Google Announces Pixel 2 And Pixel XL 2

Google finally unveiled their latest Pixel devices today. In an event that saw several new Google products debut, the Pixel phones were the star attractions of the show. Google was faced with a tough hill to climb, as Apple and Samsung released stellar handsets ahead of the Pixel. Last years Pixel set the bar pretty high for camera performance, but was far from perfect. This year Google looked to maintain that momentum, while giving users an experience unlike anything else.

This is immediately evident in the design of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2. The designs of these phones are truly unique, and have more of a Google personality than any Google device before it. The Pixel 2 comes in three different colors (Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White), while the Pixel 2 XL comes in two (Just Black, and Black and White). Google chose to throw some really funky neon power buttons on the Blue and Black and White models that make them stand out even more. There’s also a new “Active Edge” that lets you squeeze the sides of the phones to quick launch the Google Assistant.

The Pixel 2 has a 5 inch display, while the Pixel 2 XL has a 6 inch display that nearly runs edge to edge. On the inside, the phones are nearly identical, save for the battery. The smaller Pixel has a 2700 mAh battery, while the XL model has a much larger 3520 mAh battery inside. Other than that, they both rock the same cameras, same Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, and come available in 64 or 128GB storage configurations. Both phones are also IP67 certified for water resistance. That basically covers you for spills and splashes, but it wouldn’t do much with heavier liquid exposure.

Speaking of the cameras, Google is once again trying to set the bar into the stratosphere with the new Pixels. Last year, Google made no bones about bragging on the DXO score they’d been able to achieve. This time is no different, but Google has somehow jumped form an 89 DXO score last year, to a 98 this year. Both Pixels rock a 12MP main camera, and 8MP selfie camera. Both Pixels will also have Dual Pixel Autofocus which will make your photos more brilliant when the lighting conditions are less than stellar.

Now for the “bad” news. The Pixel 2 will fall in line with a fairly standard price point for a flagship phone. It starts at $649.99 for the 64GB model, and maxes at $749.99 for the 128GB model. The Pixel 2 XL jumps considerably with a starting price of $849.99 for the 64GB version and $949.99 for 128GB. They are both available for preorder right now, and will official launch on October 17th. Google is also offering a free Google Home Mini for anyone who orders a Pixel 2 or Pixel XL 2 before October 19th.