Google Pixel 2 XL long-term review

03 January 2018
This long-term review is going to take a deeper dive into what it’s like to actually live with the Pixel 2 XL, as the main and only phone, for a few weeks (three, to be precise). We’ll try to answer the questions you might have about the device, regarding things that aren’t covered in our proper review. For example, can you actually get used to that screen? Learn to enjoy it even? Is the Pixel 2 XL a huge improvement over its predecessor? Does it really take such amazing pictures? (OK, so you probably know the answer to the last one). We’ll also cover how easy it is to set up and let you know about any niggles and issues we’ve encountered in day to day use. Let’s jump in and find out if the Pixel 2 XL really is worth your hard earned cash.

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  • ?
  • Anonymous
  • IW@
  • 06 Jan 2018

The Pixel 2 XL is the most iphone-like android phone. Iphone-like not because it is the only smooth and lag-free android phone around (which is not true mind you, because a few tweaks in settings and developer options can make even midrange android phones smoother than an iphone X), but rather, it is iphone-like because it is the MOST CRIPPLED Android phone in terms of FEATURES and FLEXIBILITY. Really, it is as CRIPPLED as an Iphone. Android was supposed to be the antithesis of Iphones - the ultimate in flexibility and usability but NO, the Pixel wants to be an Iphone so there you have it: NO SD card slot, NO headphone jack, NO dual SIM, SMALL, underpowered battery that dies before the day is over when you are exclusively on mobile data (which is why anyone would buy a gigabit phone in the first place), NO slimport (usb c to HDMI) support resulting in poor screen casting of high bit rate 4k videos, NO FM radio, NO IR blaster, annoying unwanted touch magnet, curved elongated screen that makes facebook photo feeds, videos and text content feel a lot smaller than similarly sized phones with 16:9 aspect ratio, and makes reading a chore, much like you are reading from a Coca Cola bottle. There you have it, buy it if you like an iphone. Otherwise, there are lots of other choices that truly represent what android is supposed to be and cost only half or one third as much as the overpriced Pixel.

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    • AnonD-80227
    • rxh
    • 06 Jan 2018

    Being a Nexus fan over the last decade!! The 2XL was a complete disappointment in front of the Note 8, The note 8 was just much better with a fewer compromises compared to the compromises made towards the P 2XL.

      • ?
      • Anonymous
      • ssY
      • 06 Jan 2018

      AnonD-696746, 04 Jan 2018iphone slow down your phone to a crawl after 2 years with u... moreStill the best phone with best screen (IPS) .

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        • AnonD-728733
        • TL{
        • 06 Jan 2018

        Unless you have lived with the Pixel 2XL, you really aren't qualified to comment, and your opinion is baseless. Use the phone....or not...I don't really care.....the review is correct. Great phone.

          I think it's ironic that LG phones embrace 3.5 mm headphone jacks, but when then desinged the Pixel 2 XL they omitted it. I don't get why companies make dongles (with the exception of DAC's maybe being cheaper to add to them instead of inside handsets) . Are dongles cheaper to mass produce than analog jacks on handsets? If OEM's want to omitt jacks then why bother including dongles? Reading this longer term Pixel 2 XL review prompted these statements.

            • ?
            • Anonymous
            • 8JL
            • 05 Jan 2018

            I'm a sucker for timely security updates (love my nexus 5x), so the Pixels are always in my radar, but the 2 XL is way too expensive. For that price, a phone should have exactly zero flaws, and google's not there yet. If i HAD to buy one, i'd get a regular Pixel 2.

            Since my 5x still has this year of security updates, i'll wait to see the pixel 3. Waiting is always the best move when it comes to smartphone purchases.

              • .
              • .alpha
              • ytx
              • 05 Jan 2018

              -Check your transferred text messages. Only history newer than January 2015 was transferred. Older message wasn't transferred
              -The screen is crap. Very poorly calibrated compares with Apple stuffs. The 3 modes are "very undersaturated", "undersaturated" and "very oversaturated". There is no "accurate" like on iPhones. The "Night mode" also turn everything too red. Sliding to the left and still too red
              -Gaming also isn't great when comparing with iPhone 7. iPhone are noticeably smoother and register touch faster
              -The camera is GREAT but often too cold. If you think iPhone is too warm, Pixel 2 have the same problem except in the too cold side. I'll put it above iPhone X for its sharpness but just.

