Google have shown off the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL phones at their “Made by Google” event in San Francisco overnight. Each of the phones will run Android 8.0 “Oreo” and will include a minimum of 3 years worth of OS and security updates.
The new phones look pretty slick without going overboard with a bevy of new, fringe case features. Manufactured by two different companies (HTC & LG) on behalf of Google the two have similar specs with the screen size and tech being the major difference.
https://youtu.be/zpLVsR8cSFo
Each of the phones includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, 4GB of RAM and come with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. Neither include a headphone jack but a USB-C to 3.5mm jack adaptor is included in the box. They also continue to use a rear fingerprint sensor however it’s bene moved slightly higher with the Pixel’s rear band shrinking slightly in comparison to its predecessor.
Screen wise the Pixel 2 includes a 5″ AMOLED screen running at 1080p with a pixel density of 441 PPI, whilst the larger Pixel 2 XL incorporates a 6″ pOLED with a pixel density of 538 PPI with a resolution of 2880 x 1440. Both of these eclipse the latest iPhone 8 & 8 Plus in PPI, resolution & physical size. In fact the smaller Pixel 2 has a better PPI than the iPhone 8 Plus with both running at 1080p.
Neither phone opts for a dual camera lens setup. Instead Google has created a new portrait mode that operates off a single lens with incredible results. Google’s Pixel 2 camera has topped DxOMark’s ratings with a whopping score of 98. Not too shabby. The rear camera has a 12.2MP sensor and the front 8MP.
The new phones introduce a new “squeeze” mechanic/gesture allowing you to literally squeeze the phone in your hands to activate the Google Assistant. All reports seem to indicate that it’s quite natural and not accidentally activated which many were concerned about should you be removing the phone from a tight pocket for example.
The most exciting feature though, the launch of Google Lens. Demoed earlier in the year at Google I/O the new Google Lens analyses photos that you take for information that perhaps is the reason behind why you took the photo. For example, a photo of a store with a phone number on its window because you want to call them later, well Google Lens will see the number and extract it for you to just click on instead of bouncing back and forward to the dialler and photo. It can recognise things like email addresses, objects, album covers, landmarks and more.
Google has partnered exclusively with Telstra to offer the phones in Australia however they will also be available to purchase outright from Google directly or JB Hi-Fi when they’re available but not official Australian release date has been set. Pre-orders made before December 31st will also receive a new Google Home Mini (while stocks last).
The Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL are available for pre-order starting October 20th however you can join a waitlist on the Google Australia Store.
Pricing for the certainly isn’t the cheapest but that was to be expected.
The Pixel 2 is A$1,079 for 64GB, $1,229 for 128GB.
The Pixel 2 XL, $1,399 for 64GB, $1,549 for 128GB.