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Google Pixel 2 review

8.3/10 AVG.
RATING
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Google Pixel 2
Google Pixel 2
Google Pixel 2
Google Pixel 2
...


8.3/10
Informr score
The Google Pixel 2 currently has an Informr score of 8.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 52 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Fast processor and smooth performance
  • Decent battery life
  • Excellent camera image quality
  • IP67 certification

What's bad

  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Display not sharp enough for VR
  • Uninspired design

While it’s bigger brother, the Pixel 2 XL, might be getting more attention, the Pixel 2 still looks great on paper.

But in a year where the bigger models outshine their smaller siblings, do reviewers feel the Pixel 2 is a good value?

Keep reading to find out!

Unlike the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, the Pixel 2 isn’t just a smaller version of the Pixel 2 XL. It's from a different manufacturer (HTC), so it provides a slightly different design. Measuring in at 5.7-by-2.7-by-0.3- inches, it’s small enough reviewers have no issue with one-handed use. Some reviewers also thought the large top and bottom bezels gave the phone a retro look and feel.

With that said, it comes with a host of updates from the original Pixel. Some are good--such as the IP67 water- and dust-resistance and a new Active Edge which allows users to squeeze the sides to activate Google Assistant. Some are bad--such as the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Still, others have not changed--like the two-tone glass and metal rear.

The 5-inch, 1080p AMOLED display didn’t wow experts. But they were generally happy with the overall results. While not as colorful as competing Samsung devices, it provides more natural colors, good contrast, and deep blacks. Testing the screen in bright sunlight, brightness levels provided decent legibility. And, unlike the Pixel 2 XL, this screen doesn’t suffer from the burn-in issues.

Packed inside the small body are 4GB of RAM and a Qualcomm’s 2.46GHz Snapdragon 835 processor. As expected, critics noticed zero hiccups or lag when scrolling through the menu, multitasking or playing games. It was able to keep up with all of their activities no matter how demanding. Still, despite its capabilities, they do not suggest it for VR as the screen itself doesn’t offer a high enough pixel density for a good experience.

The 2,700mAh battery provided critics with decent battery life. Most were able to get around 8 hours during their battery tests. In real-life testing, they were able to get a little over a full day of moderate usage. While it supports fast-charging, there is no wireless charging.

The biggest draw for reviewers is the camera. Despite being a single camera versus the dual camera options found in other smartphones, the 12.2MP lens captured excellent images. Reviewers were very impressed with the sharpness, color accuracy and detail of each of their images. Even their low light shots had little noise and shake thanks to the wide f/1.8 aperture and both optical (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS). Tech Radar states, “It’s now the leader among smartphone cameras.”

Despite some small niggles about the design, experts highly recommend the Pixel 2 and consider it one of the best smartphones on the market in 2017. Expert Reviews states, “It might be sticking with the same uninspired design ... but a much-needed processor upgrade and ... camera improvements have seen the Pixel 2 rocket to the top of our smartphone wish list.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.35 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.35 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
12+ MP, f/1.8
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/1.8
2700 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

If you’re already knee-deep in the Google ecosystem and are neurotic about updates, then the Pixel 2 is the smartphone to get.

- Roydon Cerejo, Gadgets 360
DxOMark
DxOMark

Thanks to excellent detail preservation in low light, extended focus range with good depth of field, as well as solid results for flash and video, the Pixel 2 still has a lot to offer selfie enthusiasts.

- Paul Carroll, DxOMark
Android Central
Android Central

To be perfectly honest, almost everything about the Pixel 2 works just as well as it did from day one. The phone feels just as fast and snappy as it did out of the box, and following the update to Android 9 Pie, the new animations and gestures give the Pixel 2 a fluidity I didn't even know it was mi...

- Joe Maring, Android Central
Business Insider
Business Insider

The Pixel 2 was a more than suitable replacement for my normal camera rig. It automatically handled much of the work I do manually on my personal camera, yet it fits in my pocket.

- Ben Gilbert, Business Insider
The Wirecutter
The Wirecutter

The best camera in an Android phone, as well as the best performance and the latest version of Android, updated regularly.

- Ben Keough, The Wirecutter


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


HTC backs up the Google Pixel 2 with a 2 Years parts & labour warranty.


If your Google Pixel 2 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact HTC support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find HTC's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Screen Size
5"

The Google Pixel 2's screen size is 5 inches with 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.35 GHz

There is a Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 Octa core 2.35 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 8.0 Oreo (Update Available: 10) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/1.8 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
64/128 GB

Internal memory is 64/128 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
2700mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2700 mAh battery. HTC's performance ratings are 1200 minutes, 717 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Google Pixel 2 Specs

Overview
Release Date October 17, 2017
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 8.0 Oreo (Update Available: 10)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 Octa core 2.35 GHz
Internal Storage 64/128 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.93 W/kg
Body: 1.14 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 2 Years
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, EV-DO Rev. A, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/1.8
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Panorama, Self-timer, Dual Pixel Phase detection
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, FLV
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
F2.4 aperture
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels
Pixel Density 441 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen, 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2700 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 659 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 717 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 667 minutes
Talk Time Up to 1200 minutes
Standby Time Up to 11.3 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Aluminium
Colors Just Black, Clearly White, Kinda Blue
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.5 x 6.9 x 0.8 cm (5.7 x 2.7 x 0.3 in)
Weight 143 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP 67
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA): HTC Pixel 2

Additional Sensor: Barometer, Active Edge, Hall effect
Related Links Google Pixel 2 Reviews
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