Google

Google Pixel 2: Pros and Cons

Android OS v8.0 (Oreo)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998
Adreno 540
4 GB / 64 GB
5 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
12 MP, 4048 x 3036 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Google announced the launch of the Pixel 2 smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v8.0 (Oreo) operating system. This phone uses a high resolution 1080 x 1920 px, 5 inch AMOLED display. This phone has only one rear-camera (12 MP, 4048 x 3036 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization) on its back for photos and videos. Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Google Pixel 2 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

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Google Pixel 2 specifications

BrandGoogle
NamePixel 2
ModelPIXEL2
Release date2017

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.04 oz
Dimensions5.74 x 2.74 x 0.31 inch
Colorsblack, blue, white
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Google Pixel 2 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v8.0 (Oreo)
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2.35 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.9 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 540

The Google Pixel 2 comes with Android OS v8.0 (Oreo) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is free to the public. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

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Display type, size, resolution

Display typeAMOLED
Screen size5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

AMOLED displays are famous for their vibrant colors. They also have high contrast and are energy efficient. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage64 GB
Memory card slotno

The Google Pixel 2 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. 64 GB of storage is usually seen as good for a smartphone. It should be enough for most users. The internal storage of the Google Pixel 2 (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

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Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4048 x 3036 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Pixel 2 offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
HeadphoneUSB Type-C adapter

The Google Pixel 2 supports 4G/LTE networks. This Google phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Pixel 2 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. This phone is NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. The Pixel 2 smartphone does not have 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Ion 2700 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Pixel 2 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, active edge, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, hall, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Fast charging, Certified IP68 dustproof and waterproof

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in Pixel 2 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device.

The IP68 rating indicates that Pixel 2 smartphone is resistant to water ingress. With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. Gorilla Glass is very scratch resistant. It reduces the likelihood of everyday scratches and abrasions.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Google phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • AMOLED display
  • adequate memory
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • IP68 certified protection
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • non-expandable storage
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • no headphone jack
  • low-capacity battery
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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