Google Pixel 2

Google Pixel 2 is the smaller of the two Pixel phones that Google launched yesterday. Though Google states that size is the only difference between the two Pixel variants, that's not entirely true.

Both Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have class leading hardware and software at their disposal, but the Pixel 2 has a regular 16:9 display panel (as against 18:9 POLED display on its bigger sibling) with chunky bezels on top and bottom. The bezel ostensibly isn't a complete waste of space, as Pixel 2 houses its stereo speakers above and below the display. The 5-inch AMOLED display on Pixel 2 has full HD resolution and supports 95 percent DCI-P3 color gamut.

The handset is 7.8mm slim and weighs 143 grams. On the rear, it flaunts a combination of metal and glass and looks identical to its elder sibling (save for the difference in colors). It's also water and dust resistant.

The handset is powered by octa-core Snapdragon 835 Mobile Platform with Adreno 540 GPU, 4GB LPDDR4x RAM, and 64GB/128GB storage. Google promises to update it to the latest software for the next three years. Software perks include unlimited drive space for Photos, Google lens preview, AR stickers, a redesigned Home Launcher and more. The pixel 2 also includes active edge, which is to say that you can squeeze it to summon Google assistant.

The Pixel 2 camera performance will rely on 12.2MP rear camera with LED flash, OIS, EIS, f/1.8 aperture, dual pixel PDAF, laser AF, and 4K recording support. The front 8MP camera is paired with f/2.4 aperture optics. Portrait mode, powered by software, is available on both front and rear cameras. Google's claim of this being the best available smartphone camera is corroborated by the staggering DxoMark score of 98.

Other features include 4G VoLTE, WiFi 802.11ac 2x2MIMO (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5 LE, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC, 2700mAh battery, and a fast fingerprint sensor on the rear.

You can buy Pixel 2 in India starting from 61,000 INR. The Pixel 2 Flipkart price for 128GB storage variant is 70,000 INR.

The Pixel 2 is equipped with a 5-inch FullHD display, just like the original Pixel from last year. Google has removed the headphone jack for this generation of Pixel smartphones in favor of routing audio to the USB-C port. The Pixel 2 packs a 2,700mAh battery not a strikingly large number, but it is a 5-incher we're talking about after all.

In good lighting, the Pixel 2 captures excellently detailed photos, with a very natural rendition of textures and fine detail. read more →

Rather than build two identical Pixels this year, Google decided to make its new small smartphone a little more conservative. Make no mistake: the Pixel 2 is still an incredibly fast phone, and a clean build of Android 8.0 Oreo combined with Google's intelligent features make the device incredibly capable. And its camera? Just fantastic. Because of its more traditional design and smaller battery, though, the Pixel 2 doesn't make as strong an impression as the Pixel XL. read more →

The Pixel 2 XL looks like its been hitting the gym. It's slimmer bezels and higher screen-to-body-ratio makes it looks leaner. When viewed off-axis, the Pixel 2 XL's POLED screen has a noticeable blue tint, which is something you don't see on the standard Pixel 2.

Google still has the best HDR photo processing, but both phones still struggle in very low light scenarios. read more →

The matte metal-and-glass back feels like a warm ceramic, with a pleasant interplay of textures. Those big front-facing speakers really pay off with the Pixel 2's speakerphone, which is very loud, if rather harsh. The fingerprint sensor is on the back of the phone.

The lack of a headphone jack will hurt a bit, especially because Google doesn't even include headphones here, just a dongle. read more →