Google Pixel 2 (4GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The Financial Post review positions the Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL as a shift toward cohesive, Apple-like integration of software and hardware, offering a "buttery-smooth" Android experience. Key strengths include a top-tier single-lens camera with Portrait Mode, front-facing stereo speakers, IP67 water resistance, and the "Active Edge" feature. Despite these pros, the devices suffer from the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, lack wireless charging, and the Pixel 2 XL specifically received criticism for poor P-OLED display color reproduction and "blue tint" issues.

Trusted Reviews describes the Google Pixel 2 as a software-driven device focusing on performance over design, featuring a "nippy" Snapdragon 835 processor and a pure, bloatware-free Android experience. The standout 12.2-megapixel camera produces detailed, high-quality images with excellent low-light capability and portrait modes, though it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. Major cons include an outdated design with large bezels, the lack of a headphone jack and wireless charging, and limited battery life.

In its 2017 review, Engadget hailed the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL as top-tier Android devices, praised for their exceptional, industry-leading 12.2-megapixel camera and clean software experience, including the useful Active Edge feature. The phones excelled in performance with the Snapdragon 835 processor and added practical IP67 waterproofing, although they lacked wireless charging. Key criticisms focused on the hardware, particularly the standard Pixel 2’s dated, bezel-heavy design. The larger Pixel 2 XL, while featuring a more modern, edge-to-edge display, suffered from muted colors and a notable blue tint. Both models removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring a sometimes glitchy USB-C adapter. Ultimately, the review concluded that the Pixel 2 series set the standard for Android flagships by prioritizing superior camera software and performance over premium, bezel-less hardware. Despite the design flaws, their cohesive, AI-driven experience rendered them exceptional devices for 2017.

In the Ars Technica review, the Pixel 2 and 2 XL are deemed the best Android phones of 2017 due to an exceptional software experience, top-tier camera performance, and the addition of IP67 water resistance. While the smaller Pixel 2 features an outdated, large-bezel design, the 2 XL boasts a modern, slim-bezel, 6-inch P-OLED display. Key hardware pros include a fast rear fingerprint sensor and front-firing stereo speakers, though the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack is a significant con for both models. The camera excels with its computational Portrait Mode, and the Snapdragon 835 processor ensures a fast, fluid experience. However, the 2 XL’s display suffers from a blue tint at angles and muted colors, and the devices lack wireless charging and expandable storage.

The Tech Advisor review highlights the Google Pixel 2 as a top-tier performer with a "best-in-class" 12.2MP camera and incredibly fast, fluid stock Android software. Despite these strengths, the design is heavily criticized for its dated, "cheap" look featuring large bezels. Key features include "squeezable sides" for Google Assistant, "Now Playing" music identification, and a grippy, textured aluminum body. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, most notably the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, labeled as "user hostile". The 2,700mAh battery provides only "adequate" longevity, while the lack of wireless charging and lower IP67 water resistance rating are deemed disappointing for a 2017 flagship. Ultimately, the Pixel 2 is presented as a camera-focused device that sacrifices modern design and certain conveniences for raw performance and software integration. It is a strong choice for photography enthusiasts and those prioritizing clean software, provided they can overlook its dated aesthetic and lack of a headphone jack. Tech Advisor

The TechRadar review hails the Google Pixel 2 as having a best-in-class 12.2MP camera, producing superior photos via advanced software without a second lens. Key advantages include its fast performance, clean stock Android experience, dual front-facing speakers, and IP67 water resistance. Conversely, the review highlights drawbacks like dated aesthetics with large bezels, a 1080p display described as uninspiring, and the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. The Active Edge feature, while useful for summoning Google Assistant, cannot be remapped, adding to the list of limitations. Ultimately, the phone is praised for delivering a powerful, albeit traditional, smartphone experience driven by the Snapdragon 835 chipset and top-tier photography capabilities.

The DPReview of the Google Pixel 2 highlights its position as a pioneer in computational photography, using advanced HDR+ processing to achieve industry-leading image quality from a single 12.2MP 1/2.6" sensor. The review praises its exceptional dynamic range, impressive portrait mode, and "fused" video stabilization, while noting the lack of a secondary lens and limited manual controls as downsides. Ultimately, the device is lauded for its point-and-shoot reliability, though critics noted the large bezels and aggressive noise reduction in low-light scenarios.

