With the Pixel 2 range due to be unveiled shortly, many consumers are wondering how the Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL comparison will turn out. Certainly more will be expected from the larger version of the smartphone, which can be considered the premium unit. But there might be a few surprises as well. So here ValueWalk compares the two forthcoming mobiles.
Design
A key area of the Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL comparison is the design of the two smartphones. This could be significantly different, with rumors persisting that the larger version of the Pixel 2 range will feature a wraparound screen. This has not been confirmed by Google, and is not a definitive assertion, but if this is the case then the design premises of the two devices will be completely different.
It is also interesting to note that Google has enlisted two different companies to manufacture each model. LG had been working on the larger Pixel 2 XL, with HTC recruited to build the smaller Pixel 2. However, the situation may change in the future, after Google’s acquisition of the HTC smartphone development team for $1.1 billion.
Size
There is no official word on the sizes of the two devices, but it is obviously likely that they will differ somewhat. However, if Google does include a wraparound screen in the Pixel 2 XL, this difference may be smaller than would otherwise be the case. We have seen with previous releases of this nature that the slender bezels included in these devices results in much reduced smartphone size. So the size and weight differentials between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL may ultimately be minimal.
Display
The Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL comparison is perhaps most relevant in terms of the displays to be included in the two devices. Firstly, Google will arm the larger Pixel 2 XL with a six-inch screen, larger than the five-inch display to be included in the Google Pixel 2 smartphone. And, as mentioned previously, it is also likely that the Pixel 2 XL will feature a wraparound screen.
Resolution
And the Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL comparison also becomes particularly relevant in terms of resolution, with the larger smartphone being provided with superior pixel displaying capabilities. Reports indicate that the Pixel 2 XL will be a quad HD smartphone; roughly on par with the recently released iPhone X. Meanwhile, the Pixel 2 will only deliver full HD resolution, although given the difference in screen sizes the pixel per inch rating of the two handsets will be rather similar.
Processor
While there are many areas of comparison with the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, some of the specs in the two devices will be identical. These begin with the processor, which will almost certainly be the same in both devices. Recent reports suggest that Google has decided against including the state of the art Snapdragon 836 in the Pixel 2, and will instead arm both devices with these that Snapragon 835 that was included in the Galaxy S8.
Memory
Reports indicate that the memory included in both devices is likely to be 4GB. Again, this would put these Android-driven units on par with the previously released Galaxy S8.
Storage
There have been rumors that the storage quantities included in the two devices will differ significantly, although this seems rather speculative at present. Expect a maximum storage quantity of 128GB, with no micro SD provision once more.
Camera
Google was praised for the photographic capabilities of the original Pixel camera and will look to build on this in the Pixel 2 generation by focusing on features. it is believed that neither the Pixel 2 nor Pixel 2 XL will benefit from a dual-lens camera, but the manufacturer has reportedly been working on some new functionality to improve what was already an impressive snapper.
Active Edge
However, one area where the Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL comparison does come into focus is with the mooted Active Edge technology. This innovation will allow users of the two devices to access various functionality by squeezing the sides of their smartphones. In particular, it is stated that the Google Assistant software will be accessible via the Active Edge feature.
Some reports have also suggested that this functionality will work even when the smartphone is asleep. The feature is already available in the HTC U11, where it is branded as Edge Sense, and thus the migration to the Google Pixel 2 series seems natural considering the involvement of HTC. It is also suggested that there will be a Shazam-like feature included in the Pixel 2 range, which will listen for music tracks and display them on the screen of the smartphone.
However, there is some debate over whether Active Edges will appear in both versions of the Pixel 2 series. considering that HTC is involved in the manufacturing of the Pixel 2, it is possible that the company will be unwilling to share this feature with the Pixel 2 XL. This would mean that only the more affordable version of the Pixel 2 series benefits from Active Edge, which would be rather hard, and something of an anomaly. The proof will be in the pudding here, but this is certainly something worth looking out for.
Price
An obvious key area in the Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL comparison is the price of the two devices, with the Pixel 2 XL naturally the more expensive smartphone. Reports have suggested that the most affordable version of the Pixel 2 could retail at $649.
While it may be expected that the Pixel 2 XL will sell at $100 more than this, recent rumors indicate that it will actually be substantially more expensive. A price of $849 can be anticipated for the most affordable variant in the Pixel 2 XL generation, indicating that the Google range is moving closer to the market leaders and becoming a premium handset.
