Smitten by the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL and plan on buying it? But have some questions surrounding the device first? Worry not as we are here to answer all your questions surrounding the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

Packed to the brim with top-notch internals, there is a lot to like about the new Pixels despite their high price tag and lack of some basic features like wireless charging and a dual-camera setup at the rear.

Q) What are the full specifications of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL?

A) The full specs of the Google Pixel 2 are as follows:

• Dimensions: 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8mm
• Display: 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED, 441ppi, 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
• Chipset: Snapdragon 835 @ 2.35GHz
• GPU: Adreno 540
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB/128GB
• Rear camera: 12.2MP, DualPixel AF, LaserAF, f/1.8 aperture, 1.4um pixel, LED flash, OIS, EIS, 4K video recording
• Front camera: 8MP, f/2.4, 1.4um pixel
• Sensors: Fingerprint, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient light sensor, eCompass, Sensor Hub, Hall Sensor, Advanced x-axis haptics for sharper / defined response
• Connectivity: LTE (Up to 800Mbps), nanoSIM, GPS, Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, NFC
• Battery: 2700mAh non-removable
• Others: Android 8.0 Oreo, Google Assistant, Always-on ‘OK Google’ detection, RGB notification light, Active Edge, Google Lens, AR Stickers, IP67 certification

Google Pixel 2 XL Specs:

• Dimensions: 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm
• Display: 6-inch Quad HD+ P-OLED, 538ppi, 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
• Battery: 3520mAh

Q) What are the differences between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL?

A) The only difference between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are in terms of their display size, battery capacity, and dimensions. The Pixel 2 comes with a 5-inch Full HD AMOLED display with 16:9 aspect ratio, while the Pixel 2 XL comes with a 6-inch P-OLED display featuring an 18:9 aspect ratio. The smaller Pixel comes with a 2700mAh battery while the larger handset features a 3520mAh battery.

Q) Is the camera on the Pixel 2 really that much better than the original Pixel?

A) Yes. Despite the reduction in individual pixel size, Google has managed to further improve the imaging performance of the Pixel 2 this time around. The use of a wider f/1.8 aperture and OIS definitely help in this regard, with the DualPixel AF technology allowing the company to achieve many things that would have otherwise required a dual-camera setup.

Q) How is Google able to offer Portrait mode on the Pixel 2 despite a single camera setup?

A) That’s thanks to the DualPixel AF technology and Google’s Machine Learning prowess. While we have seen many other Android devices with a single camera setup at the rear also offer Portrait mode, Google’s implementation seems to be miles ahead of them.

Q) Does the 12MP shooter on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL offer optical zoom?

A) No. The new Pixel handsets only offer digital zoom.

Q) Who will handle support and repair for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL?

A) In the United States, Google will be looking after warranty repairs and claims for the new Pixel handsets. In every other market, HTC will be taking care of the servicing of the two devices.

Q) Is the battery on the Pixel 2 removable?

A) No, the battery on the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are not removable.

Q) What kind of SIM card slot does the Pixel 2 have? Does it feature dual-SIM functionality? What about its eSIM feature?

A) The Pixel 2 features a nanoSIM card slot. It also comes with eSIM which is utilised if you use the phone on Google’s Project Fi network in the U.S.

Q) So, the eSIM feature of Pixel 2 is of no use outside of the U.S.?

A) Yes, the eSIM on the new Pixels cannot be used if you are not on Project Fi’s network in the U.S.

Q) Is the display on the Google Pixel 2 protected by Gorilla Glass?

A) Yes, the display of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5. Even the visor glass back at the rear makes use of Gorilla Glass 5. The front glass on the Pixel 2 has a 2.5D curvature, while the Pixel 2 XL makes use of a 3D Arc glass.

Q) What about the glass visor on the back?

A) The glass visor on the back of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL also use Gorilla Glass 5.

Q) Where is the fingerprint scanner on the Pixel located? Is it touch-based?

A) The fingerprint scanner on the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is located at the rear, and yes, it is touch based.

Q) How many fingerprints can one register on the Googe Pixel 2?

A) 5.

Q) Can the fingerprint scanner be used for anything apart from unlocking the device?

A) Yes, the fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL can be used to bring up the notification shade using a simple swipe gesture.

Q) Can you record slow-motion videos on the Pixel?

A) Yes, you can record videos in slow-motion on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (Full HD@120fps). The handsets are also capable of recording 4K videos at 30fps.

Q) Which version of Android does the handset run on?

A) Android 8.0 Oreo.

Q) What features are exclusive to the new Pixels running Android Oreo?

A) The new Pixels will come with exclusive access to Google Lens in Google Assistant. Additionally, the handsets will also come with a redesigned Pixel launcher which moves the search bar to the bottom for easier accessibility. The camera app on the new Pixels will also provide one with exclusive access to AR stickers.

Q) How long will Google provide software updates to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL?

A) Google will be providing security and Android OS updates to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL for three years. This makes them the first smartphones from Google to be eligible to receive Android OS updates for three years after their release.

Q) Does the Pixel support LTE and VoLTe? Will a Reliance Jio SIM work on the phone?

A) Yes, it does support LTE out of the box. The handsets are also compatible with Reliance Jio’s VoLTE network in India.

Q) Does the Pixel support any kind of fast charging technology?

A) Yes, the Pixel and Pixel XL support USB Power Delivery. With the supplied 18W charger, the handsets can charge at speeds that will be similar to other Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 devices out there. However, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are capable of charging themselves even faster when charged with a 27W charger.

Q) How much free storage space does the 64GB Pixel has out of the box?

A) Almost 51GB out of the box.

Q) Will the Verizon variant of the Pixel 2 come with bloatware pre-installed? Can they be uninstalled?

A) The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL sold by Verizon will automatically download three apps from the carrier on their first boot. All these three apps, however, can be uninstalled.

Q) Is the bootloader of the Verizon Pixel 2 unlockable?

A) No, the bootloader of the Verizon Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is locked and cannot be unlocked. The unlocked version purchased directly through a retailer or Google Store will ship with an unlockable bootloader.

Q) What about Android updates for Verizon’s Pixel?

A) Android updates for Verizon’s Pixel 2 will be handled by the carrier itself, with security updates being managed by Google. If the original Pixel is anything to go by, Google should roll out OS updates for Verizon’s Pixel 2 at around the same time as the regular unlocked Pixel.

Q) What contents do you get inside the retail box of the Pixel?

A) You get the phone, a 18W USB Type-C charger, a USB Type-C cable, USB-C to USB cable, USB-C to USB Standard-A cable, SIM ejector tool, USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack, and some regulatory papers.

Q) Does the handset support USB OTG?

A) Yes, the Pixel 2 supports USB On-The-Go. This allows you to directly connect pen drives, external hard disks and more using an adapter to the device.

Q) Where can I buy the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL from? What about its price?

A) You can find all the details about the pricing and availability of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL here.

If you have any other question regarding the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, drop in a comment and we will be glad to answer them.