Google Pixel 2 XL

251 'Google Pixel 2 XL' stories June 2017 - December 2019

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Google Pixel on sale

As expected, Google unveiled two new Pixel smartphones today: the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. While the smaller of the two handsets did get a small design tweak around back, it keeps the large bezels found around the display. The Pixel 2 XL, on the other hand, received a major upgrade, now with smaller bezels and dual front-facing speakers. Here are the Google Pixel 2 XL’s official specs…

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Learn more about the Google Pixel 2 XL

Full hardware specifications for Google’s Pixel 2 XL:

Google Pixel 2 XL	Specification
Android version	Android 8.0 Oreo w/ Google UI
Screen size	6-inch pOLED
Resolution	2880×1440 pixels
PPI	538 ppi
Primary camera	12.2MP, f/1.8, 1.4μm pixels, OIS, EIS, PDAF, LDAF
Front camera	8MP, f/2.4, 1.4μm pixels, fixed focus
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Storage	64GB or 128GB
Expandable storage up to	N/A
RAM	4GB
Battery	3,520mAh (nonremovable)
Ports	USB Type-C
Weight	175 g
Dimensions	157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm
Other features	IP67 water and dust resistant, rear-facing fingerprint sensor, dual front-facing speakers, Bluetooth 5.0, Hi-Fi codecs, Active Edge, USB-PD, 18W rapid Charging
Color options	Black & White (Panda), Just Black
Carrier availability	Shipping on October 17
Base price off-contract	~$850
In-box accessories	TBD

Does your Pixel have the December update yet? [Poll]

Ben Schoon Dec 12 2019 - 8:24 am PT

google pixel 4 display brightness 90hz

One of the biggest benefits of a Google Pixel phone is that you’ll get updates and security patches in a timely manner, but for the past couple of months, Google has been lagging behind. The question begs to be asked, has your Pixel got the December update yet?

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Comment: Pixel ‘Feature Drops’ are great for everyone, but slow rollouts ruin the fun

Ben Schoon Dec 10 2019 - 10:46 am PT

google pixel 3 pixel 4

In a sea of Android smartphones, Google’s Pixel has been trying for four generations to be the consumer-friendly, “easy” option. However, random bugs, limited buying options, and other restraints haven’t helped that cause. Now, though, Google is making a very good move with its new “Pixel Feature Drops” which, unfortunately, are still stifled.

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All Google Pixels will apparently get Automatic Call Screen ‘in the coming weeks’

Ben Schoon Dec 10 2019 - 6:41 am PT

Google Call Screen

Google kicked off its new “Feature Drops” for the Pixel series just yesterday, and included in that first batch is a new way to combat spam calls. Apparently, that won’t remain Pixel 4-exclusive for long, as Google plans to add Automatic Call screen to all Pixels in the not-too-distant future.

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Google Pixel gets first ‘Feature Drop’ w/ Auto-Call Screen, Portrait Blur, better memory management

Ben Schoon Dec 9 2019 - 6:36 am PT

google pixel 4 android 10 device screen orange battery 90hz

One of the biggest perks of owning a Google Pixel smartphone of any generation is how quickly it gets updates. Today, Google is introducing a new monthly “Feature Drop” for Pixel smartphones and in its first release, automatic Call Screen, better memory management, Portrait Blur, and more are on the table.

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‘Flip to Shhh’ now available on Google Pixel 2 w/ Digital Wellbeing beta update

Kyle Bradshaw Nov 27 2019 - 7:53 am PT

Pixel 2 Flip to Shhh

When the Google Pixel 3 launched last year, one of the new Digital Wellbeing features that launched with it was “Flip to Shhh” which simply puts your phone in Do Not Disturb mode when placed face down on a surface. As of this week, Flip to Shhh is now available on the Google Pixel 2, by way of a beta update for Digital Wellbeing.

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Google Pixel phones get ‘Light Painting’ mode w/ this Google Camera mod

Ben Schoon Nov 22 2019 - 8:16 am PT

pixel 4 cameras astrophotography telephoto dual camera lens

The cameras on Google’s Pixel phones are great mainly thanks to their software and now, thanks to some developers, a new mode is available. With a Google Camera mod, all Pixel phones are getting a “Light Painting” mode.

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The Android 10 update seems to be breaking Wi-Fi on some Pixel 2 devices

Damien Wilde Nov 21 2019 - 5:16 am PT

Pixel 2 wi-fi

The full Android 10 update has been available for the Pixel 2 and 2 XL for a little while but it appears as though it has broken Wi-Fi functionality and created other issues for some people.

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Google brings ‘vibrate then ring’ option to Pixel smartphones

Ben Schoon Nov 8 2019 - 7:31 am PT

google pixel 3 pixel 4

Google has quietly rolled out a new option for Pixel devices which allows the ringer to vibrate first and then gradually start to ring at your set volume. Now, that feature appears to be widely rolling out to all Pixel devices.

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google pixel 2 xl

Pixel 4’s astrophotography unofficially ported to original Google Pixel, Pixel 2

Ben Schoon Oct 28 2019 - 9:23 am PT

A truly stunning part of Google’s Pixel 4 is the ability to capture images of the stars with excellent detail and minimal work. Now, older devices including the original Pixel and Pixel 2 can also capture the stars with an unofficial astrophotography port.

