The newest Google Pixel devices have been introduced today. The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL showcased a new pair of own-branded smartphones, manufactured by HTC and LG with codenames Walleye and Taimen, respectively. At first, these two devices are said to be powering a Qualcomm Snapdragon 836 chipset, but because of the delay in the silicon rollout, they will be using the flagship Snapdragon 835.
Both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL runs on stock-Android 8.0 “Oreo” and have two memory options: 64GB and 128GB storage. Like the predecessor, it doesn’t come with a microSD card slot. Also, they’re similar in the camera sensors, as the rear sports a 12.3-megapixel shooter with phase detection and laser auto-focus, plus an electronic and optical image stabilization. On the other side, the front camera has an 8-megapixel lens with f/2.4 aperture. The battery packs a 2,700 mAh with no mention of wireless charging support.
In terms of size, the Pixel 2 is a 5.0-inch screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on top, featuring the standard 16:9 aspect ratio, while the bigger Pixel 2 XL features a 6-inch P-OLED display with a QHD+ resolution in an 18:9 aspect ratio built in aluminum. Although the bezel has been reduced to become a more slim profile, being a true edge to edge device is somewhat a dismay. The battery is 3,520 mAh non-removable, supported by Quick Charge 3.0. There’s also a surprising e-SIM embedded inside the phone, hence, it is a dual-SIM handset, the other is for nano-SIM.
Other highlights: the new Pixel Visual Core, a new special chipset that associates in the camera department of the smartphones that can do better image processing than the Qualcomm’s ISP image technology; another is what we called “advanced x-axis haptics sensor” that refers to the gestures, similar with the squeeze sensor on the HTC U11; and lastly, Adaptive Audio Amplifier to maximize the performance of the speaker.
For pricing, the Pixel 2 starts at $649 for the 64GB model, while the Pixel 2 XL is priced starting $849 for the base 64GB variant. The former will be released on October 19, while the latter is set for November 15.
Google Pixel 2 key specs:
| Display | 5.0-inch FHD AMOLED display, 1920 x 1080 resolution, 441 ppi |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| CPU | 2.45Ghz 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core chipset |
| RAM | 4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 540 |
| SIM | Single-SIM |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB |
| Storage expansion | No |
| Rear camera | 12.3-megapixel, laser and phase detection auto-focus with Sony IMX378 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, electronic image stabilization and dual-LED flash |
| Front camera | 8-megapixel, f/2.4 aperture with Sony IMX179 sensor |
| Video recording | 2160p (30 fps), 1080p (30 fps / 60 fps / 120 fps), 720p (240 fps) |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Hi-Fi |
| Others | Fingerprint scanner |
| IP67 water and dust resistant | |
| Operating system | Android 8.0 “Oreo” |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MiMO |
| Bluetooth 5.0, aptX | |
| GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | |
| NFC | |
| USB 3.0 Type-C port, OTG compatible | |
| GSM, HSPA, 4G+ LTE (Category 16) | |
| Dimension | 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 143 grams |
| Battery | 2,700 mAh non-removable capacity, Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Colors | Kinda Blue, Really White and Just Black |
| Price | $649 (or ~P33,120) – 64GB; $749 (or ~P38,225) – 128GB |
Google Pixel 2 XL key specs:
| Display | 6.0-inch FHD+ P-OLED display, 2880 x 1440 resolution, 538 ppi |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 3D Arc Glass |
| CPU | 2.45Ghz 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core chipset |
| RAM | 4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 540 |
| SIM | Dual-SIM, Dual standby (one Nano-SIM and one e-SIM) |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB |
| Storage expansion | No |
| Rear camera | 12.3-megapixel, laser and phase detection auto-focus with Sony IMX378 sensor, f/1.8 aperture, electronic image stabilization and dual-LED flash |
| Front camera | 8-megapixel, f/2.4 aperture with Sony IMX179 sensor |
| Video recording | 2160p (30 fps), 1080p (30 fps / 60 fps / 120 fps), 720p (240 fps) |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, Hi-Fi |
| Others | Fingerprint scanner |
| IP67 water and dust resistant | |
| Operating system | Android 8.0 “Oreo” |
| Connectivity | WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, MiMO |
| Bluetooth 5.0, aptX | |
| GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | |
| NFC | |
| USB 3.0 Type-C port, OTG compatible | |
| GSM, HSPA, 4G+ LTE (Category 16) | |
| Dimension | 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 175 grams |
| Battery | 3520 mAh non-removable capacity, Quick Charge 3.0 support |
| Color | Just Black, Black & White |
| Price | $849 (or ~P43,330) – 64GB; $949 (or ~P48,430) – 128GB |
