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Release Date (UK): October 2017 |
The larger version of Google's latest flagship offering reshapes and refines the already winning formula of 2016's Pixel XL, with waterproofing, an improved camera and a sleek, bezel-less design.
The Google Pixel 2 XL is not only larger than its smaller sibling, the Pixel 2: it also stands out aesthetically. Google has joined the likes of Samsung and Apple and opted for a bezel-less display, although the release of the phone has been somewhat overshadowed by reviewers who were disappointed by issues with screen burn-in after just a week of use.
It's a striking look, and any reports of screen issues aside it still boasts quad-HD+ resolution, prompting Trusted Reviews to say 'it comfortably feels like the more exciting option' of the two 2017 Pixel devices. Whilst the lack of a headphone jack may disappoint, the Pixel 2 XL makes up for it in other areas - most notably its exceptional camera, but its dual front-facing speakers are also a plus.
Aside from the bigger, better screen, the Pixel 2 XL also has a bigger battery than its smaller sibling - 3,520mAh compared to 2,700mAh - and a corresponding price hike. TechRadar's reviewer thought the device offered 'a decent amount of reason for the price madness' - and those who value handsets with big, beautiful screens are likely to agree.
From the back, the Pixel 2 XL looks similar to the Pixel 2. Google has reprised the opinion-dividing glass and metal combination from last time, but this time the two materials have been blended more subtly. The glass panel has become smaller, meaning the fingerprint scanner now sits underneath it in the metal section, so you should get fewer smudges on the glass.
From the front, the Pixel 2 XL has had a contemporary update. The chunky bezels of last year's device have made way for a big, beautiful bezel-less screen, putting the focus firmly on the display.
It's not quite edge-to-edge, meaning it's less impressive than Samsung's latest offerings, but it still looks great: as The Verge pointed out, 'it's not super noticeable, and the screen does still look rather gorgeous'.
The Pixel 2 XL's display is what really sets it apart from the Pixel 2. The 6-inch OLED screen is sharp and vibrant, and has a more elongated 18:9 aspect ratio. It also has full coverage of the RGB spectrum for more accurate colour reproduction.
Google has upped the resolution to 2880 x 1440 pixels, making it the best option out of the two handsets for virtual reality.
Despite initial reports offering great praise for the Pixel 2 XL's display, there have been more recent reports of screen burn-in on the Pixel 2 XL - although screen burn-in isn't an uncommon issue when it comes to OLED displays, it's somewhat concerning that this would be showing up after just a week of use.
The term "burn-in" is used to describe issues with a display which is suffering from any form of permanent discoloration - although the display will continue to work as normal, there will subtle, but noticeable, "ghost images" that will persist while the screen is on.
However, it is possible that what customers have been experienced is actually image retention as opposed to screen burn-in - image retention refers to a non-permanent form of screen burn-in, and is usually resolved by turning the display off for a short period of time.
Google is subsequently going to issue some software updates which will expand the range of colours available on the Pixel 2 XL - Google are also extending the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL's standard one-year manufacturer warranty to two years at no extra cost.
It's important to note that reviewers are still remaining very positive about the Pixel 2 XL's impressive features, and are not willing to let these somewhat minor screen issues dissuade them from an overall positive review of this new Google handset.
A notable new feature is its always-on display, which means you can see handy bits of info like the time, date, reminders and text and email notifications even when the screen is technically off.
One neat addition is that the phone automatically detects and identifies music playing around you, and displays the song details on the always-on screen.
The Pixel 2 XL is powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM - a step up from the Pixel and Pixel XL, which were very speedy performers.
The upgraded innards should make for a slick user experience. The pure, unmodified Android software should provide further efficiencies, resulting in a smooth, fast experience.
Like the Pixel XL's, the Pixel 2 XL's camera looks unremarkable on paper, featuring a single 12MP sensor. However, like the Pixel XL's, in practice the Pixel 2 XL's camera is excellent - even more so this time around.
The Verge found it had 'made a big leap over last year's Pixel camera', and TechRadar called it 'truly impressive'.
This time Google has added optical image stabilisation, which should mean clearer, less blurry photos and videos, and a dual-pixel sensor, which means that each individual pixel is made up of two smaller ones.
This enables the new Portrait Mode, which is like Apple's, except Google has managed it with a single lens rather than a dual-lens setup. And, unlike Apple's offering, the Pixel 2 XL's Portrait Mode also works on the front-facing 8MP camera.
The Pixel 2 XL features Android in its purest form, which, according to Trusted Reviews, is 'still the best way to experience it'. It runs the latest version, Android 8 Oreo, and has changed things around a bit since last time.
For example, the Google search bar has been moved to sit at the bottom of the home screen, which may take a little getting used to.
The biggest change is that you can launch the Google Assistant by squeezing the sides of the phone. Once you're used to it, it looks set to be really useful. The Pixel 2 XL will also come with Google Lens, the company's new object-recognition technology. Google says it will initially be able to recognise books, movie posters, business cards and landmarks, which should be a nifty feature if it works.
The Google Pixel 2 XL will be available in the UK on 19 November 2017.
What the critics say (scores are out of 100)
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The Telegraph | James Titcomb The best Android phone you can buy, if you can live without a headphone jack. Read full review |
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The Guardian | Samuel Gibbs If you were contemplating a big top-end smartphone, the Pixel 2 XL should be in your top three at least, which should have everyone but Samsung and Apple very worried. The best big-screened Android experience yet Read full review |
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Stuff | Jonathan Bray Google ditches the bezels and makes its best phone yet. The Pixel 2 XL puts practicality before panache but delivers where it counts with an incredible camera and the definitive Android experience. Read full review |
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TechDissected | Cliff Wade For everything the Pixel 2 XL offers for the price, I firmly believe it's totally worth it. Read full review |
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Techdissected | Cliff Wade For everything the Pixel 2 XL offers for the price, I firmly believe it's totally worth it. I'd go out and buy one today if I needed to and wouldn't think twice about what I'd be paying because I know I'd be getting what I feel is the device of 2017 for that price. Read full review |
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TechAeris | Jason Bouwmeester The Pixel 2 XL is a solid Android smartphone with the added luxury of having timely security updates straight from Google. Read full review |
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Engadget | Chris Velazco I fully expect things to get even better in time, but for now, Android fans shouldn't miss the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. The Pixel 2 XL improves on its predecessor in almost every way that matters and claims the crown as my favorite Android phone of the year so far -- it's just too bad that headphone jack is gone. Read full review |
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Wired | David Pierce There's no better Android phone, anywhere, than the Pixel 2. Especially that black and white Pixel 2 XL. Read full review |
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Forbes | Gordon Kelly The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have no serious problems other than their missing headphone jack. That's not to say these phones are perfect. Of the two, the Pixel 2 XL is clearly the superior phone and that's reflected in its price. Read full review |
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ITProPortal | Michael Moore An incredible piece of Android hardware, that falls just short of smartphone perfection.It may be expensive, but if you're in the market for a truly high-end Android smartphone that is a joy to use, the Google Pixel 2 XL may be just what you're looking for. Read full review |
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news.com.au | Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson If you can overlook some omissions, the Google Pixel 2 XL is a slick, high-end phone that demonstrates just how fast Google's hardware is evolving. Android users, in particular, should appreciate how far it's come, and everyone should pay attention to where it's going next. Read full review |
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PCWorld | Jon Phillips If you're a dedicated Android user, the Pixel 2 XL is a no-brainer upgrade-unless you already own an original Pixel. The Pixel 2 XL is an incredible phone that grafts device experiences to life experience in simple, intuitive and smile-provoking ways. Read full review |
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PC Mag | Sascha Segan The Pixel 2 XL packs more Google into its body than any other phone on the market. Read full review |
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Android Headlines | Nick Sutrich Google hasn't just delivered two of the best flagship-level phones you can buy this year, they're also promising so much more with each of these before the year is out. If you don't need a more robust manual camera experience, or don't need something specific like the S-Pen, these are the phones you should be buying in 2017. Read full review |
