Julian Chokkattu / Digital Trends The original Google Pixel and Pixel XL have quickly become two of the most beloved Android smartphones ever, and for good reason. Not only did they offer great specs, but they also boasted a premium software experience and top-notch cameras. Now, however, there are upgrades: the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
How do the two larger phones compare? We caught up with them to find out.
Glasses
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Google Pixel 2 XL
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Google Pixel XL
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| Size | 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.2 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches) | 154.7 × 75.7 × 8.5 mm (6 × 2.9 × 0.3 in) |
| Weight | 6.2 ounces (175 grams) | 5.92 ounces (168 grams) |
| Screen | 6.0-inch pOLED | 5.5-inch AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2880 x 1440 pixels | 2560 × 1440 pixels |
| AXIS | Android 8.0 Oreo | Android 8.0 Oreo |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 32GB or 128GB |
| SD card slot | Not | Not |
| NFC support | That | That |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 |
| working memory | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Connectivity | GSM / HSPA+ / LTE / CDMA | GSM / HSPA / LTE / CDMA |
| Camera | Rear 12.2 MP, front 8 MP | Rear 12.3 MP, front 8 MP |
| Video | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 120 fps, 720p at 240 fps |
| Bluetooth | Yes, version 5.0 | Yes, version 4.2 |
| Fingerprint sensor | That | That |
| Other sensors | Gyroscope, accelerometer, magnometer, barometer, proximity sensor | Gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, barometer, proximity sensor |
| Water resistant | Yes, IP67 | Not |
| Battery | 3,520 mAh | 3,450 mAh |
| Charger | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Fast charging | That | That |
| Wireless charging | Not | Not |
| Market | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
| Offers in color | Just black, black and white | Very silver, quite black, really blue |
| Availability | Unlocked, Verizon | Unlocked, AT&T, Verizon |
| Price | Starting at $849 | Starting at $670 |
| DT review | Hands on | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Image used with permission of the copyright holderAs we expected, it really is “newer is better” in this situation. We’re not surprised — it would be strange if the successor to the original Google Pixel XL wasn’t an improvement.
For starters, the Google Pixel 2 XL packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip, which is Qualcomm’s latest and greatest chip and promises to deliver super-fast and responsive performance. That’s compared to the Snapdragon 821 — which is 2016’s flagship processor. It’s a great chip in its own right, but it just can’t compete with the newer processor. Both phones have 4GB of RAM.
There’s also more storage on the new phone — while the original Google Pixel XL offered 32GB or 128GB of storage, the Pixel 2 XL steps things up to 64GB or 128GB of storage, doubling the amount on the base model.
Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL
Design, screen and durability
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
The design of the original Google Pixel XL caught the attention of some when it was first introduced thanks to its semi-glass back, and that design choice has been refined a bit in the Pixel 2 XL. Instead of half of the back being covered in glass, only the top quarter or so is — and that glass ends before the fingerprint sensor. Of course, there are other design choices on the Pixel XL that set it apart — like the beautifully rounded corners on the screen and the tiny bezels on the front, which really help push the phone’s design into 2017.
Speaking of the display, it has received a slight upgrade. That’s largely thanks to a change in aspect ratio — so while the original Pixel XL offered a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 AMOLED display, the new Pixel 2 XL steps things up to a 6-inch pOLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1440 pixels. The screen density is more or less the same thanks to the larger display on the Pixel 2 XL.
The new phone is also a bit more durable. For starters, less glass on the back means less glass to accidentally break. On top of that, Google has given the phone an IP67 rating, which means it will be able to withstand up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Pixel 2 XL offers better design, screen and durability. There is a clear winner here.
Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL
Battery life and charging
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Battery life hasn’t changed all that much for the Pixel 2 XL, and Google still hasn’t given the phone wireless charging — thanks to the fact that the back is mostly made of metal. While the Pixel XL offers a 3450 mAh battery, the Pixel 2 XL offers a 3520 mAh battery. Both phones have a USB-C connector and both offer fast charging. It’s a tie here.
Winner: Undecided
Camera
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
The camera on the original Google Pixel XL was one of the best smartphone cameras of 2016, and it looks like that won’t change in the Pixel 2 XL. While the standard Pixel XL offers a 12.3-megapixel camera with an f/2.0 aperture, the new Pixel 2 XL has a 12.2-megapixel camera with an f/1.8 aperture, meaning it should be little better in low light situations.
Early reviews suggest that the new phone’s camera is even better than the original in almost every way, but on top of the hardware, Google has spent a lot of time on machine learning to improve the camera software — meaning that while the phone doesn’t offer a dual-sensor camera, among other things still offers cool portrait mode effects. DxOMark rated the Pixel 2 XL as the best smartphone camera ever.
The Google Pixel 2 XL has a slight edge here thanks to better software and a larger aperture.
Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL
Software
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Google’s self-made phones are known for offering stock Android, with just a few tweaks to put Google’s features front and center and offer a nice clean experience. Both the Pixel XL and Pixel 2 XL currently offer Android 8.0 Oreo, and both will eventually get the same Android bootloader.
That launcher offers some pretty sweet features. For starters, the search bar is back in the Google launcher and sits at the bottom of the phone’s screen. At the top, you’ll get important information about your day or the weather, which is a nice addition.
One great feature on the Pixel 2 XL that you won’t find on the original is Active Edge. Just like the HTC U11, you can squeeze the edges of the phone to launch Google Assistant or take a selfie.
Winner: Pixel 2 XL
Prices and availability
The Google Pixel 2 XL has just been announced and as such is a bit limited at the moment. The phone comes in at $850 for the 64GB version, which is a lot of money. You can get it unlocked from the Google Store or through Verizon.
The standard Google Pixel XL is still available through the Google Store, and will cost $670 for the 32GB version. Of course, you can also get it through Verizon, where it also costs $670. It is likely that the price will be reduced at some point in the near future, given the fact that it is now an aging device. However, due to the lower price, the original Google Pixel XL is the winner here.
Winner: Google Pixel XL
Overall winner: Google Pixel 2 XL
No surprises here — the Google Pixel 2 XL is simply a better phone than the original. While the original Pixel XL is cheaper, the Pixel 2 XL offers better specs, design, display and camera. Is it worth the extra $200? If you have money, then yes, there is. However, if not, the standard Pixel 2 is just as great a phone, but if you must have a bigger screen, the Google Pixel XL is a great choice.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn