Pixel 2 vs Pixel 2 XL: Here's How They're Different

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

Credit: Google

(Image credit: Google)

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.

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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
Image
Google Pixel 2
Image
Google Pixel 2 XL

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.

Credit: Google

(Image credit: Google)

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.

Andrew E. Freedman

Andrew E. Freedman is an editor at Tom's Hardware focusing on laptops, desktops and gaming as well as keeping up with the latest news. He holds a M.S. in Journalism (Digital Media) from Columbia University. A lover of all things gaming and tech, his previous work has shown up in Kotaku, PCMag, Complex, Tom's Guide and Laptop Mag among others.