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TechRadar | Cameron Faulkner Despite losing the cherished 3.5mm headphone jack, the Pixel 2 XL makes up for it in spades with a mix of unique and sought-after features like a stellar design, waterproofing, Active Edge and a truly impressive camera. A really impressive smartphone with an absolutely killer camera. Read full review |
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Trusted Reviews | Max Parker It might not be the best Android phone available in every area, but the Google Pixel 2 XL is the one I would buy. A stunning camera makes this the current Android champion. Read full review |
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ZDNet | Jason Cipriani It's the biggest reason I find the Pixel 2 XL (well, either Pixel, really) so attractive. There's no fluff and no bloat... just Google and its myriad of services. And if there's one thing Google does really well, it's services. It just happens to have hardware now to back it up. Read full review |
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Digital Trends | Julian Chokkattu Blazing-fast speed and a brilliant camera, all in a futuristic, edge-to-edge design. The Pixel 2 XL is the best Android phone around. Read full review |
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Tom's Guide | Mark Spoonauer The Pixel 2 XL is the best pure Android phone you can buy, with a gorgeous 6-inch OLED screen, easy access to Google Assistant, sharp cameras and very long battery life. Read full review |
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SlashGear | Chris Davies There's a core cohort of Pixel fans for whom the Pixel 2 is an automatic upgrade. For the rest of us, though, trying to choose between the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, and a competitive selection of well-regarded rivals, the decision isn't quite so straightforward. Of Google's two phones, I lean toward the Pixel 2 XL. Read full review |
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phoneArena | Stephen S. In the end, both phones are very solid choices. Of the two handsets, we've got to say that we prefer the smaller Pixel 2 a little more. Ultimately, we're just happy we have the choice, and whether you like your phones big or small, classic or forward-thinking, the Pixel 2 line has you covered. Read full review |
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T3 | Spencer Hart Both the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL show Google now has clear vision for its flagship smartphones. The design is distinctive and has character, the camera continues to be outstanding, and the software it very intelligent. The Pixel 2 XL's edge-to-edge screen makes it the one to go for. Read full review |
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Wired UK | Mark Walton Other phones might be prettier or offer more features, but few sport the tight integration of software and hardware that make the Pixel 2 XL a joy to use. Despite strong competition, the Pixel XL 2 is the Android phone to beat. Read full review |
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NotebookCheck | Daniel Schmidt The Google Pixel 2 XL is a great smartphone, but the display is a serious drawback. Read full review |
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Android Authority | Joshua Vergara, Jimmy Westenberg In the case of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google brought its wonderful software experience to good hardware, and that makes for a great pair of Android phones. You should absolutely buy one- you won't regret it. Read full review |
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Firstpost | Sheldon Pinto Pixel 2 XL will be the perfect Android smartphone for those looking for great battery life and performance, provided they are ready to settle with the problematic display and its dull colours. In short, there are a lot of compromises here for the asking price. Read full review |
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The Verge | Dieter Bohn Great phones, but they're not flawless. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL do not razzle dazzle. Read full review |
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AndroidPit | Luca Zaninello Google has been able to enchant me with an excellent overall experience and that leaves no room for negative conclusions. Read full review |
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The Economic Times | Hitesh Raj Bhagat To cut a long story short, this is a great performing phone with one of the best cameras around and a brilliant Android experience - marred by a couple of irrefutable screen issues. Read full review |
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91mobiles | Nitansh Rastogi While it might be difficult to recommend the Google Pixel 2 XL wholeheartedly, it's a perfect example of a smartphone that stands out on its own without needing to follow the competition blindly. The phone is worth considering if you're looking for a premium offering which doesn't compromise on many aspects. Read full review |
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What Hi-Fi? The Pixel 2 XL has some neat features, scores highly for usability and has a great camera but you can get better audio Read full review |
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The Mirror | Jeff Parsons These phones are a strong statement of intent from one of the biggest tech companies in the world. And if you want the best Android experience there is, you should lock one down as soon as they hit the shelves. But you'll love it for the software, not the hardware Read full review |
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Know Your Mobile | Richard Goodwin The Google Pixel 2 XL is my new phone. I liked it that much I went out and bought one, so that should tell you everything you need to know about what I think about this handset. Is it perfect? No. But then nothing is, really. It has everything I look for in a phone and more great battery life, an exceptional camera, tons of power, and it looks OK too. Read full review |
