Google Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL Are Official, Pre-Orders Start

We knew almost everything about the second iteration Pixel phones - ranging from their specifications and pricing to the fact that they will be ditching the headphone jack. Getting that sarcasm bit out of the way, let's get to the point. Google today in an event in San Francisco made the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL official. Let's get started by jumping right to the specifications.

Pixel 2 Specifications

Display: 5-inch 1080p (Full HD) 2.5D AMOLED , Gorilla Glass 5

Screen To Body Ratio: 16:9

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64/128GB without support for SD card

Processor: Snapdragon 835 (Octa-core 2.35Ghz + 1.9Ghz) with Adreno 540 GPU

Rear Camera: 12.2MP(f/1.8, 1.4μm), with OIS and EIS

Front Facing Camera: 8MP(f/2.4, 1.4μm)

Battery: 2700mAh

Misc: IP67 dust and water resistance, front firing dual stereo speakers, squeezable frame to trigger Assistant, Daydream ready, Always-on display

Pixel 2 XL Specifications

Display: 6-inch QHD+ (2880X1440) pOLED , 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5

Screen To Body Ratio: 18:9

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64/128GB without support for SD card

Processor: Snapdragon 835 (Octa-core 2.35Ghz + 1.9Ghz) with Adreno 540 GPU

Rear Camera: 12.2MP(f/1.8, 1.4μm), with OIS and EIS

Front Facing Camera: 8MP(f/2.4, 1.4μm)

Battery: 3520mAh

Misc: IP67 dust and water resistance, front firing dual stereo speakers, squeezable frame to trigger Assistant, Daydream ready, Always-on display

Like last year, Google is touting the Pixel devices for their stellar camera performance. Both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL sport the same camera hardware on the front as well as the back. The Pixel 2 has bagged a score of 98 on DXoMark which is highest ever for any smartphone. The last year's Pixel scored an 89 while the iPhone 8 and Galaxy Note 8 both got a score of 94. The Pixel's camera prowess is owed to its dual pixel along with excellent image processing software which is backed up by machine learning algorithms. In simple terms, dual pixels mean that each pixel on the Pixel 2's sensor is equivalent to two pixels. What this means is that the camera sensor is able to capture a lot of information and detail. Because there is more information, the camera software can better process the images which leads to excellent shots. In case you didn't notice, the Pixel 2 doesn't feature a dual camera setup unlike its counterparts iPhone 8 and Galaxy Note 8. If you are now thinking of portrait shots, well, the Pixel 2 can do that not just from its rear camera but from the front snapper as well. Google says it does portrait shots using machine learning (ML) algorithms. ML figures out the subject to be highlighted in the picture and then blurs out the remaining background.

Another fantastic feature about the camera is augmented reality stickers. These stickers will insert characters from your favorite TV shows (in the presentation of this feature Google showcased Demogorgan from Stranger Things) into your videos. Moreover, the characters won't be static but will move according to the character they portray in the TV show. This means that you will be able to create a sort of animated film with the Pixel 2.

Google has also mentioned that the fingerprint sensor at the back of the Pixel 2s is the fastest on any smartphone yet. The headphone jack, as you read earlier, is gone. Google has bundled in a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter in case you don't wish to give up on your old headphones. On a positive note, since the Pixel 2 features Bluetooth 5.0, support for Hi-Fi audio will be present which in layman terms means better audio quality.

Both the Pixel 2s will be powered by Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box. Unlike last year, there aren't many special features which are reserved for the Pixel devices. As I guessed yesterday, the Pixel 2 devices will have exclusive excess to Google Lens for the time being. Google says that Lens is still in beta, therefore don't get your hopes too high. Lens will be able to detect objects, persons and places owing to AI capabilities. The last feature which remains to be talked about is the always-ON music ID feature. If a Pixel 2 happens to come in contact with some songs, it will automatically detect the name of the music track. We say always-ON music ID because the details of the identified music track will then be displayed at the bottom of the always-ON screen.

The Pixel 2 and 2 XL are available for pre-orders right away on Google Store. The phones will be sold in the US in partnership with Verizon. Unlocked models will also be available for purchase via Google Store. The pre-orders will start shipping on October 19. The prices of unlocked models can be found below.

• Pixel 2 (64GB) - $649
• Pixel 2 (128GB) - $749
• Pixel XL 2 (64GB) - $849
• Pixel XL 2 (128GB) - $949

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.