Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL: The smartphone according to Google

Google has officialized two new smartphones: the Pixel family is expanding and, after the presentation of the Google Pixelbook, goes to include the Google Pixel 2 and the Google Pixel 2 XL. Already widely shown by leaks and rumors, the two smartphones continue the path taken last year.

Google continues in its desire to create smartphones that are not just Android devices, but real Google devices – which, then, go to create a user experience that is complete and has the Google services in the center. It is no coincidence that most of the event #madebygoogle has been focused on Assistant and that even the Pixels are ” hardware built around the software “.

The technical specifications are high level and in line with what is offered by the best competition: the Pixel 2 is equipped with a 5-inch OLED panel with Full-HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4 GB of RAM memory and 64 GB or 128 GB of internal memory, together with a front camera with 8 megapixel resolution and f/2.4 aperture and rear camera with 12.2 megapixel resolution and aperture f/1.8.

The Pixel 2 XL shares most of the specifications with the smaller model, with one exception: the screen uses a 5.99-inch POLED-type panel with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,440 (and a form factor of 18: 9). This brings the density from the 441 PPIs of the smallest model to 538 PPI. Both smartphones are equipped with front-mounted stereo speakers. There is no race for the total removal of the frames, which remain present both vertically (to house the front speakers) and laterally.

The acquisition of the research and development department of HTC dedicated to Pixel led to the Pixel 2 ” active edges ” (Active Edge), or the sensitivity of the phones to the pressure of the sides. Google used this feature to quickly launch Google Assistant or to silence incoming calls.

Google maintains one of the most noticeable features of its smartphones: and bodies are made of aluminum, with the upper part of the back made from glass, and have IP67 certification against water and dust. The design is in common with the Pixelbook, which also has a glass band.

Particular attention has been paid by Google to photography: the two Pixels 2 both have a sensor with 1/2.6 inches of size and aperture f/1.8, Google added the optical stabilizer to the digital stabilizer and combined the two features to get stable video and photos. Also improved HDR+ mode and introduced a three-second video recording for each picture taken, in order to have a context for photography – a concept launched by HTC with Zoe several years ago.

Each ” pixel ” on the sensor would actually consist of two different pixels, because this would allow the same image to be obtained from two slightly different perspectives and then be able to apply depth effects and blurring through software. Although there remains the doubt that a few micrometres of difference (each pixel is large 1.4μm) are too narrow a distance to get a different perspective, Google says that the machine learning algorithms used ensure good results.

In terms of multimedia, great is the headphone jack, which Google claims to have retired because easily replaced by an adapter or headphones with USB Type-C connector.

Android undergoes some changes on the new Pixel 2: on one side returns the Ambient Display under the name of Always-on Display, to provide information on the fly on the notifications without the need to turn on the screen; on the other hand, the launcher is completely revised in its arrangement and brings the search bar in the lower part, just above the on-screen navigation keys. The search functionality now remembers much more closely Just Type, the research integrated into the webOS system developed by Palm.

Also new in terms of camera software: Google has started experimenting with Assistant Lens, an application that allows you to select portions of images to search or extract important information (such as email addresses) from photographs. The example made by the company concerns an email address on an ad, which is recognized by the software which allows you to send an email directly, without having to copy the address by hand.

The built-in battery on Pixel 2 has a capacity of 2700 mAh, while the larger Pixel 2 XL is equipped with a 3,520 mAh battery. Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0 technology offers up to 7 hours of use after a 15-minute charge, according to Google.

With a touch of irony, Google has called the three colors in which it offers the devices just black, clearly white and kind of blue. The Pixel 2 will be available at $649 for the 64 GB version and $749 for the 128 GB version; Pixel 2 XL prices will increase by $ 200 in both cases.