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Google Pixel 2 deals and reviews

Google Pixel 2

84/100
44 Critic Reviews

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Release Date (UK): October 2017

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The sequel to the first-ever Google-designed Android handset offers a refined design, improvements on an already fantastic camera, more powerful internals and some impressive AI features.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent camera
  • Water-resistant body
  • Sharp, vibrant display
  • Dual front-facing speakers

Reviewers disliked

  • No headphone jack
  • Screen is not edge-to-edge
  • No wireless charging

The Google Pixel 2: in more detail

The Google Pixel was a brilliant smartphone, and the Pixel 2 builds on its success. The lack of a headphone jack may be an unwelcome update for some, but Google makes up for it in other areas.

The Pixel’s standout feature was its camera, and the Pixel 2 features an even more impressive one. Unsurprisingly, Google has packed the Pixel 2 with some impressive software, including powerful artificial intelligence features.

Stuff thinks it’s ‘already shaping up to be a serious smartphone contender’, whilst TechRadar said it ‘looks set to be an excellent all-round smartphone’. Whilst it may not be game-changing, it’s an excellent all-round device.

Design

The Pixel 2 has kept some of the Pixel’s key design features, but updated them to give a sleek, premium look.

Google has reprised the opinion-dividing glass and metal rear panel 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.

Google has opted not to copy its competitors with an edge-to-edge display, instead continuing with slightly chunky bezels, which disappointed some reviewers. On the flipside, the extra space means there’s room for dual front-facing speakers, which should result in an excellent audio experience.

Display

Like the Pixel, the Pixel 2 has a 5-inch OLED display. It’s bright, colourful and sharp, with fantastic contrast and lots of detail. At 1920 x 1080 pixels, its resolution is lower than some of its flagship competitors, but it still looks gorgeous.

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.

Performance

The Pixel 2 is powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM - a step up from the Pixel, which was a very speedy performer. The upgraded innards should make for a slick user experience: Stuff noted that ‘the whole thing feels super-quick, opening apps and games in a flash, and coping well when multitasking’.

Camera

Like the Pixel’s, the Pixel 2’s camera looks unremarkable on paper, featuring a single 12MP sensor. However, in practice it’s excellent - The Verge found it had ‘made a big leap over last year’s Pixel camera’, and TechRadar’s reviewer was ‘impressed with the quality of photos and effects the Pixel 2 managed’.

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 similar to 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’s Portrait Mode also works on the front-facing 8MP camera.

Interface

As Google’s flagship device, the Pixel 2 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 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.

Release date

The Google Pixel 2 will be available in the UK on 19 October 2017.

What the critics say (scores are out of 100)

100

The Telegraph | James Titcomb

The best Android phone you can buy, if you can live without a headphone jack.

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100

Alphr | Alan Martin

This time, it's the smaller Pixel that deserves all the plaudits. Google handsets invariably get software updates and new versions of Android first. If that matters to you, the Google Pixel 2 remains a solid recommendation.

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90

TechPP (Technology Personalized) | Shubham Agarwal

If you can afford it and want the best camera and Android experience in a compact form factor, then absolutely go for it.

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90

Ars Technica | Ron Amedeo

For two years running, the Pixel is the best Android phone you can buy...you get an iPhone-like update experience, a cohesive software package, and super fast UI performance....design is a real shame...a harmonious device with a single, cohesive design language and none of the junk that slows your phone down. In 2017, that's enough to merit the title of "Best Android phone."

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90

Australian PC World | Fergus Halliday

If you want a smartphone that's as clean as they come and brilliantly-effective at tackling the everyday problems it sets out to solve, the Pixel 2 is a clear-cut winner.

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90

Wired | David Pierce

There's no better Android phone, anywhere, than the Pixel 2.

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90

VentureBeat | Khari Johnson

There's a lot to like about the new Pixel 2s, from their illustrious screens to the sexiest camera on the planet to the exclusive features at launch.

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90

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.

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90

NotebookCheck | Daniel Schmidt

The Google Pixel 2 has a slightly outdated design, but comes with a lot of great technology.

