Pixel2 XL Review: Camera, Performance, and More

The Pixel 2 XL is a powerhouse of a phone, and its camera is a major highlight. With a 12.2-megapixel rear camera and a 8-megapixel front camera, you can expect stunning photos and crisp selfies.

The phone's performance is also top-notch, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM. This means you can switch between apps seamlessly and enjoy a smooth user experience.

One of the standout features of the Pixel 2 XL is its battery life, which can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. This is a major improvement over previous models, and it's a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go.

The phone's display is also a highlight, with a 6-inch Quad HD+ OLED screen that's perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.

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The Pixel 2 XL measures 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm and weighs 5.47 oz (155 g), making it a solid device that's neither too light nor too heavy in hand.

The phone has a rectangular design with rounded corners and slim bezels on the edges. It lacks a bezel-less display, but its design is close enough to other larger phones.

The front of the Pixel 2 XL features front-firing speakers and a glass section at the top for the camera and LED flash. The fingerprint scanner is located below the camera, surrounded by a smooth matte finish and a Google G logo.

The phone has a SIM card slot on the left side and a power button and one-piece volume button on the right side. A microphone is located on the top edge, and the USB-C charging port is on the bottom edge.

The Pixel 2 XL measures 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm.

In terms of size, the Pixel 2 XL is a bit larger than average, but it's still manageable in the hand.

The phone weighs 5.47 oz (155 g), making it neither too light nor too heavy.

The design of the Pixel 2 XL is typical of larger phones, with a rectangular shape and rounded corners.

The front of the phone features slim bezels and a glass section at the top where the camera and LED flash are located.

The fingerprint scanner is located below the camera and is surrounded by a smooth matte finish and a Google G logo at the bottom.

The phone has a one-piece volume button and a power button on the right side, and a SIM card slot on the left side.

In hand, the Pixel 2 XL feels solid and sturdy, with no flexing or rattles when squeezed or shaken.

Squeezing the sides towards the bottom of the phone triggers the Google Assistant to do your bidding.

The fingerprint reader on some phones is a game-changer. It's fast and reliable, making it a joy to unlock your device with just a touch.

I've had mixed experiences with fingerprint sensors in the past, but the Pixel 2 XL's sensor worked seamlessly for an extended period without needing to be reprogrammed. It's a welcome feature that makes unlocking your phone a breeze.

The Pixel 2 XL's fingerprint reader even worked with the index fingers of both hands, a feat that other phones struggled to achieve. The sensor on the Huawei Mate 10 Pro also impressed with its accuracy and speed.

However, not all phones are created equal, and some may still struggle with fingerprint recognition. The Samsung Galaxy S9, for example, failed to deliver a reliable fingerprint reading experience.

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The headphone jack is no longer a necessity. Google's decision to ditch it on the Pixel 2 was a bold move, and I'm glad they did.

Regular Bluetooth headphones can be unreliable and a hassle to use. Apple's AirPods, on the other hand, are a game-changer.

I've personally used AirPods as my primary headphones with my Pixel 2 XL, and they've been a great experience.

At least Google is introducing technologies to make the transition to wireless better.

The Pixel 2 XL's display is a mixed bag. The phone's brightness max is 460, which is considered poor. On the other hand, its contrast is unmeasurable, which is excellent.

The Pixel 2 XL's color temperature is 6873, and its gamma is 2.3. These numbers don't necessarily translate to real-world performance, but they give you an idea of the display's capabilities.

The Pixel 2 XL's color gamut is not explicitly stated, but we can compare it to other phones in the table below:

As you can see, the Pixel 2 XL's display is not the best in terms of brightness max, but it's not the worst either. Its contrast is excellent, though.

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The Pixel 2 XL's camera is excellent, and one of its standout features is its ability to capture quick moments.

Its shutter response is practically instant, thanks to its better autofocus. This means you can get the shot you want without any delay.

In fact, the Pixel 2 XL's shutter response is so good that it can catch your cat mid-misbehaving, something that even using an iPhone might not be able to achieve.

The Pixel 2 XL's camera software experience is also a major improvement over its predecessors. It's fast, responsive, and takes amazing shots.

Here are some sample images taken with the Pixel 2 XL that showcase its capabilities:

The Pixel 2 XL's camera is so good that one user even sold their Canon 70D DSLR and now uses the Pixel 2 XL as their primary camera.

The Google Pixel 2 XL is a beast when it comes to performance. It's got a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks with ease.

In terms of raw processing power, the Pixel 2 XL's AnTuTu score is 169541, which is impressive compared to other devices on the market.

But it's not just about raw power - the Pixel 2 XL also excels in graphics performance. In GFXBench T-Rex HD on-screen tests, it scored 60, outpacing many of its competitors.

Here's a quick rundown of the Pixel 2 XL's performance specs:

Overall, the Pixel 2 XL's performance is top-notch, making it a great choice for anyone who needs a device that can handle demanding tasks with ease.

