Google Announces Pixel 2 And Pixel 2 XL With Dual Pixel Cameras, Headphone Jack Goes MIA
These two flagship smartphones are an evolution of their predecessors and are powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 835 SoC with 4GB RAM. The smaller Pixel 2 features a 5-inch display with a Full HD resolution, while the Pixel 2 XL features a 6-inch 2880x1440 P-OLED display.
Both phones feature what's called an "Active Edge", which is in essence Google's take on the HTC U11's squeezable sides. It seems like a bit of a gimmicky feature, but it can be used to launch the Google Assistant and to silence incoming phone calls. While both phones have gained water resistance, which is a big plus, they also have lost their headphone jack. This is disappointing trend for a number of new smartphones, and it's unfortunate that Google has decided to go this route.
The original Pixel and Pixel XL were praised for their AI-infused camera that produced top-notch photos and video. Google has stepped up its game with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL with a new 12.2MP sensor on the back with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. No, Google didn't opt for the trendy dual-camera setup that you would find on the iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy Note 8, but we're no less impressed with what the Pixel 2 family has to offer.
The new camera has what Google calls a "Dual Pixel" sensor, which enables both smartphones to deliver "Portrait Mode" functionality seen in devices like the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X with just a single camera (instead of two). For selfies duties, there's an 8MP front-facing camera.
The Pixel 2 XL starts at $849 for 64GB of storage, and check in at $949 if you want 256GB. The Pixel 2 will be priced at $649 and $749 respectively for 64GB and 128GB SKUs. Both smartphone will be available in Black, White and Kinda Blue.
Preorders for both smartphones start today. And for a limited time, Google will provide a free Google Home Mini with your purchase.