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90

Trusted Reviews | Max Parker

If you don't fancy switching to the iPhone 8, then the Pixel 2 is the best similarly sized alternative.The best small Android phone you can buy. But I'd like a better design next time.

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90

Know Your Mobile | Richard Goodwin

It has best in class performance, imaging, battery life, and will get Android P and Android Q as soon as they're ready. Google's Pixel 2 phones are amazing, do not believe the haters.

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90

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.

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90

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.

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90

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.

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90

Wired UK | Mark Walton

Cheaper, prettier options exist - and some even come with a headphone jack - but, like its predecessor, the Pixel 2 is the phone I'd recommend to everyone, iOS switchers and Android stalwarts alike.

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89

ZDNet | Sandra Vogel

The Google Pixel 2 hides its light under a bushel - the physical design is demure. That said, I like the 'back to basics' feel of some of Android 8's features.

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89

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. Because of its more traditional design and smaller battery, though, the Pixel 2 doesn't make as strong an impression as the Pixel XL.

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87

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.

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86

CNET UK | Lynn La

Buy the Pixel 2 for one of the best cameras on any Android phone and fast Google updates, but be aware that an upgrade is likely coming in a few months.

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86

Firstpost | Sheldon Pinto

Pixel 2 is my favourite and I would recommend it because barring the design there are few flaws. Pixel 2 takes the cake as it is a no frills Android smartphone, which offers the basics and does them really well, while it's at it.

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85

TechSpot | Tim Schiesser

So if you're in the market for an awesome Android phone, you should ignore the more expensive Pixel 2 XL with its mediocre display. Don't forget about the Pixel 2 amid all the Pixel 2 XL controversy: it's the better buy. It's the "Pure Android" phone you should buy.

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85

The Verge | Dieter Bohn

Great phones, but they're not flawless. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL do not razzle dazzle.

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80

GadgetMatch | Marvin Velasco

Like its predecessor, the Pixel 2 is for Android purists who value camera quality and not much else. Call me old school, but I appreciate its simplicity after dealing with the hard-to-grip infinity displays and overly convoluted camera setups of every other 2017 flagship.

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80

Quartz | Dave Gershgorn

Out context with its competition, the Pixel 2 delivers on everything you'd want. But placed next to a similarly-priced competitor it's clearly not the best hardware on the market. If you're an Android die-hard who hates large phones, this is a worthy flagship for you.

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80

AndroidPit | Benoit Pepicq

When you first pick up the Pixel 2, you may not feel overwhelmed with excitement, but it's what's on the inside that counts.

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80

Digital Trends | Julian Chokkattu

Stellar battery life, a useful keyboard, and simple software with a focus on security. The BlackBerry Key2 is an exceptional phone.

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80

NDTV Gadgets | Roydon Cerejo

After testing both phones, it's clear that the Pixel 2 is the safer choice of the two. If you're already knee-deep in the Google ecosystem and are neurotic about updates, then the Pixel 2 is the smartphone to get.

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80

The Guardian | Samuel Gibbs

The Pixel 2 has everything good about the guts and software of its larger 6in sibling, the Pixel 2 XL, but squeezed into a smaller phone. Good battery life, a cracking camera and excellent performance still make the Pixel 2 a good phone, but it feels like a missed opportunity to be the best.

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80

Phone Scoop | Eric M. Zeman

The Pixel 2 goes head-to-head with the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact, Apple iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S8. All three of these are fine options. What sets the Pixel 2 apart is its great software and superior camera. If you can deal with the ho-hum design, the Pixel 2 is worthy competitor in today's compact flagship space.

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80

Android Headlines | Julian Chokkattu

The Pixel 2 is a brilliantly fast, compact smartphone with a stunning camera. If the chunky bezels and the lack of a headphone jack don't put you off, the Pixel 2 is a brilliantly fast smartphone with a stunning camera.