The processor and memory of a smartphone play a huge role in its overall performance.

The Google Pixel 2 XL has a processor that scores 16954 in AnTuTu, which is a benchmark that tests a phone's overall performance.

A higher AnTuTu score indicates better performance, and the Google Pixel 2 XL's score is lower compared to other phones like the Google Pixel 2, which scores 21716.

In terms of memory, the Google Pixel 2 XL has a lower Basemark OS II score of 3340 compared to the Google Pixel 2, which scores 23345.

Here's a comparison of the AnTuTu scores of different phones:

Google had the solution ready, but it wasn't until the Pixel 3 in 2018 that Night Sight made its debut.

The Pixel 2 XL already had the pieces in place, combining optical image stabilization with Google's computational wizardry to produce more detailed nighttime photos.

You may have noticed that your phone asks you to hold steady for a few seconds when taking a low-light photo, allowing the sensor to get in more light to recreate a more detailed image.

The Google Pixel 2 XL was more than just a great camera. It offered a relatively stock version of Android with reliable monthly updates.

This is a big deal because it means you'll get the latest security patches and features without having to wait for carriers to approve them.

The Pixel 2 XL also had a feature called Live Wallpapers, which I loved, even if it did drain the battery a bit.

Overall, the Pixel 2 XL was a fantastic device that excelled in many areas beyond just its camera.

The Pixel 2 XL's battery life has held up remarkably well over time, with the author reporting that it still gets them through the day without a problem after 7 months of use.

The phone's battery is reliable, but it's worth noting that wireless charging is becoming more common, and it would be great to see Google incorporate this feature into future Pixel models.

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The author's experience with durability is a bit more mixed, with the phone's glass cracking after a drop from 5 feet onto a hard floor. However, it's worth noting that the display itself has not been damaged, and the phone has fared well despite being used without a case or screen protector.

My Pixel is maintaining battery almost as well as it did on day one. The Pixel 2 XL may not have the best and longest battery life in the world of Android, but it’ll get you through the day without a problem.

Wireless chargers are becoming more common, with Qi winning the standards war. I actually have a few in my house now for various devices.

I've had a moment of sadness when I've plopped my 2 XL on a wireless charger and realized there's no wireless charging available for the Pixel 3.

Glass phones are a thing of beauty, but they're also more prone to shattering than their plastic counterparts.

The Pixel 2 XL's glass back cracked after a simple drop from 5 feet onto a hard floor. This shows that even with careful handling, accidents can still happen.

I've been impressed with the Pixel 2 XL's durability, considering I've been using it without a case or screen protector for 7 months. The phone has fared quite well, with only minor display scratches.

However, I've had to replace my Pixel 2 XL three times due to various issues, including a faulty display and a cracked glass window. This highlights the potential risks of owning a glass phone.

I've been lucky so far, but I've had a few close calls with shattering the display. Thankfully, the phone has held up, even after a few drops.

The Pixel 2 XL's software is top-notch, with a clean and intuitive interface that makes it a joy to use.

Its audio quality is surprisingly good, with clear and crisp sound even at full volume, although the bass could be stronger.

For most users, the audio will be more than sufficient, especially since many people don't listen to music or watch videos without headphones.

The Google Pixel phones run on stock Android, which means you don't have to deal with unnecessary apps or special skins that clutter up your phone.

Stock Android also means you get OS updates faster than other phones, so you'll always have the latest security patches and features. This is a big plus, especially when it comes to security.

Google promises to provide security updates for at least the next 3 years, which gives you peace of mind and ensures your phone stays protected.

The Pixel 2 has a unique feature called Active Edge that launches the Google Assistant when you squeeze the lower half of the phone.

The Pixel's front firing speakers sound good when listening to music or watching videos without using headphones. Even at full volume, audio sounds clear and crisp.

I rarely if ever listen to music or watch videos listening to the sound through the built-in speakers, so I don't find the lack of strong bass to be a big deal. The bass could be a bit stronger, but it's not a major issue.

So far, I've had no issues making and receiving calls on the T-mobile network with this phone. The volume level and clarity on both sides of conversations have been just fine.

The Google Pixel 2 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable smartphone. It features a 5-inch screen, which is perfect for those who want a phone that's easy to handle.

The camera on the Pixel 2 is one of its standout features. With a 12.2-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front camera, you can take high-quality photos and videos.

One of the things I like about the Pixel 2 is its fast charging capabilities. With a quick 15-minute charge, you can get up to 7 hours of battery life.

The Pixel 2 also has a sleek and durable design. Its anodized aluminum body is resistant to scratches and corrosion, making it a great choice for those who want a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

The phone's software is also top-notch, with timely updates and a clean, intuitive interface. This makes it easy to use and navigate, even for those who are new to Android.

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