Pixel 2 review: The almost perfect smartphone
4.12.2017
Translation: machine translated
Google is dispelling any remaining doubts that it is serious about the hardware business in Mountain View. The most important product is the Pixel 2, and the test shows whether the second smartphone "made by Google" can build on the success of the first.
In contrast to last year, Google worked with two partners for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The smaller one comes from HTC and the larger one from LG. Apart from the display and battery, their features are identical. So far, we only have the Pixel 2 available, on which this test is based.
Quick start
Android has been lagging behind the iPhone for years when it comes to setup. As there is no cross-device backup solution that covers everything, you have to do it yourself. But Google has made progress. If your previous device is backed up via Google's cloud, your Google account, apps, pictures, etc. will be installed automatically. I opted for the solution using a cable and the included adapter. You connect your Pixel 2 to your old device (Pixel for me) and all data is transferred in full - including multiple Google accounts, Twitter, settings, etc. This worked almost 100 per cent. This worked almost 100 per cent. I only had to log in manually to some apps here and there.
So nice and handy
If, like me, you're coming from a larger device, the first thing you'll notice is how damn handy five inches is. Together with the plastic-coated back, you get a relatively grippy smartphone. With my normal-sized hands, I can now even reach the other end with my thumb without having to contort myself. Vertically, it's still not enough, but Google found a solution for that a year ago. If you swipe your index finger over the fingerprint scanner on the back, you can pull down the notification centre. I've already got completely used to it. An often neglected feature thanks to the even faster and more precise fingerprint scanner.
In addition to the excellent handling and impeccable workmanship, the next thing that stands out are the wide edges. This is certainly out of date for a flagship device from 2017. It would have been nice if Google had opted for a standardised design for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. After all, the search giant has installed two stereo speakers on the front, which are really powerful and don't distort even at maximum volume.
Adieu 3.5 mm
Apropos sound: The headphone jack has been rationalised. If you still want to listen to music with a cable, you have to use the USB-C adapter supplied or switch to Bluetooth. Unpleasant for many users, but you will have to get used to it. Of course, I promptly ran out of battery in my headphones and had the cable with me, but not the USB-C adapter - annoying. However, the Android 8.1 beta finally displays the battery status of connected devices. Bluetooth 5 also ensures a much more stable connection. I practically never had any more interruptions when listening to music.
The aptX HD audio codec has also made it onto the Pixel 2. It ensures hi-res audio transmission in 24bit. However, I have to admit that I couldn't notice any difference to the sound on the original Pixel. It has had aptX since the beginning of the year - which I also didn't notice. I'm still pleased though. Audiophile users are more likely to notice the difference.
Performance, battery, display
As expected, the Pixel 2 is really fast. Stock Android without unnecessary ballast uses resources efficiently. This is also reflected in the battery performance. Even with intensive use with YouTube, surfing and some gaming, the battery level is usually around 40 per cent at 11 pm in the evening. Even though it only measures 2700 mAh compared to the Pixel 2 XL.
The displays were a big talking point beforehand. The viewing angles on the Pixel 2 are pleasantly wide, but the OLED display actually looks a little pale. Google relies on the sRGB colour spectrum, which is supposed to show realistic colour tones. However, as practically all manufacturers rely on oversaturated colours, most people will find the Pixel 2 display pale. However, this impression will disappear after a week at the latest. Google has already served up a first update for the display settings with the November security patch. There are now three colour options: Enhanced, Natural and Saturated. The latter option makes the display a little brighter. However, you shouldn't expect colours like those on a Samsung Galaxy. Google prevents the burn-in problem by hiding the navigation buttons and reducing the maximum brightness by 50nit. According to Google, this is not visually noticeable.
The patch has also fixed a problem that caused a quiet clicking noise on the Pixel 2 with activated NFC. This was particularly noticeable when making calls.
