With the Google Pixel 2 XL having emerged, we now naturally know everything of consequence about this smartphone contender. So without further ado, here is all the key information on this next-generation phablet.
Specs
The Pixel 2 XL is certainly an impressive smartphone, and the centerpiece of this handset is the six-inch quad HD OLED display. This screen is easily the equal of virtually any smartphone on the market, and ensures that this premium version of the Google Pixel 2 range creates an immediate positive impression.
Another key aspect of the Google Pixel 2 XL is the Active Edge feature that enables users to trigger various software by squeezing the sides of the device. Google Assistant can be accessed in this way, and this adds to an attractive package that is also defined by the always-on screen.
Android Oreo is available out-of-the-box, with support for a minimum three years of OS and security updates. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 2 XL also comes complete with an an octa-core Snapdragon 835 processor (four 2.35GHz cores + four 1.9GHz cores), with 4GB RAM. 64GB and 128GB storage options have been made available, while there is unlimited online storage until 2021.
Camera provisions in the Pixel 2 XL are particularly impressive, and testing has already indicated that the snapper in the Pixel 2 generation is possibly the most impressive in the history of smartphone technology. The Pixel 2 XL benefits from a 12.2-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front camera with portrait selfies, bokeh effect, OIS and EIS, certainly providing impressive packages.
The Pixel 2 XL can be purchased in Just Black and Black & White coloring, while the device is also particularly connectible. USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 5.0 + LE, stereo speakers, dual-band Wi-Fi, GPS, GLONASS, and NFC are all available, along with an impressive battery capacity of 3,520mAh.
Price
Pricing of the Google Pixel 2 XL is also obviously of critical importance to consumers. And although the specs of the devices are impressive, the price tag certainly represents a gamble from the mega-corporation. The Google Pixel 2 XL will retail at $849 for the entry-level RRP, but the premium version of the smartphone and will cost $949 to purchase.
This latter figure places the smartphone in the ballpark of the Apple iPhone X, and is almost identical to pricing for the recent Galaxy Note 8. it is certainly debatable whether or not Google will be able to shift a significant number of units of a smartphone priced so heftily, particularly when up against a major rebooting of the iPhone concept in the shape of the iPhone X.
Pre-order
Pre-ordering of the Google Pixel 2 is already possible, and Google has made this as easy as possible via its online store. Trade-ins are also widely available online, and it is notable that the developer has actually been rather reasonable with Apple trade-ins in particular. Clearly Google is trying to attract as many people from the iconic iPhone range as possible, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the coming months. Apple has been able to achieve a level of brand loyalty that is extremely rare in any industry, let alone the fast-moving technology niche.
With Google offering up to $410 for trade-ins, it is clear that the price of the Google Pixel 2 XL can be almost halved. It should also be noted that the manufacturer is providing a warranty for the device that it refers to as Preferred Care, which retails at a price of $129, and can be bought via the same Google Pixel 2 website.
Google in-store financing has also been made available, which will enable consumers to purchase the device over a 24-month period, with a monthly fee being paid and significant discount available.
Deals
However, the Google financing is not the only deal available for the Google Pixel 2 XL, with the major carriers already beginning to deliver bargains. Verizon has particularly led the way in this department, with the carrier reporting that it is likely to sell out rather rapidly due to overwhelming demand for the device.
Verizon is the only carrier that will offer the phone through its stores in the United States, and the carrier will ensure that consumers do not have to pay for the phone immediately. Verizon instead splits up payments through its monthly device plan, which costs just over $35 per month for the Google Pixel 2 XL. A $30 activation fee is also charged, but the US carrier waives the $35 restocking fee if you have any regrets within 14 days.
Overall, this can be seen as a pretty decent deal for what is a brand new smartphone. The best Google Pixel 2 XL deal with an eligible phone trade-in offers a free Google Home Mini speaker as well, which will obviously be an attractive deal for those enthusiastic about this technology.
Trade-in deals
Trade-ins are also available at Verizon, with the carrier fully aware that existing smartphones are worth serious money. Verizon will go up to $300 for your old smartphone, which although slightly less than offered by Google, can still be considered a pretty decent figure. It is also notable that the major carrier is very competitive with pricing, so put the two together and one has a very strong buyers’ market.
Verizon’s trade-in credit will be deducted from your monthly Pixel 2 price over the course of 24 months, rather than provided immediately, but this is still an excellent and affordable way to purchase the outstanding Google Pixel 2 XL handset.
