On its annual event held earlier today, Google has finally lifted the curtains off its second generation Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, both sporting a long list of new features and improvements over its predecessors.
The Google Pixel 2. Photo: GSMArena
Both devices sport OLED panels, with the Pixel 2 featuring a 5-inch Full HD display and the Pixel 2 XL with a 6-inch WQHD+ (2880 x 1440 pixels) display. Both are also powered by a Snapdragon 835 CPU along with 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of built-in storage.
The Google Pixel 2 XL. Photo: GSMArena
In terms of imaging, both devices are equipped with a 12.3MP rear camera which features something Google calls “dual-pixel sensor,” which in the simplest terms, allows for faster auto-focus, and for achieving the depth of field effect without the need for a dual camera system.
Photo: GSMArena
Other features include Active Edge, which lets you perform certain actions by squeezing the phone. Motion Photos, which essentially takes a three second clip and sets it together with the file. Users will also be able to store their photos and videos in original quality on Google Photos.
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be the first phones to feature Google Lens, which allows the user to point the camera at various objects and receive information on them from Google. It’s also able to scan email addresses and wi-fi passwords, and utilize them as needed.
The Pixel 2 will be priced at $649 for the 64GB variant, and $749 for the 128GB variant, while the Pixel 2 XL will cost $849 for the 64GB variant, and $949 for the 128GB variant.
Google Pixel 2 Specs:
- 2.35GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa-Core Processor
- 4GB of RAM, 64GB/128GB of internal storage
- 5.0-inch Full HD AMOLED Display, 441ppi, 2.5D Gorilla Glass 5 Protection
- 12.2MP Rear Camera, f/1.8, Laser AF, Dual Pixel Phase Detection, 4K Video Recording at 30fps
- 8MP Front Camera, f/2.4, 1080p Video Recording at 30fps
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IP67 Certification for Water and Dust Resistance
- USB Type-C Interface
- Fingerprint Sensor
- Android 8.0 Oreo
- 2,700mAh Battery, Fast Charging
Google Pixel 2 XL Specs:
- 2.35GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Octa-Core Processor
- 4GB of RAM, 64GB/128GB of internal storage
- 6.0-inch 18:9 QHD+ pOLED Display, 538ppi, 3D Gorilla Glass 5 Protection
- 12.2MP Rear Camera, f/1.8, Laser AF, Dual Pixel Phase Detection, 4K Video Recording at 30fps
- 8MP Front Camera, f/2.4, 1080p Video Recording at 30fps
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IP67 Certification for Water and Dust Resistance
- USB Type-C Interface
- Fingerprint Sensor
- Android 8.0 Oreo
- 3,520mAh Battery, Fast Charging
Sources: GSMArena (1,2), The Verge
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
