Google’s smartphone sequel gets dressed for the big time

Design and a drool-worthy spec sheet weren’t the original Pixel’s strong points. Google chose to focus on camera smarts and a streamlined Android experience… which resulted in a great phone, but one that wasn’t a looker.

That all changes for 2017. The Pixel 2 XL improves the formula with a more modern appearance and the latest version of Android, on top of all the features you’d expect from a true flagship.

With a Snapdragon 835 and 4GB of RAM doing the heavy lifting, there was no way the Pixel 2 XL was going to feel anything other than super-fast. All-day battery life? Not a problem. We never doubted it would arrive with anything less than an amazing camera either. It may not have a dual-lens system, but Google’s algorithm allows for some tasty pictures.

By going down the same 18:9 aspect ratio and skinny bezel route as its rivals, the Pixel 2 XL feels thoroughly modern, and the split glass-and-metal rear that was so divisive a year ago has aged better than a fine wine. Sure, finding room for stereo speakers has made it a bit bulkier than the competition, but it sounds fantastic as a result.

Partnering with LG rather than Samsung for the OLED panel perhaps wasn’t the best move, though – screen quality isn’t quite as impressive as the Galaxy S8’s. The Pixel 2 XL has the best cam in any phone, then, but as a whole it doesn’t quite make it to the top.