The Google Pixel 2 XL is the bigger brother to the Pixel 2 and boasts several improvements, making it a promising choice for users looking for a flagship smartphone from Google. However, there are still some caveats that warrant consideration. Here’s our review.

Design and Display

The Pixel 2 XL sports an aluminum body with a refined matte finish and comes in two colors: Just Black and Black and White. The phone’s fingerprint sensor is situated at the back, providing easy access to users. The minimalist design provides a clean look that is both simple and elegant.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Pixel 2 XL is its 6-inch P-OLED screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and crisp image quality. However, there have been reports of color-shifting when viewed from certain angles, as well as noticeable screen burn-in. Although not deal-breakers for everyone, these issues detract from what could have been an impeccable display experience.

Performance and Battery Life

Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, the Pixel 2 XL performs admirably when it comes to everyday tasks like browsing, running multiple apps, or gaming. It comes with 4 GB of RAM and Android Oreo, giving users a smooth experience free of bloatware.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Pixel 2 XL is its battery life, thanks to a substantial 3,520mAh battery unit. The majority of users can easily get through the day without having to worry about their phone running out of power.

Camera

The camera on the Pixel 2 XL is its most significant selling point. The rear camera has a 12.2-megapixel sensor with dual-pixel phase detection and both optical and electronic image stabilization. It performs exceptionally well in various lighting conditions, delivering clear, detailed photos and crisp videos. The front-facing 8-megapixel camera also produces excellent selfie photos with portrait mode.

Software

The Google Assistant has been further optimized on the Pixel 2 XL, with users being able to bring up the AI by squeezing the phone’s sides – a feature called Active Edge. The stock Android experience paired with timely updates ensures that Pixel 2 XL owners will always have access to the latest features and improvements.

Caveats

Despite its numerous positives, the Pixel 2 XL does come with some caveats. The absence of a headphone jack might be frustrating for some users who still prefer wired audio devices. Moreover, while water and dust resistance (IP67 rating) are appreciated, it falls short in comparison to competitors that offer higher IP ratings.

In conclusion, the Google Pixel 2 XL is a solid smartphone with improvements and great features like an excellent camera and a clean Android experience. However, certain drawbacks related to screen issues and missing features slightly mar an otherwise strong offering. Currently priced at around $849 for the 64 GB version, it warrants consideration for those looking for a high-performance device with an emphasis on camera and software features.