[Review] Google Pixel 2 XL: Google's super smartphone

Forget the Nexus. The first devices designed directly by Google they were designed primarily for developers and characterized by low prices. The Pixels are a whole other story and has prove it is the new Google Pixel 2 XL, a real top of the range that we had the opportunity to stress for a couple of weeks.

Google Pixel 2 XL: technical characteristics

Dimensions: 157.5 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm
Weight: 175 g
Display: 6 "P-OLED - resolution 1440 x 2880 pixels
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
GPU: Adreno 540
RAM: 4 GB
Storage space: 64 GB
Network: LTE 4G
Connectivity: WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1
Battery: 3520 mAh
Certification: IP67
Rear camera: 12 megapixel with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, DIS and Dual Flash LED
Front Camera: 8 megapixel
Videos: 4K @ 30 fps
Operating system: Android 8.0 Oreo

(Almost perfect

Google Pixel 2 XL if you present with a large 6-inch P-OLED display with 18: 9 aspect ratio, two front speakers and one metal body enriched by a glass insert that includes the camera and the LED flash, while just below we find the fingerprint reader.

Yes, I know, there has been a lot of talk about the screen of this Google Pixel 2 XL but don't be fooled. The colors are calibrated in sRGB guaranteeing realistic and natural shades but also deep blacks. It will take you a few days to get used to the change.

The performance of this smartphone is excellent, designed to support you in any task, whether it is watching a movie, working, playing or simply consulting social networks. Sure, makes the non-expandable memory turn up a little, but rest assured, Google offers unlimited storage of photos and videos via Google Photo, as long as you buy the smartphone by January 15, 2021. Then the battery is surprising which, even under stress, takes you to the end of the day without too much difficulty.

To further enrich the experience we think about it Android 8.0 Oreo, accompanied by the possibility of reducing some applications to window, by shortcuts on icons, by the new Now Playing and by Google Lens, capable of recognizing films, books, monuments and video games only by analyzing a photo. Obviously also inevitable Google Assistant, officially available from today in Italian.

Finally, impossible not to mention the excellent rear camera which turned out to be one of the strong points of this Google Pixel 2 XL. The shots are excellent in any light condition thanks to excellent stabilization and automatic HDR +, with natural and well-balanced colors. The portrait function is also surprising since Google has managed to perfect the software by effectively eliminating the need for a dual camera. The front sensor is also not bad, although unfortunately it does not reach the results of the main one.

In short, the new Pixel 2 XL is almost perfect. Yes, I almost said. It is in fact felt the absence of the 3,5 mm jack, the non-expandable memory and above all the price. Let's talk about 989 Euro, a cost far from those that made the Nexus family devices famous.

Would you like to know more? I'll tell you about it in our video review.