Google has has two new flagship phones in the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL. While the phones are quite similar in some ways -- including their cameras and the ability to summon Google Assistant with a squeeze -- there are some key differences.
And there should be, given that the Pixel 2 costs $649 and the Pixel 2 XL $849.
Displays and Size
As the names suggest, the biggest difference between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is the screen size. The Pixel 2 comes with a 5-inch AMOLED display with 1080p resolution. Google's Pixel 2 XL has a 6-inch pOLED screen with 2880 x 1440 resolution and a narrower 18:9 screen ratio.
| Google Pixel 2 | Google Pixel 2 XL | |
| Price | $649 | $849 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| Screen | 5-inch OLED | 6-inch P-OLED |
| Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2880 x 1440 |
| Cameras | Rear: 12MP f/1.8 Front: 8MP | Rear: 12MP f/1.8 Front: 8MP |
| Battery | 2700mAh | 3520mAh |
| Storage | 64GB and 128GB | 64GB and 128GB |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Audio | Dual Front-Facing Speakers No 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Dual Front-Facing Speakers No 3.5mm Headphone Jack |
| Software | Android Oreo | Android Oreo |
| Dimensions | 5.7 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches | 6.2 x 3 x 0.3 inches |
| Weight | 5.01 ounces | 6.2 ounces |
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(opens in new tab)Design
Generally speaking, the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL sport similar designs, complete with big screens and slim profiles.
The Pixel 2 XL looks far nicer, though, because it has much thinner bezels. The Google Pixel 2's bezels are thick and boxy. In our opinion, that makes the Pixel 2 XL look like a far more premium phone.
On the other hand, the Pixel 2 XL is about an ounce heavier and taller and wider than the regular Pixel 2. You have to decide if the bigger screen is worth it.
The Pixel 2 comes in Just Black, Clearly White and Kinda Blue (only on Verizon), while the Pixel 2 XL comes in Just Black and Black and White color combinations.
Batteries
One of the biggest differences is one that you can't see. The Pixel 2 has a 2700mAh battery, while the Pixel 2 XL packs a larger, 3520mAH battery.
On the Tom's Guide Battery Test, which involves continuous web surfing over 4G LTE, the Pixel 2 lasted an excellent 11 hours and 7 minutes, which is well above the 9:40 smartphone average. The Pixel 2 XL lasted an even longer 12:09, earning it a spot on our list of the longest lasting phones.
Price
The Pixel 2 starts at $649 with 64GB of storage, and costs $749 if you bump that up to 128GB of storage. The Pixel 2 XL has a starting price of $849 with 64GB, or $949 for 128GB. Google offers its own 24-month financing option for each phone.
Bottom Line
We like both the Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL, but there's a reason we gave the smaller 5-inch Pixel 2 an 8/10 in our full review and the Pixel 2 XL a 9/10 and Editors' Choice Award. You get a bigger and sharper screen, less bezels and longer battery life. You can't go wrong with either phone, but the Pixel 2 XL just looks and feels more like a modern-day flagship.
