Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are the new top-of-the-line Android smartphones that Google proudly announced at the company’s “Made by Google” event which was held in San Francisco, and they’re nothing short of impressive to say the least. Although both of these devices look slightly different from each other, they mostly pack similar hardware under the hood. However, there are some stark differences that might confuse a lot of consumers, and therefore, it’s absolutely important to know how the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL differ from each other in terms of hardware and other feature set. Since the official announcement, people’s mind has been filled with questions regarding these new smartphones. Well, if you’re interested in purchasing Google’s latest flagship, but you have no idea which variant to go for, this article will certainly help you make your decision much more easier. Today, we’ll be primarily focusing on the bigger brother, the Google Pixel 2 XL and here are the most frequently asked questions related to this smartphone.

Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: General

• How much does the Pixel 2 XL cost?

The new Google Pixel 2 XL is currently available for purchase from the Google store for an asking price of $849. The smartphone can also be purchased for $35.38/month for 24 months with Google store financing at 0% APR.

• What are the available storage options?

Just like its little brother, the Pixel 2 XL will be available in two storage variants, 64 GB and 128 GB. Users will have to pay a hundred dollars more to get their hands on the 128 GB variant.

• Is the Pixel 2 XL more expensive than the original Pixel XL?

Yes, the Pixel 2 XL is more expensive than its predecessor, as the original Pixel XL had a price tag of $769 for the 32 GB variant and $869 for the 128 GB variant.

• When can I buy the Google Pixel 2 XL?

The new Google Pixel 2 XL is currently available for preorder on the Google online store, but it will start shipping only on November 15th in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and India.

• What are the available color options?

Unlike its younger sibling, the Pixel 2 which is available in 3 colors, the Pixel 2 XL is only available in two colors, namely “Just Black” and “Black & White”.

• Can I buy the factory unlocked version of the Google Pixel 2 XL?

Yes, the factory unlocked version of the Google Pixel 2 XL is the one that’s currently available for purchase.

Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: Design and Build

• What is the Google Pixel 2 XL made of?

Google’s latest flagship smartphone has an all-aluminium body along with a premium hybrid coating to give a clean and sleek profile to the device. The iconic glass accent on the back that we’ve seen on the original Pixel XL is still there, but it has now been shrunken down to make it look much neater.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL have a bezel-less display?

Not really, the Pixel 2 XL does not have a bezel-less display, but the bezels have been greatly reduced in comparison to the original Pixel XL. The display now has a 18:9 aspect ratio just like the FullVision display on the LG G6 and LG V30.

• Is the Google Pixel 2 XL waterproof?

The new Google Pixel 2 XL has an IP67 rating, which essentially means that the smartphone is dust and water-resistant up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. However, the device is still not completely waterproof, so don’t take it for a dive.

• Is the Google Pixel 2 XL thinner?

Yes, the Google Pixel 2 XL has a thickness of 7.9 mm, making it 0.6 mm thinner than its predecessor.

• Is the Google Pixel 2 XL heavier?

Yes, the Google Pixel 2 weighs 175 grams, which makes it 7 grams heavier than the original Pixel XL.

Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: Hardware

• What are the tech specs of the Pixel 2 XL?

• What processor is the Pixel 2 XL powered by?

The latest Google Pixel 2 XL smartphone is powered by Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line Snapdragon 835 octa-core processor, which is the same chip found on most other Android flagships that were released this year.

• Will 4 GB of RAM be good enough for Pixel 2 XL?

Absolutely, 4 GB of RAM is still good enough to handle almost all the everyday tasks without breaking a sweat, but more RAM would have definitely made the device more future-proof, as most Android flagships that were released recently packs 6 GB of RAM or higher, like the Galaxy Note 8, OnePlus 5 and more.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL have stereo speakers?

Yes, the new Pixel 2 XL have stereo speakers for enhanced audio experience, which is something that was missing on the original Pixel XL.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL have a fingerprint scanner?

