Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL – worth the price?

Google unveiled the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in San Francisco yesterday, proving the leaks, once again right. Although we expected the same specs and design as it was shown from the leaks, there were a few interesting things that really impress in the new Pixel lineups: The Camera and everything AI.

Here’s a quick look at the specs:

Let’s start with the camera: last year the Google Pixel was the top smartphone camera, and Google is very proud of that. They are setting the bar high this time by scoring the top rating in DXOMark once again, beating the iPhone 8 Plus and the Note 8. This is really impressive, considering the fact that the Pixel 2 has a single camera, unlike the iPhone 8 Plus and the Note 8. But, you also get the Portrait mode, just like the ones offered by rivals. If the camera is your preference for picking a smartphone, then the Pixel 2 should be your pick.

Here are some images from the DXOMark camera test:

There’s also Google Lens. It can scan any image that you point at and tell you what it is. Or pull the phone number, email ID, website etc. This is just a preview of Google Lens only available in Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

You also get the unlimited photos and video storage till Dec 31st, 2020, with Google Photos in full resolution, so you don’t have to worry about that anymore.

Name the Tune: Remember that song you were listening to in the pub and you had no idea which song it was? Well, don’t worry. Google’s got you covered. The Pixel 2 will automatically display the song on your phone, how cool is that. Now, that’s real AI. It may sound very simple, but you’ll love this. At least I will.

There are also some minor features borrowed from other phones like the Active Edge, Always-on-Display and front firing speakers, all welcome additions.

Let’s come to the bad part: The design. Really, the bezels on the Pixel 2 looks so 2015, or Xperia and Nokia designed phones. It’s just so huge that you see more bezels than the screen itself. Bigger than the one on the iPhones. The Pixel 2 XL is a bit relieving though, at least you get more display.

I love the front firing speakers. But I hate that there’s no headphone jack, that too, after all the teasing that Google did to Apple last year. And yet, here they are.

And there’s no wireless charging either. But the IP67 waterproofing is good to have.

The battery is okay on the Pixel 2. But, the Pixel 2 XL has a huge battery. Probably the biggest of all flagships till date this year. I expect to see more than a day’s battery out of the bigger variant.

Now let’s talk price: I feel like we’re being fooled. Seriously, $649 in Indian rupees is ~42,200 Rs/-, let’s add some import charges, tax etc, and say 50,000 Rs.-, that would have been so good. But, no. It starts at an outrageous 61,000 Rs/-, just to compete with the iPhone 8. Which is too much. And if you need the Pixel 2 XL, you better prepare your wallets for a whopping 73,000 Rs/-, again in line with the iPhone 8 Plus. At a better price, you can grab a Note 8. But hey, If you want the best camera, you better pay for it. Or if you know someone in the USA, just get it from there, guys, honestly, that’s how it should be done.

The Pixel 2 will be up for pre-orders in India from October 26^th and the Pixel 2 XL will be available from November 15^th via Flipkart and offline stores.