Google has today announced the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL at the company’s annual conference, with the latter sporting a bezel-free display.
After a brief summary of the company’s AI technology, Google announced the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The standard model looks fairly similar to its predecessor, while the XL variant now has a 6.0-inch bezel-free display. It’s slightly bigger than the Galaxy S8 and LG V30, however this is likely to allow room for those stereo speakers. The Pixel 2 has a 5-inch screen and XL has a 5.5 inch screen, the displays are full HD P-OLED with an always-on display. Powering both is a Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4GB of RAM. Stock Android 8.0 Oreo runs straight out the box. On the back is a familiar two-tone design with a single camera sensor and fingerprint reader underneath. This time around, the camera protrudes ever-so-slightly from the back of the device.
Both smartphones feature a 12 megapixel main camera which has scored 98 out of 100 on industry benchmark website DxOMark, placing it as the best smartphone camera to date according to the image ranking firm. The main camera also features artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve photo quality, reduce blur and excel in low light conditions. It has optical image stabilisation (OIS) and electrical image stabilisation for video recording, which Google has branded ‘fused video stabilisation’. The camera also includes additional features such as Google Lens and portrait bokeh mode, which uses software algorithms to blur the background around a subject. Google Lens seems to be a direct competitor to Samsung Bixby and has the ability to identify objects from an image. It integrates directly into Google Assistant.
The Pixel UI has undergone changes which include a more minimal design and revamped placement of the search bar. It is now placed at the bottom closer to where the user can reach. An always-on display is now possible thanks to the OLED technology, which features weather and notification information at the top. Google Assistant is now accessed by squeezing the handset, much like the HTC U11. Google will also be releasing an application for iOS users which allows them to switch over to Android in “under 10 minutes”.
Battery life is 2,700mAh for the standard Pixel 2 and 3,520mAh for the XL. Google claim that each handset offers all-day battery life. Fast charging gives seven hours of battery life from just 15 minutes of top up time. Other features include IP67 water and dust resistance, plus enhanced augmented reality support.
On prepaid the Pixel 2 64GB version will cost £629, the 128GB version is £729, featuring in blue, black and white. Pixel 2 XL starts at £799 for the 64GB base model and £899 for double the storage, colours available include: black, white and black.
At the time of writing Carphone and EE have confirmed stocking of both devices. Carphone’s highlighted monthly deal starts at £44 per month (£59.99 per month) with 15G of data from O2. EE prices start from £47.99 per month (£9.99 upfront) which comes with unlimited calls and text, and 8GB of data. Customers ordering the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL from EE between October 4 and November 2 respectively, will receive a free Google Home Mini (£49).
Pixel Buds and Daydream View VR
Google also announced a new Daydream View virtual reality headset retailing for £99 and some in-ear headphones. The Google Pixel Buds which will cost £159 and be available in November. The manufacturer claims the Buds have clear highs and deep bass. It features touch controls on the right earbud and has Google Assistant integrated. Five hours of playback time is listed and a charging case will come with each pair. Colours available: blue, black and white.
Via Mobile News