Yes, just like its predecessor, the new Google Pixel 2 XL has a dedicated fingerprint scanner on the back of the smartphone. Google claims that the Pixel 2 XL has the fastest fingerprint scanner on any smartphone.

Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: Cameras

• Has the camera on the Pixel 2 XL improved?

Google has given a significant upgrade to the camera in their latest Pixel smartphones. Although there’s no bump in the camera resolution, the 12.3 MP sensor is now a “dual-pixel” sensor and has an aperture of f/1.8, which makes it better in low-light conditions. Google claims that the Pixel 2 has the best smartphone camera ever and it has been given a score of 98 by DxOMark. In comparison, the latest Apple iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 were given a score of 94.

• Does the Google Pixel 2 XL have a dual-camera setup?

No, the new Google Pixel 2 XL does not have a dual-camera like most other smartphones that were released this year, like the iPhone 8 Plus and Galaxy Note 8.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL’s camera have OIS?

Yes, OIS is a feature that was missing on the original Pixel smartphones. You’ll be pleased to know that OIS is in fact present in Pixel 2 XL’s camera.

• Has video recording improved on the Google Pixel 2 XL?

Video recording has received improvements in terms of stabilization as the Pixel 2 XL’s camera now has OIS. This will work in tandem with Electronic Image Stabilization to provide you with a super-stabilized video footage. That being said, the resolution and frame rate of the recorded video is same as the original Pixel.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL feature a Portrait mode like the new iPhones?

Yes, the new Google Pixel 2 XL might lack the dual-camera setup that’s found on the new iPhones, but it still features Portrait mode that lets you take some breathtaking portrait photos with shallow depth of field. This is made possible with the help of Pixel 2’s “dual-pixel” sensor and software enhancement using machine learning. However, the Pixel 2 will still lack the cutting edge “Portrait lighting” feature that we’ve seen on the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.

• Has the Pixel 2 XL’s selfie camera improved?

Unfortunately, no. The Pixel 2 retains the same 8 MP front facing camera with an f/2.4 aperture for taking selfies. However, now it also supports the famous portrait mode.

• Is there Portrait mode on Pixel 2 XL’s front-facing camera?

Yes, the front camera on the Google Pixel 2 XL also supports portrait mode, which lets you take some great selfies with shallow depth of field. However, Pixel 2 XL will heavily rely on software-based face identifying algorithm to give the bokeh effect.

Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: Battery and Charging

• Has the battery life improved?

Yes, the Pixel 2 XL boasts a slightly bigger 3520 mAh battery. This battery, combined with the energy efficient Snapdragon 835 chip and optimized Android 8.0 Oreo operating system should give you better battery life compared to the original Pixel XL.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL support wireless charging?

Unfortunately, the Pixel 2 XL does not support wireless charging just like the original Pixel smartphones.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL support fast charging?

Yes, Google’s latest flagship smartphone supports super-fast charging, and with the charger that’s provided in the box, you’ll be able to get almost 7 hours of use out of a 15-minute charge.

• Is additional hardware required to use fast charging?

No, Google provides the fast charger for the Google Pixel 2 XL in the box, so there’s no need for any additional purchase to take advantage of fast charging.

Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: Display

• What’s the resolution of Pixel 2 XL’s display panel?

The bigger Pixel 2 XL has a 6-inch display with a resolution of 2880 x 1440 pixels, with a pixel density of 538 ppi.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL have a P-OLED display?

The new Google Pixel 2 XL is manufactured by LG, and therefore it has the same P-OLED display that was introduced along with the LG V30 back at IFA 2017.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL have an always-on display?

Yes, the Pixel 2 XL has an always-on display, which works in a similar way to other Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8.

• What’s the screen-to-body ratio of the Google Pixel 2 XL?

The new Google Pixel 2 XL has an impressive screen-to-body ratio of approximately 76.4%, which is higher than what the original Pixel XL offered.

Google Pixel 2 XL FAQ: Software

• Which Android version will the Google Pixel 2 XL ship with?

The Google Pixel 2 XL as weill as the Pixel 2 will be the very first smartphones to ship with the latest Android 8.0 Oreo operating system out of the box.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL run stock Android?

