2 years, they would receive a $200 cashback. This aimed to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S9 and iPhone X. The promotion ended March 31, 2018.[69]
On July 9, 2018, Google reduced the price of the Pixel 2 XL by US$100.[70][71][72]
On October 12, 2018, The Pixel 2 XL was discounted by $300 for Verizon Wireless customers.[73][74]
On April 1, 2019, Google stopped selling both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL on the Google Play Store.[75]
References
- ^ a b c d "These are the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL | VentureBeat". venturebeat.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2017. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
- ^ Welch, Chris (April 1, 2019). "Google ends sales of the Pixel 2 and 2 XL". The Verge. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
- ^ Google Pixel 2 XL vs. iPhone X vs. Note 8: Phablet spec showdown Archived February 22, 2018, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Pixel boss Rick Osterloh: Pixel 2 is coming this year and staying premium". AndroidPIT. Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
- ^ "The HTC U11 Plus was originally intended to be the Google Pixel 2 XL". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 3, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
- ^ Welch, Chris. "Verizon ends sales of Google's Pixel 2 as October 9th event nears". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
- ^ "JerryRigEverything rips into the Pixel 2 and exposes easily scratched plastic coating". Android Police. October 20, 2017. Archived from the original on October 22, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
- ^ Amadeo, Ron (February 6, 2018). "Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp get better photos on the Pixel 2". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on February 6, 2018. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
- ^ Amadeo, Ron (October 17, 2017). "Surprise! The Pixel 2 is hiding a custom Google SoC for image processing". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on October 18, 2017. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
- ^ "The Pixel 2's custom camera SoC uses Intel technology". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on October 25, 2017. Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- ^ "Google on Pixel 2's Noisy 4K Videos, RAW and Manual Modes, 4K@60fps, More". NDTV Gadgets360.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ "Google Explains Decisions Made on the Pixel 2 Camera". xda-developers. November 20, 2017. Archived from the original on December 16, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ "Fused Video Stabilization on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL". Google AI Blog. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
- ^ Pixel 2 and 2 XL review—The best Android phone you can buy | Ars Technica Archived January 7, 2018, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "[Update: Gone in Beta 3] Android Q enables Dual SIM, Dual Standby support on the Google Pixel 3". xda-developers. May 8, 2019. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
- ^ "Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL: Specs, pricing, and everything else!". Android Central. October 4, 2017. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
- ^ "Google guarantees three years of Android software updates for the Pixel 2". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
- ^ "How to enable Now Playing on your Google Pixel 2". Android Central. October 25, 2017. Archived from the original on February 9, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- ^ Hager, Ryne. "Android 8.1 OTA files and factory images are now live". Android Police. Illogical Robot LLC. Archived from the original on January 14, 2018. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
- ^ Welch, Chris (October 7, 2017). "The new Pixels will get an added year of software and new features". The Verge. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
- ^ "Pixel 2". Google Store. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
- ^ Bohn, Dieter (August 6, 2018). "Android 9 Pie is available for Google Pixel phones today". The Verge. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
- ^ Cipriani, Jason. "Pixel 3 features coming to older Pixel devices". CNET. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
- ^ Bohn, Dieter (September 3, 2019). "Android 10 officially released for Google Pixel phones". The Verge. Retrieved September 4, 2019.
- ^ "Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices". Android Developers. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
- ^ "Pixel phone hardware tech specs". Pixel Phone Help. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- ^ "Google Pixel 2 reviewed: Sets new record for overall smartphone camera quality - DxOMark". DxOMark. October 4, 2017. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
- ^ "Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL: Google takes on the iPhone X". CNET. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
- ^ Biggs, Tim (October 5, 2017). "Google announces Pixel 2 smartphones and a whole host of other hardware". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
- ^ "The Pixel's missing headphone jack proves Apple was right". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
- ^ Gartenberg, Chaim. "Google's replacement Pixel 2 USB-C headphone dongles cost $20". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
- ^ "Google's Replacement USB-C Headphone Adaptor Will Cost You £20". Gizmodo UK. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017.
