Google Pixel 2

Google Pixel 2 is a premier Android device which is looking to overturn the entire flagship market with its single rear camera. Coming at a price of Rs. 38,319, Pixel 2 is a worthy device for budding photographers.

As the name hints, ‘Pixel’ 2 has a revolutionary camera that is upsetting flagship market. However, it does not rely on the camera only. It comes with a powerful processor and a tweaked, battery-saving Android Oreo that gives you a long-lasting phone experience. This phone is best suited for creative hands looking for both power and ability to showcase their talent through a phone.

Google Pixel 2 does not come with a great design. Pixel 2 XL does a better job in improving the phone design. The feature that will stick out is the thick top and bottom bezels that reduces a lot of screen space and looks dated. It’s lightweight and fits in hand with its 5-inch screen, which is not as large as competing flagships. However, it comes with IP67 waterproof, which means it can survive 1-3.3m underwater for an hour. In Pixel 2, squeezing the side of the phone will get you to Google Assistant, a flagship feature that is better than LG G7 ThinQ’s dedicated button, and much more intuitive than Samsung’s Bixby button. However, Google does not allow any customisation of the button which means lesser freedom for the users to play with the settings. Following the recent change in the designs of most flagships, Google has also dropped the headphone jack, which is a downer.

Released with FullHD, Google Pixel 2 handles and produces sharp images and vibrant colours, producing 148% of the sRGB colour gamut. However, the thick bezels get into the way and dampen the immersive experience. The display quality is not as sharp as Samsung smartphone models. It works properly with Google Daydream, but even at 1080p, individual pixels can be discerned. Pixel 2’s display only stands out if you ignore the bezels, which is difficult not to notice.

Pixel 2 is equipped with Snapdragon 835, the same chipset as Galaxy S8, LG G6, and similar flagship phones. Partnered with a 4GB RAM, it has a fast real-time speed, sometimes topping S8 as well. It could transcode a 4K video clip to 1080p in Adobe Clips at about 2 minutes 55 seconds, compared to 4 minutes 7 seconds of Galaxy S8. Benchmark scores saw it performing at 6,282, without ever dropping under 6,000 even after introducing pressure situations like multiple app downloads. However, it falls behind S8’s score of 6,295 and Galaxy Note 8’s score of 6,564. Heavy games can run without any lag, and app-switching is smooth. Boot time measures at 10 seconds which is amazingly fast.

Pixel 2 bests its competitors with its outstanding camera. Equipped with a 12.2MP main camera, with a f/1.8 aperture, and 8MP selfie camera, with a f/2.4 aperture, this simple set can tackle high-end leaders of the flagship smartphone market. Pictures remain in focus and colour accuracy of Google gets it right everytime. Unlike other flagship, it comes equipped with portrait mode making the single camera work as well as dual sets. While ideal-light images are great, Pixel 2 takes the cake with its ability to light up a dim room producing amazing low-light photos too. Even iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 fails to capture as many details as Pixel 2. Video shooting is a joy with electronic image stabilisation that removes any distortion. The phone also comes with a steady Optical Image Stabilization which enhances low-light images.

Though equipped with a small 2,700 mAh battery, moderate use can make the phone last for a day easily. It could be a result of the tweaked Android Oreo version that is loaded with battery saving features. Even the 1080p display burns out any energy-consuming pixels resulting in better battery life. Comparative tests with Galaxy S8 Plus show Pixel 2 running for 11 hours 7 minutes, a bit higher than S8’s 11 hours 4 minutes. It comes with fast charging which will get up to 39% within 30-minutes. One problem is that it does not come with wireless charging, which is expected at this range.

While the looks of Pixel 2 does not impress, it comes with a stellar camera that is going to blow your mind. With similar performance as other flagship phones and moderate battery, Pixel doesn’t look to go for anything more than the camera feature. However, they beat the smartphone giants with their killer camera, making it a clear choice for amateur photographers who want to use their phones for heavy photography. Ignoring the camera, there are many better alternatives to this phone.