                I might add that I have had a a xiaomi mi 6, (this year) there was nothing wrong with the Samsung S8+
                Just wanted a change.

                  I do like the ethos of the pixel line of Mobile's, it just works and that's all I ask.
                  I have recently, (I know this could be seen as contentious) part ex'ed a Galaxy S8 plus for a pixel 2 XL. And liked it so much I purchased a pixel 2 for work.

                    • ?
                    • Anonymous
                    • v3B
                    • 05 Jan 2018

                    expensive, no headphone jack (followed Apple? lol), the worst screen to come out of a flagship, not available globally, bug ridden software (still fixing them) since launch day. The only saving grace is an OS which will actually get updates (unlike 90% of the other android OEMs these days??) & a great camera.

                    By android standards, Pixel 2 XL is an overall FAIL, but android lovers are defending this piece of garbage. Seriously fandroids, get off your high horse, cause you guys are just as bias & annoying as Apple fans can be.

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                      • AnonD-728537
                      • KLT
                      • 05 Jan 2018

                      Even I created this account now just to say thanks and my appreciation to the review team. The review was not bias and exactly on point, objectively written.

                      The smoothness is exactly my thought. It's the thing that differentiate the Pixel other than the cheaper Android phones, like 5T. I am the user of 5T, but I admit the Pixel smoothness. In terms of smoothness, Pixel is better.

                        AnonD-696746, 04 Jan 2018used pixel 2 for nearly 2 months for work needs and i used ... moreThank you for sharing your experience. Sounds convincing! How is the performance and the quality of photos by using the shutter, ISO, exposure and focus settings?

                          • ?
                          • Anonymous
                          • 0P$
                          • 05 Jan 2018

                          very overrated phone

                            • L
                            • L KF
                            • tue
                            • 05 Jan 2018

                            Great review and write up guys.

                            Please try to do such long term reviews for all the flagships.

                            Ideally you should do for all popular models but there are just too many modes released so just focus on the flagship models first and then perhaps selected mid tier models especially the value for money make like xiaomi... How do they fare as they age.

                              Pixel 2 XL was a huge disappointment that had a fatal flaw like every flagship did this year. I guess.

                                • N
                                • NoWay
                                • 4Yj
                                • 04 Jan 2018

                                sachi, 04 Jan 2018Pixel 2 vs Iphone 8: Pixel 2: 1. Display not the best 2.... moreIn Android world, people have options and are not tied up

                                  • s
                                  • skip
                                  • JHM
                                  • 04 Jan 2018

                                  Great review, GSM arena. All of your conclusions match my experience with the phone. There is really nothing irritating with this phone. It just works

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                                    • AnonD-696746
                                    • 4mr
                                    • 04 Jan 2018

                                    DonAlduck, 04 Jan 2018Two of the main things that are keeping me away from Pixel ... moreused pixel 2 for nearly 2 months for work needs and i used camera FV-5 wich use latest google camera API ( so its even support HDR+ with full DSLR camera options ) its as optimized as the built-in camera app.

                                    not all third party camera app are identical.

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                                      • AnonD-696746
                                      • 4mr
                                      • 04 Jan 2018

                                      sachi, 04 Jan 2018Pixel 2 vs Iphone 8: Pixel 2: 1. Display not the best 2.... moreiphone slow down your phone to a crawl after 2 years with update ( they even admit it themselve )

                                      iphone 8 design look like a 2010 phone.

                                      Try again fanboy.

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                                        • AnonD-696746
                                        • 4mr
                                        • 04 Jan 2018

                                        vrvly, 04 Jan 2018...expected long-term 4K recording times. 10 minutes, 30 or... moreI did an hours 30 min of 4k on my essential the phone did not even get warm lol. not only sony can do this right.

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