- ^ "Google drops price of its USB-C to headphone jack dongle down to $9 from $20". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 15, 2017. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
- ^ "Copying Apple, Google mercifully drops its $20 Pixel USB-C headphone dongle to $9". 9to5Google. October 13, 2017. Archived from the original on October 15, 2017. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
- ^ Williams, Brett. "Google avoids the wrath of wired headphone lovers, cuts Pixel 2 dongle price". Mashable. Archived from the original on October 15, 2017. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
- ^ Smith, Chris (October 20, 2017). "Forget the Pixel 2's display problems, Google's new flagships are far too fragile". BGR. Archived from the original on October 25, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ^ "Pixel 2 torture test shows just how destructible the handset's 'premium coating' really is". 9to5Google. October 20, 2017. Archived from the original on October 24, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ^ Brown, Aaron (October 22, 2017). "Google Pixel 2 might have the same problem as iPhone 6 Plus, and this video shows why". Daily Express. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ^ "Google Pixel 2 review: plainly great". The Verge. Archived from the original on January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
- ^ "The Pixel 2 XL drama is undermining Google's entire Pixel project". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 4, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
- ^ "Why I am put off by the Pixel 2 XL display, but you might not be". Android Authority. October 20, 2017. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
- ^ "Pixel 2 XL screen blue tint likely caused by poorly applied polarizer". Phone Arena. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
- ^ "Google says that the Pixel 2 XL display's blue shift is normal, much to owners' dissatisfaction". Android Police. October 26, 2017. Archived from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
- ^ "Google Groups". Google. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012.
- ^ Frumusanu, Andrei. "The Google Pixel 3 Review: The Ultimate Camera Test". www.anandtech.com. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
- ^ "The Pixel 2 XL would be the best phone in the world if its screen wasn't so weird". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 23, 2017. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
- ^ "Google could be forced to recall £1000 Pixel 2 XL after screen burn pics emerge | TheINQUIRER". theINQUIRER. Archived from the original on October 23, 2017. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
- ^ "Google Pixel 2 "black smearing," "clicking," and speaker volume issues reported". Android Authority. October 24, 2017. Archived from the original on October 24, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- ^ "Pixel 2 XL's pOLED display has a 'black smear' problem that's definitely worse than average". 9to5Google. October 24, 2017. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
- ^ "Google responds to Pixel 2 XL screen burn-in and color concerns with upcoming software updates, 2-year warranty". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
- ^ "Google updates Pixel 2 XL with new 'saturated' color display option and other bug fixes". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ "November security patch adds color modes & burn-in protections to Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL". 9to5Google. November 7, 2017. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ "Google responds to Pixel 2 issues: Extended warranty and updates". Engadget. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
- ^ "Some Google Pixel 2 XL owners reporting screen flashing issue w/ Always-On Display and lockscreen [Video]". 9to5Google. November 8, 2017. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ Did July OTA re-trigger Pixel 2 screen flashing issue?
- ^ "Some Pixel 2 phones are making strange noises". Engadget. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
- ^ "Google plans software update to fix Pixel 2 clicking sound". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
- ^ Kumparak, Greg. "Google responds to Pixel 2 XL display complaints, promises fix for 'clicking' noise on the Pixel 2". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
- ^ "Google will issue a fix for Pixel 2's buzzing sounds heard during calls". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
- ^ Pixel 2 XL Users Report Voice Messaging Issue, Google Promises Fix Archived January 13, 2018, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Some Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL owners claiming included headphone adapter doesn't work". December 18, 2017. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017.
- ^ "Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL headphone adapter not working for some folks". December 19, 2017. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017.
- ^ "Some are experiencing a rattling or buzzing problem with the Pixel 2 XL's speakers". December 21, 2017. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017.
- ^ Google Pixel 2 mic not working during calls? Try blowing into bottom speaker - GSMArena.com news Archived November 9, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Some Pixel 2 users are reporting Bluetooth connectivity issues". Android Central. November 3, 2017. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ "Pixel 2 bug prevents Google Assistant from working on Bluetooth headphones". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 13, 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
- ^ "Where to Get the Best Deal on the New Pixel 2". Fortune. Archived from the original on February 3, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2018.
- ^ "Analysis: Why Google Pixel Smartphones Sales Collapsed In 2017". Forbes. March 3, 2018.
- ^ Google Slashes Pixel 2 XL Price To Fight Off iPhone X And Galaxy S9 Archived March 24, 2018, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Google’s new Pixel 2 XL deal is making it tough to wait for the Pixel 3
- ^ Google's summer sale cuts Home Max and Pixel 2 XL prices
- ^ Huge Deal: Pixel 2 XL Price Slashed by $300
- ^ The Google Pixel 2 XL costs $599 after 24 months at Best Buy
- ^ Verizon Google Pixel 2 XL discounted by $300 at Best Buy
- ^ "Google stops selling the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL on its store". Android Police. April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2019.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)