I took the plunge and bought the new Google Pixel 2 XL smartphone this week. This review will be my first impressions. My first smartphone was a Galaxy S1 Mini - a cute little thing that onboarded me Android.
My second smartphone was the Google Nexus 5. I still love the Nexus series and it inspired me to come up with this one-liner -
I love chocolate ice cream and vanilla Android.
I don't want my luggage to give me advice, and I don't want a hardware company to give me software. Why can't Samsung, LG and everyone else cut to the chase - vanilla Android with a few toppings of bloatware?
I've known for years that I would stick with Google.
First Negative - Too Many Defaults Turned On
I spent my first hour with my Google Pixel 2 XL turning things off. I don't want swipe left to take me to Google Home. I don't want to use Google Assistant, I don't want my phone's microphone on 24/7, I'd rather type in whatever I'm looking for. It took a bit more to get Chrome to not show me suggested sites and bookmarks - I just want a clean first page.
Like when Ebay shows me items in shekels, please stop trying to help me!!
I want to see shopping items in dollars, whether I am in Israel or visiting Jamaica or NYC. The marketing department wants everyone to see the new features and I understand why. I wish my first hour on a phone could be spend being asked what kind of experience I want, and then giving me settings.
Google Pixel 2 XL - Screen!!
The screen is terrific. Yes, at angles I see the blue tint, but it's kinda groovy. Much better than my older Nexus 5. Web pages load significantly faster - nearly instantly. Screen is a winner.
Google Pixel 2 XL - Design
I like the front black glass. It's elegant and cool to the eyes. The back looks - and is - sturdy. The screen goes right up to the frame - impressive screen real estate.
Google Pixel 2 XL - Best Features
I wasn't sure at first, but I like the Ambient Display. It adds the time, weather and even notifications to the lock screen. The clock moves one pixel every minute so as to avoid burn in. I thought it would be too bright - but Google put it at just the right brightness so the letter are white, but it's far from shining.
I also really like double tap to check phone - another elegant feature for the Pixel 2 XL.
Size Matters
Going from a 5 inch phone to a 6 inch phone is a big deal. It looks and feels really big those first few days. Then you begin to get used to it. My Nexus 5 felt huge coming from a 3 inch S1 Mini. From 3 to 5 to 6.
Where do we go from here? The two tablets I use are 7 and 8 inches. I have a 10 inch Galaxy tablet, but it's too clunky. (But was great for Android gaming in those days!)
I think it stops at 6 for me. I can barely cover the entire keyboard with one hand. It will take a few weeks to get used to this; I don't think I'll ever be sending messages on a 7 inch phone!
Headphone Jack??
The Google Pixel 2 XL doesn't have a headphone jack. Fine by me - I am an audiophile and own the Fiio X3 2nd Generation Digital Audio Player. I would never play music on a smartphone. I regularly use a bluetooth ear piece for phone calls - couldn't imagine not having both hands free (probably the most important gadget most people don't use).
Put it this way - anyone who uses their phone for music probably won't insist on a wired connection. You can get good bluetooth earbuds or headphones for under $50 these days.
USB-C
I take an Anker Powercore 20000 to work and use it at home as well to charge all of my gadgets. Phone, earpiece, earbuds, digital player, two tablets at home which stream 320k quality from RadioTunes.com or JazzRadio.com. All use the same micro USB standard.
My Pixel 2 XL is my first USB C device, the first of many. I will still be using "old USB" for a few years. If I kept my Nexus 5 for 3 and a half years, I hope that my other devices will have a lifecycle of 5-6 years. My first two smartphone still work - they are just in retirement.
Google Pixel 2 XL - Best Smartphone Ever?
Before I conclude, many of the most influential reviewers state that the Pixel 2 has the best smartphone camera ever. Some presented strong evident in favor. I have yet to take my new phone on a trip, so I will wait until then.
I love this phone, and I'm glad I got the XL version. It is elegant and cool, powerful and eye catching. I will stick with Google designed phones. I can only wonder what my next smartphone, in 2021, will have on it!
Do you own a Google Pixel 2?
For those who love their LG, Samsung, iPhone and everything else - Wonderful! I think there are many niches out there. The Samsung Galaxy series is incredible. Same for LG, who fought hard to be a contender in the "smartphone wars".
My first smartphone was a Galaxy S2. I currently have a Galaxy Note 4 that I've had for about 3 years. I've been reluctant to upgrade because 1) I don't really need anything newer at the moment and 2) there isn't a phone on the market that I am aware of that offers an easily replaceable battery and expandable storage like the Note 4 does. I love those features and I hate that they seem to be going away for good.
Cool features and a very good design
excellent analysis thanks for sharing
Nice post. Thanks. I have resteem your post
I think Google pixel 2 xl is the best phone of this decade. I always wanted to buy this phone but you know. Lol. Anyways great stylist phone and good features
Wow !!
Amazing camera....
Thanks for sharing it that how to use it and it's capacity..