Released in October 2017, the Google Pixel 2 XL was Google’s flagship smartphone designed to showcase the best of Android. Known for its exceptional camera, seamless integration of hardware and software, and pioneering AI features, the Pixel 2 XL redefined smartphone photography and the Android user experience.
Design and Build
Materials: Aluminum body with a premium hybrid coating and a glass panel on the back.
Dimensions: 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm.
Weight: 175 grams.
Colors: Just Black, Black & White (Panda).
Notable Features:
Minimal bezels with a tall 18:9 aspect ratio.
IP67 water and dust resistance.
Display
Type: 6.0-inch P-OLED display.
Resolution: QHD+ (2880 x 1440 pixels) with a pixel density of ~538 PPI.
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Quality:
HDR support for vivid colors and high contrast.
Always-on display functionality.
Performance
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (octa-core).
GPU: Adreno 540 for smooth graphics performance.
RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4X.
Storage: 64 GB and 128 GB (non-expandable).
Operating System: Launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, upgradeable to Android 11.
Camera System
Rear Camera:
12.2 MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture.
Features: Optical and electronic image stabilization (OIS+EIS), dual-pixel autofocus, and HDR+ for stunning images in various lighting conditions.
Video Recording: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps, and 720p at 240fps.
Front Camera:
8 MP with f/2.4 aperture.
Supports portrait mode via AI.
Battery and Charging
Capacity: 3520 mAh non-removable battery.
Charging:
USB-C with 18W fast charging.
Offers up to 7 hours of use with just 15 minutes of charging.
Connectivity
Network: 4G LTE.
Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac.
Bluetooth: Version 5.0.
NFC: For Google Pay and file sharing.
Port: USB-C (no headphone jack).
Software Highlights
Google Assistant Integration: Advanced AI features for hands-free control and smart suggestions.
Now Playing: Automatic music recognition on the lock screen.
Active Edge: Squeeze-sensitive sides to trigger Google Assistant.
Stock Android: Clean, bloat-free interface with regular updates.
Audio Features
Front-firing stereo speakers for rich, immersive sound.
Excellent call quality and noise reduction.
Pricing and Availability
Launch Price: $849 (64 GB) and $949 (128 GB).
Markets: Available globally via Google Store and major retailers.
Reception and Legacy
The Pixel 2 XL was celebrated for its camera, AI-powered features, and long-term software support. While it faced criticism for its display (blue shift and burn-in issues), its overall performance and photography capabilities solidified its place among the best smartphones of 2017.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel 2 XL remains a milestone in Google’s smartphone lineup, delivering top-notch photography and AI innovations in a sleek package. Its software-focused approach and seamless Google integration made it a favorite for Android purists and photography enthusiasts.