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80

TechRadar | Matt Swider

The Pixel 2 clues us in on why Google called its phone series Pixel: it was building the best camera on a phone. This second-generation effort fulfills that promise with best-in-class photos, dual front-facing speakers and water-resistance. You'll just need to be okay with the fact that it looks dated and there's no headphone jack.

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80

Recombu | Chris Barraclough

Google's Pixel phones are among the very few Android handsets out there to offer a clean, unfettered version of the OS, packed inside some premium hardware, although its bigger sibling, the Pixel 2 XL, is the mobile that's stealing the spotlight. The only issue for us is that asking price.

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80

Pocket-lint | Cam Bunton

In short: we think the Pixel will divide opinion this year. It's not as visually exciting as a lot of other phones. However, it does offer a pure Android experience like no other, in a phone that takes some of the best photos and selfies we've seen. It's a phone that won't wow you from the outset, but will grow on you as time goes on, like a good second album.

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80

PC Mag | Sascha Segan

The Pixel 2 brings exclusive Google Assistant features you can't get on any other phone, and lets you trigger them with a squeeze. If you're looking for the Pixel experience, the XL is superior.

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80

Gizmodo UK | Sam Rutherford

Either way, you're not buying this phone for its build or its style, you're getting it because you think Google's software has the answers. And more often than any of its competitors, it does.

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80

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.

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80

Tom's Guide | Mark Spoonauer

The Pixel 2 offers great cameras, AI smarts and long battery life for a fairly affordable price, but those big bezels almost spoil the party.

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80

TechnoBuffalo | Brandon Russell

The Pixel 2 doesn't stand a chance against the Galaxy S8's stellar design and robust feature-set, or the iPhone 8's clout and popularity. But Google has again proved it can make a great phone.

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80

Axios | Ina Fried

I found it to be one of the most comfortable, powerful and no-hassle Android phones I've used. It offers a comfortable, if not dazzling design at a price that won't break the bank.

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80

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.

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80

T3 | Spencer Hart

The Google Pixel 2 shows 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. However, those bezels can't be ignored, so we'd go for the Pixel 2 XL.

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80

Stuff | Mark McLaren

A super-fast software powerhouse with the best camera on any phone.

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80

Expert Reviews | Nathan Spendelow

Once again, Google is leading the Android charge. It might be sticking with same uninspired design as last year's but a much-needed processor upgrade and welcome camera improvements has seen the Pixel 2 rocket to the top of our smartphone hierarchy.

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60

IT PRO | Roland Moore-Colyer

In a vacuum the Pixel 2 is a great Android smartphone, with a vibrant display, and a solid construction with innovative squeezable edges. However, in the face of stiff competition from Samsung, LG and OnePlus, the Pixel 2 looks outdated, with only its excellent camera and lovely Android experience making it noteworthy.

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Compare Google Pixel 2 specs side-by-side with other phones
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Form factor and dimensions
Dimensions & Form

Form factor: Touchscreen bar
Dimensions 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm (5.74 x 2.74 x 0.31 in)
Weight: 143 g (5.04 oz)

Screen
Screen

Size: 5 inches diagonal
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Screen Density: 441 ppi
Screen-to-Body Ratio: 67.9 %

Display Type: AMOLED

Operating System
Runs

Android

Performance
Performance

Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835
CPU: Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo)
GPU: Adreno 540
RAM: 4GB

Camera
Camera

Main Camera: 12.2 megapixels with LED flash and OIS and EIS
Secondary Camera: 8 megapixels

Storage
Storage

Built-in Storage: 64GB, 128GB
Expandable Storage: Not Available

Battery
Battery & Charging

Capacity: 2700 mAh
Removable Battery: No
Wireless Charging: No
Quick Charge: Yes (v2)

SIM Standard
SIM standard

Nano SIM
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Water and Dust Resistance
Water & Dust Resistance

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

Fingerprint Reader
Fingerprint Reader

Rear

More info
References & More info

Official website
GSMArena specs page

Photos taken with the Google Pixel 2

We've used Flickr to find a selection of pictures taken by the Google Pixel 2 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.

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All images shown are used under the rights and terms specified by the Creative Commons.

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Last Updated: 18th September 2020

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