Yes, the new Google Pixel 2 XL runs stock Android just like every other Nexus and Pixel device that’s offered by Google. This means that you get a pure Android experience, that’s completely free from third-party skins and unnecessary bloatware.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL support Augmented Reality?

Yes, the camera on the new Google Pixel 2 XL has been optimized and calibrated to take advantage of Google’s ARCore Augmented Reality platform. The tech giant even showed off some augmented reality stickers at the Pixel 2 launch event that’ll be made available for their new smartphones.

• Is additional hardware required for Augmented Reality?

There’s no need to purchase any additional hardware as the new Pixel 2 XL is fully capable of delivering the Augmented Reality experience on its own.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL support Google Lens?

Yes, both the new Pixel 2 smartphones will support Google Lens when it hits the stores. That being said, the feature is still a preview and not the final version, so expect it to be a bit buggy.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL have HTC U11’s Squeeze feature?

Yes, the new Google Pixel 2 XL has squeezable sides which the company proudly calls as “Active Edge”. Users will be able to launch Google Assistant by simply squeezing their new Pixel 2 XL smartphones.

• Will Pixel 2 XL receive software updates in the long run?

Google has maintained a perfect track record when it comes to delivering software updates and security patches for their Nexus and Pixel devices in the long-term. At the Pixel 2 launch event, the tech giant guaranteed that the both the new Pixel 2 smartphones will receive Android software updates and security patches for three years.

Google Pixel 2 XL: Connectivity

• Will the Pixel 2 XL support LTE-A and Carrier Aggregation in the U.S.?

Absolutely. As long as the carrier network also supports LTE-A and carrier aggregation, Pixel 2 XL owners will be able to experience faster mobile data.

• Will Pixel 2 XL support Reliance Jio’s VoLTE services in India?

Reliance Jio utilizes 1800 MHz, 850 MHz and 2300 MHz frequency bands for their LTE network across India, all of which are supported by the new Google Pixel 2 XL. Therefore, users will be able to take advantage of the company’s VoLTE services on Google’s latest flagship.

• Does Pixel 2 XL support dual-SIM cards?

The new Google Pixel 2 XL smartphone only has one Nano SIM card slot unlike several other Android devices in the market.

• Does Pixel 2 XL support eSIM?

Yes, the Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL are the very first smartphones to make use of eSIM technology. This essentially means that users don’t really need to insert a physical SIM card. Google will use the Pixel 2’s built-in eSIMs to authenticate cellular account, as long as the user is a Project Fi subscriber.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL have a 3.5 mm headphone jack?

No, unlike the original Pixel smartphones, the new Pixel 2 XL will lack a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL support Bluetooth 5.0?

Yes, the new Google Pixel 2 XL smartphone supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE, where LE stands for Low Energy.

• Does the Pixel 2 XL have a microSD card slot?

The new Google Pixel 2 XL will lack an expandable microSD card slot, just like most other Nexus and Pixel devices that Google offered in the past.

• Does the Google Pixel 2 XL support USB-OTG?

Yes, similar to the predecessor, the new Google Pixel 2 supports USB-OTG. In fact, Google even bundles an OTG adapter known as the quick switch adapter along with the Pixel 2 to help users easily transfer their data from iPhones and other Android smartphones without any hassle.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know About The Google Pixel 2 XL

If you are keen on getting your hands on the bigger variant of the two new smartphones that Google has to offer, you probably wanted to clear all the doubts you have regarding Google’s latest flagship. Well, we’re glad that we could help you with that in our detailed FAQ about the Pixel 2 XL. Although the new Pixel 2 XL is not a revolutionary upgrade over its predecessor, the smartphone still has a lot to offer in the form of a vastly improved camera, IP67 certification, and features like Augmented reality and Google Lens. If you want the best possible Android experience on a smartphone, this is the one you should be going for. So, have we managed to answer every single question that you had on your mind about the new Pixel 2 XL or did we forget to mention some important ones? Do let us know, in the comments section down below.