Google has officially announced the 2nd generation of Pixel phones, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The two phones are updates to last year’s first Pixel lineup and bring a handful of tweaks and improvements to the devices.
One of the most noticeable change is the updated Pixel launcher for the devices. It has been heavily redesigned with the search bar at the bottom of the display and a more personalized top widget with weather and calendar information.
As for the devices themselves, there wasn’t much of a mystery on either given the leaks about both devices over the course of the past few weeks. The HTC-built Google Pixel 2 will come in three colors: Kinda Blue, Just Black and Clearly White. The first color is very similar to the Ice Blue that was on the Nexus 5X while the Just Black and Clearly White are similar to the color options on the Pixel today.
The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC and is coupled with 4GB of RAM. It has a 5″ display
There will be two storage variants on the second generation Pixel. The 64GB model will be priced at $649 while the 128GB variant will be $749. There will be no 32GB variant which is a good thing heading into 2018. Google will offer financing that is expected to be $27.04 per month for 24 months on the 64GB model while the 128GB model will be $31.21 over those same 24 months
On to the larger 6″ Google Pixel 2 XL, internally you are looking at the same device. Google, as they did with the first generation of Pixel phones, have kept the hardware the same with the exception of the larger display. It is once again built by LG
As for price, they are going to be approaching the $1000 mark. The phone will be offered in two variants: 64GB for $849 and 128GB for $949. Google will be offering financing through their store. That means that the 64GB model will be $35.38 over 24 months while the 128GB variant will be $39.54 for the same 24 months.
Both have 12MP main cameras with OIS, 5MP front cameras also with OIS and both have a portrait mode. Both continue the tradition of offering free, unlimited storage of Original Quality photos on Google Photos.
Both devices also have what Google is calling Active Edge. This allows you to squeeze the device to bring up Google Assistant. The technology is also smart enough to figure out an intentional squeeze verses an accidental one and it works through cases.
Both devices will also support Google Lens, the visual search that was discussed both at I/O and at this event. This will allow you to use the device’s camera to take a photo of something and search for it or get information on it. A preview for Pixel owners will happen before the end of the year.
Finally, for a limited time, if you order a Google Pixel 2 or 2 XL, you will get a free Home Mini which was also announced today.
