Google Pixel 2 XL smartphone

Photo: Maurizio Pesce from Milan, Italia via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Google

Google Pixel 2 XL

October 2017 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Google Pixel 2 XL is an Android-based smartphone released in October 2017, celebrated for its exceptional single-lens camera and a pure Android operating system experience. It features a 6-inch pOLED display and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, offering a premium experience for its time.
Display6.0-inch QHD+ pOLED (1440 x 2880)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 835
Main Camera12.2 MP with OIS and HDR+
Battery3520 mAh
Starting from $65

💰 Google Pixel 2 XL Price

The Google Pixel 2 XL lowest price is $65, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeP-OLED
Size6.0 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~76.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~538 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5

Platform

OSAndroid 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 11
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo)
GPUAdreno 540

Memory

Card slotNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM (UFS 2.1)

Main Camera

Modules12.2 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
FeaturesLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@30/60/120fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@240fps (gyro-EIS)

Selfie Camera

Modules8 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.4µm
FeaturesHDR
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Ion 3520 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W fast charging (USB Power Delivery 2.0)

Body

Dimensions157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in)
Weight175 g (6.17 oz)
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Water ResistanceIP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
USBUSB Type-C 3.1

Launch

Announced2017, October 04
Released2017, October 17
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent camera performance, especially in low light
  • Clean, stock Android experience with fast updates
  • Good battery life
  • IP67 dust and water resistance
  • Stereo front-firing speakers
  • Solid build quality

Cons

  • No 3.5mm headphone jack
  • No expandable storage (microSD card slot)
  • Screen quality issues reported by some users (blue tint, muted colors, burn-in concerns)
  • Design with bezels considered less modern compared to some competitors at launch
  • Lacks wireless charging
  • No longer receives official software updates beyond Android 11
★ Our Verdict

The Pixel 2 XL earned high marks for its industry-leading camera and pure Android experience, despite some display controversies that affected a subset of users.

The Google Pixel 2 XL, while an older model, still offers a compelling camera experience and a clean Android interface, making it a potential budget-friendly option. However, prospective buyers should be aware that it no longer receives official software updates beyond Android 11, with security patches ending in December 2020, which is a significant consideration for long-term use. The pOLED display, while generally good, was known for some color shift and potential burn-in issues, so thoroughly inspect any used device. Given its age, it can be found at a very affordable price, making it suitable for those prioritizing camera quality and a pure Android experience for basic tasks or as a secondary device. Be mindful of potential battery degradation common with older electronics and the absence of ongoing software support.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Google Pixel 2 XL smartphone
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • USB Power Delivery 2.0 adapter (charger)
  • Quick Switch Adapter
  • USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter
  • SIM ejector tool

The Google Pixel 2 XL came with a 2-year worldwide warranty covering manufacturing defects.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the release date of the Google Pixel 2 XL?

The Google Pixel 2 XL was officially announced on October 4, 2017, and released on October 17, 2017.

Does the Google Pixel 2 XL have a headphone jack?

No, the Google Pixel 2 XL does not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack. It relies on USB-C for audio or wireless headphones.

What is the camera quality like on the Google Pixel 2 XL?

The Google Pixel 2 XL is renowned for its excellent 12.2 MP single-lens rear camera, which utilizes Google's HDR+ processing and optical image stabilization to produce stunning photos, often outperforming dual-camera setups of its time.

Is the Google Pixel 2 XL water resistant?

Yes, the Google Pixel 2 XL has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

What operating system does the Google Pixel 2 XL run?

The Google Pixel 2 XL launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and was upgradable to Android 11, which was its last official major OS update.

Does the Google Pixel 2 XL have expandable storage?

No, the Google Pixel 2 XL does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It comes with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.