With Pixel 2, Google’s made some features that are similar to what competitors have, but it’s done its magpie impression in a smart way. That’s clearest in the improvements Google’s made to Google Lens, its visual search tool, which is similar to Samsung’s Bixby Vision. Google’s applied its search know-how in intriguing ways. Snap a picture of an album cover, and it will offer various useful links, including to YouTube in case you want to hear a track. Taking a picture of a book cover can link you to reviews. That’s arguably more useful than the shopping links or place identifications at which Bixby Vision excels.
Google’s also made “Motion Photos,” which seem like an answer to Apple’s moving “Live Photos.” In fact, they seem almost identical, but it’s a nice feature to move over to Android. Not that this phone is totally free of gimmicks. Google has added “Active Edge” to the Pixel 2, which lets you squeeze your phone to activate Google’s voice assistant. It’s not a horrible idea, it works, at least in demos, but I’ll be curious to see how often Assistant triggers while sliding into tight pockets on skinny jeans or other tight spots. There is a setting on the phone that lets you set how firm a grip you want to have in order to trigger Assistant, so that may help prevent AI mishaps. Squeezing is also supposed to work through cases, which is another point that will require further testing.
It has an embedded eSIM
The Pixel 2 has this cool thing called an eSIM, or electronic SIM card, that allows you to connect to a network, in this case, Project Fi, with no physical SIM card. Of course, the Pixel still supports that physical piece of plastic and bits, but you don't need it to connect to Project Fi, and that little detail heralds the future of mobile connectivity, whenever the carriers decide to catch up. In the meantime, if you're in the U.S., you can buy a Pixel 2 and activate Project Fi whenever you want, even if you didn't order it directly them from.
Pixel 2 specs
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
- Memory: 4GB RAM
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Rear camera: 12.2MP, 1.4μm pixels, Autofocus with laser and dual-pixel phase detection, Optical and electronic image stabilization, f/1.8 aperture lens
- Front camera: 8MP, 1.4μm pixels, f/2.4 aperture lens, fixed focus
- Video: 1080p at 30, 60, or 120 fps on rear camera
- "Active Edge" squeezable sides
- USB-C, no wireless charging
- No headphone jack
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 18W power adapter and USB-C headphone dongle in box
- Battery: 2700mAh
- Screen: 5-inch, 1920 x 1080 AMOLED, 95 percent DCI-P3 coverage, 100,000:1 contrast ratio
- Size: 5.7 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches
- Weight: 143 grams
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