A camera with intelligent extras
The best smartphone camera there is, claims the comparison website DxOMark. After a few weeks with the Pixel 2, I'm inclined to agree. Google's camera app doesn't offer as many setting options as other manufacturers, but that doesn't seem to be necessary. As with the first Pixel, you can activate it by double-clicking the power button. Then simply hold it down and press the shutter button and the result is almost consistently impressive. Even in difficult lighting conditions, I was regularly amazed at the good results. I was most pleased with the portrait mode. The Pixel 2 does away with dual cameras and instead relies on machine learning to create realistic bokeh. The camera automatically recognises which elements are in the background and blurs them. This works practically flawlessly even if there are several people in the picture.
I also enjoyed the Motion feature, which iPhone users will have been familiar with for some time. When you take a photo of something moving, the camera automatically records a short clip alongside the photo. You don't have to do anything. You can then send the clip as a video - unfortunately not as a gif. I have captured some funny moments with it that would have been lost in a photograph.
As it turns out, Google has even built in a secret Visual Core chip that hasn't even been activated yet. It is to follow in the second beta phase and calculate HDR+ five times faster and consume less than a tenth of the energy.
Another special feature of the camera is the Smart Lens. Photos taken can be analysed by clicking on the Smart Lens symbol. Google then provides suitable search results. Example: You take a photo of the Eiffel Tower and Google provides you with the corresponding Wikipedia entry. Google takes an address, the manufacturer and a barcode from the packaging of my Alpine herbal tea. However, Smart Lens is still far too imprecise to be used in a targeted manner. What's more, it is currently only accessible via the Google Photo app. Google Assistant integration is still a long way off. Smart Lens therefore remains a gimmick that can't do much more than Google Goggles.
Active Edge, Always On and Google Assistant
The Pixel 2 comes with even more extras. The squeeze feature was adopted from the HTC U11. Simply press the sides of the device together to launch the Google Assistant. It works amazingly well and the trigger pressure can be adjusted. There's no quicker way to start the Assistant. The button can only be reassigned via detours.
However, I find the always-on display more practical. Not a novelty among smartphones, but still a nice extra. The display always shows the time, date, alarm clock and active apps. This means I can just let my eyes wander briefly over the display and know straight away whether I have received new messages, what time it is - or which song is currently playing in the background. The Pixel 2 has automatic music recognition. This also works offline thanks to the integrated music database of popular songs. It works often enough that I wouldn't want to be without the feature.
You can also simply call up the Google Assistant and activate song recognition there. The intelligent voice assistant is a central component of the Pixel phones. It can answer search queries, record voice messages, play music, play mini-games, read out messages or play videos on connected devices. But it all depends on how much you can get involved in talking to your mobile. I find that the voice control works relatively reliably and the Assistant is a real added value. But the language barrier still holds me back. As long as I have to switch to High German or even English, I only interact with the Google Assistant occasionally and mostly as a joke. But the potential is undoubtedly there.
Google has slightly customised the Pixel Launcher. The search bar is now at the bottom of the screen, where it is much easier to reach with your finger. There is now a new widget at the top. It shows the weather, the date and any appointments. Clicking on the respective area takes you to the corresponding app.
Conclusion: Great, but still too expensive
Google has built a really practical smartphone that focuses on using it rather than looking at it. It doesn't have an eye-catching design like the Galaxy S8 or the iPhone X, but it doesn't slip out of your hand as easily. You can feel the Smart in Smartphone in every corner. Little things that make life easier without you having to do much. The camera is one of the best on the market, both technically and functionally. In terms of technology, the Pixel 2 is fully waterproof - including IP67 water resistance. The Pixel 2 is marred by the unspectacular display, the fat edges and the high price. No smartphone is worth this price. Maybe if it had a Fairtrade or at least an organic label - OLED is organic after all 😉. I bought it anyway because I'm a gadget nerd and absolutely want the latest, unadulterated Android. Nevertheless, I think the Pixel series needs another year in the oven. The many teething troubles are unacceptable and the Pixel 3 needs to step up a gear both visually and in terms of the display - then it could be enough for the smartphone throne.
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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