The Android Central review highlights the Google Pixel 2 as a new standard for Android, driven by exceptional software optimization, a best-in-class 12.2MP camera with superior HDR+ processing, and three years of guaranteed updates. Despite featuring a dated design with large bezels, the phone delivers a highly consistent user experience, utilizing the Snapdragon 835 processor and featuring practical additions like IP67 water resistance, dual front-facing speakers, and "Active Edge" squeeze functionality. Significant drawbacks include the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack, the absence of wireless charging, and a relatively small 2,700mAh battery that only provides a full day of use.

In a 2017 review for Canadian Reviewer, Stefan Etienne highlights the Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL as the pinnacle of Google’s hardware and AI integration. The Pixel 2 XL features a modern, bezel-less design, while the smaller Pixel 2 retains larger, traditional bezels. Both devices offer exceptional, "buttery-smooth" performance, enhanced by the active-edge feature and unique software capabilities. The camera is a major strength, with machine learning providing high-quality portrait modes on a single lens. The inclusion of the Pixel Visual Core enhances third-party app photography, alongside excellent video stabilization and significant hardware upgrades like IP67 water resistance and front-facing speakers. What Hi-Fi? +2However, the Pixel 2 XL is criticized for display issues, including blue tint and burn-in, which the reviewer finds unacceptable for the price point. Additional drawbacks include the removal of the headphone jack and the lack of included USB-C headphones. The review concludes that while the Pixel 2 is a safer choice, both devices represent the best Android experience available at the time.

Here is a three-paragraph summary of the Google Pixel 2 review: The Google Pixel 2 is a high-performance smartphone that packs the powerful internal specifications of its larger sibling into a more compact 5-inch FHD AMOLED frame. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor with 4GB of RAM, offering one of the smoothest Android 8.0 Oreo experiences available at the time. While its performance and IP67 water resistance are top-tier, the hardware design is criticized for being dated due to disappointingly large bezels that make the device feel like a phone from 2015 rather than 2017. The device’s standout feature is its 12.2MP rear camera, which uses HDR+ processing to deliver exceptionally detailed and balanced photos, even in low light. Users also benefit from unlimited photo and video backup via Google Photos and unique AI features like "Now Playing" for offline music recognition and "Active Edge" squeezable sides to launch Google Assistant. Battery life is another strong point, lasting over 28 hours on a single charge during testing. However, the review highlights several notable drawbacks, including the lack...

In a 2017 review, Business Insider described the Google Pixel 2 as a reliable "workhorse" featuring a sharp 5-inch OLED display, a durable, water-resistant design, and an efficient "always-on" screen. The device's primary pros included exceptional camera performance, particularly with its single-lens portrait mode, along with high-speed performance and long-lasting battery life. Conversely, the review highlighted significant cons, such as an outdated, bezel-heavy design compared to competitors and the removal of the headphone jack.

The TechCrunch review describes the Google Pixel 2 as a fast, "workhorse" device that prioritizes software, AI, and a top-tier camera, while acting as a safe, evolutionary step over the original Pixel. Featuring a 12.2-megapixel sensor, the camera excels with HDR+ and a capable portrait mode, although the phone's design is criticized for large, dated bezels. While offering a pure Android experience with features like Active Edge, the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, wireless charging, and expandable storage.

review, WIRED defines as the "iPhone of Android phones," highlighting its stable, "pure" Android experience, water resistance, and durable, though traditional, design. The device is praised as a "workhorse" with an incredible camera that excels in low-light and portrait shots, though software can occasionally over-process images with high contrast. While the intelligent Google Assistant, Active Edge, and Now Playing features are lauded, the review notes the significant drawbacks of removing the headphone jack and omitting wireless charging. WIRED +3

In his review for The Verge, Dieter Bohn describes the Google Pixel 2 XL as a top-tier Android experience prioritizing performance over aesthetics. Key pros include exceptional, bloat-free software performance, a 12.2MP camera with superb low-light capabilities, and a reliable, long-lasting battery. The review highlights significant cons regarding the LG-manufactured P-OLED display, noting muted, lackluster colors and a distinct blue color shift when viewed off-angle. Further criticism centers on the "inelegant" design, the absence of a headphone jack, and a lack of wireless charging. Ultimately, the Pixel 2 XL is deemed a "kitchen counter" device designed for daily utility, offering one of the best cameras and AI experiences on the market. Despite its high $849 price and screen issues, it is praised for providing the best Android software experience available at the time.