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NDTV Gadgets | Roydon Cerejo If you don't want to take a chance with the Pixel 2 XL (and we don't blame you), the Pixel 2 could be a better choice. It has had fewer problem reports than its bigger brother and you lose the 18:9 display, but it's also less expensive while still offering the same great cameras, hardware and software as the XL. Read full review |
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Pocket-lint | Chris Hall That makes it hard to highly recommend the Pixel 2 XL, not at its asking price. If Google can fix the display using software to make it more joyous to use every day, then this would become a more exciting phone, but launching into a market of great devices, this model isn't Pixel perfect. Read full review |
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IT PRO | Roland Moore-Colyer The Pixel 2 XL is the best pure Android phone in the market with a smarter Google Assistant and a large curved screen. Unfortunately, the display is a nasty disappointment, with poor viewing angles and dull colours which keeps Google's phone from achieving greatness. Read full review |
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Recombu | Chris Barraclough So, is the Pixel 2 XL the best Android phone right no? Nope, it's too expensive and can't match the competition in a number of key areas. Here's hoping some of those issues can be corrected in future updates, and maybe we'll be more positive come our long-term review. Read full review |
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Mashable | Raymond Wong Google's Pixel 2 and 2 XL are great phones, but they could use a some more excitement. But even without 2017 flagship staples like wireless charging and dual cameras, the Pixel 2's are two of the best Android phones of the year and well worth the money if you're firmly entrenched in Google's services. Read full review |
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Android Central | Andrew Martonik Google has, once again, made the best pair of Android phones you can buy today. The only question, really, is which size you should buy. Unless you feel like you need the extra screen size or battery of the 2 XL, pick the Pixel 2. You'll love it. Read full review |
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Mobile Syrup | Patrick O'Rourke & Rose Behar It's difficult to find a significant fault with the Pixel 2 XL and the same can be said about the Pixel 2. Read full review |
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The Inquirer | Carly Page In fact, the Google Pixel 2 XL is arguably the best Android smartphone on the market right now thanks to its blazing-fast performance, slick Oreo OS and 12MP single-camera that, somehow, manages to outperform even its highest-specced competitors. Read full review |
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TechSpot | Tim Schiesser The Pixel 2 XL feels one step away from being the undoubted Android champion. With concerns over the display and a high price tag, explore your options before diving into the world of Pixel. Read full review |
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Phone Scoop | Eric Zeman Google and LG did a decent job with the Pixel 2 XL, but they could have done better. This flagship should have absolutely no peers, and yet missteps have marred it a bit. Read full review |
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Alphr | Jonathan Bray Expensive, lacks key feature and the screen is problematic. And so, although I'd very much like to, this is not a phone that I can, in its current state, recommend. Underwhelming. Read full review |
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Expert Reviews | Nathan Spendelow It's very disappointing that in the end, the Pixel 2 XL's display issues drag the phone back from greatness. Its lofty price and poor video capture quality means Google's plus-sized Pixel 2 XL is certainly not a phone I can recommend. At least, not in its current state. Read full review |
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157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm 6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in |
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175 g 6.17 oz |
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Size: 6 inches diagonal Resolution: 2880 x 1440 pixels Screen Density: 537 ppi Screen-to-Body Ratio: 76.7 % |
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Built-in Storage: 64GB, 128GB Expandable Storage: Not Available |
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Main Camera: 12.2 megapixels with LED flash and OIS and EIS Secondary Camera: 8 megapixels |
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Nano SIM
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IP67 Rating: Protection from contact with harmful dust, and protection from immersion in water up to a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes |
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Capacity: 3,520mAh
Removable Battery: No Wireless Charging: Not Available Quick Charge: Yes (Quick Charge v2) |
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Official website |
We've used Flickr to find a selection of pictures taken by the Google Pixel 2 XL camera. Here is a selection of photos taken by users from around the world so you can see what kind of picture quality you can expect from real-world use of the Google Pixel 2 XL.
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