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android 10 easter egg

How to sideload Android 10 OTA on your Google Pixel smartphone

Ben Schoon Sep 3 2019 - 10:17 am PT

After six betas and months of anticipation, Google is starting to roll out Android 10 to its Pixel smartphones today. Here’s how to skip the wait by sideloading the Android 10 OTA on a Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Pixel 2, or Pixel device.

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How to sideload Android Q Beta 4 OTA on Google Pixel devices

Ben Schoon Jun 5 2019 - 10:13 am PT

android q

Android Q Beta 4 just dropped this afternoon. While the update will be heading out over traditional updates to those enrolled in the beta program, here’s how to skip the wait by sideloading the Android Q Beta 4 OTA on a Pixel 3, Pixel 2, or Pixel device.

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[Update: Rolling out] Google Camera app gets ‘Timelapse’ mode for Pixel phones

Ben Schoon May 8 2019 - 9:55 am PT

The camera on Google’s Pixel smartphones are arguably the best you can buy, and software just keeps making them better. Today, Google has revealed that it’s adding a new “Timelapse” mode to the Pixel camera.

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Google Store ditches the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, leaves only new models

Ben Schoon Apr 1 2019 - 6:19 am PT

Google Pixel 2

Google traditionally doesn’t keep last year’s phones around for too long, and this week the company is dropping its 2017 flagships. The Google Store officially no longer sells the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL.

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Hidden setting in Android Q lets you remap Active Edge on Pixel 2, Pixel 3

Damien Wilde Mar 18 2019 - 5:10 am PT

The Active Edge feature is a neat addition to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3, allowing both devices to go without a dedicated Google Assistant button. Should you be willing to root or install a third-party app, a new hidden setting gives you the ability to reassign the squeeze function to another assistant on your Pixel 2 or Pixel 3 handset.
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Pixel Sideload OTA Recovery Rescue

How to sideload Android Q Beta 1 OTA on Google Pixel 3, 3 XL, Pixel 2, 2 XL, Pixel, XL

Ben Schoon Mar 13 2019 - 12:30 pm PT

Google released the very first beta preview today for Android Q. If you want to give it a shot early, here’s how to sideload the Android Q beta on your Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 2, or Pixel 2 XL.

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Pixel 2 XL

Google Fi stops selling Pixel 2 XL, but will soon add Moto G7

Abner Li Feb 7 2019 - 3:18 pm PT

Back in November, Google Fi received a big rebrand that dropped the “Project” status and added official support for other Android devices and iPhones. The best Google MVNO experience is found on “Designed for Fi” phones with the Moto G7 coming soon, while the Fi store has stopped selling the Pixel 2 XL.

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[Update: Button will be added] You can hear a caller’s conversation while using Call Screen on Google Pixel

Ben Schoon Jan 28 2019 - 7:14 am PT

Google Call Screen

One extremely handy feature of Google’s Pixel phones is the new Call Screen feature. With the simple tap of a button, you can have the Google Assistant handle incoming calls without you having to speak to them. It’s useful for spam calls, and now we’ve just discovered a handy part of that functionality.

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Pixel 2 XL

Google Store discounts Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL to $599 until New Year’s Eve

Abner Li Dec 26 2018 - 6:04 pm PT

With the launch of the Pixel 3 in October, Google discounted the Pixel 2 XL. This marked the second year that the last-generation Made by Google phone saw a price drop. The Google Store is now discounting both the Pixel 2 and 2 XL by $50 until New Year’s Eve.

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Comment: At $360, today’s Google Pixel 2 deal makes it the best Android phone to buy

Ben Schoon Dec 17 2018 - 8:50 am PT

google pixel 2 xl

It’s hard to get a good phone for ~$350. As flagship prices continue to skyrocket, options in this affordable price range are hard to come by. Today, though, Amazon has knocked the Google Pixel 2 family to as little as $359 as a part of its Deal of the Day. Here’s why this is the best Android phone for the price right now.

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Google’s ‘Call Screen’ feature now rolling out to some Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL users

Ben Schoon Nov 16 2018 - 6:21 am PT

While the Pixel 3 doesn’t add a lot of jaw-dropping new features, one that turned heads was the call screening feature. Now, it’s looking like Pixel 2 call screening is starting to roll out.

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Pixel Launcher

November security patch returns Google Assistant shortcut to Pixel Launcher on Pixel 2

Abner Li Nov 5 2018 - 1:13 pm PT

During the Android P developer beta earlier this year, Google tested a Pixel Launcher that featured an even quicker shortcut to launch Assistant. While it did not ship in August, Google eventually launched it on the Pixel 3. With the new November security patch, that Assistant button returns to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

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Now Playing History

Now Playing History from Pixel 3 rolling out to Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Abner Li Nov 5 2018 - 8:02 am PT

The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL introduced a bevy of new features built upon functionality first announced on the Pixel 2. Many — like the Camera app — are coming to last year’s devices, including the very useful history for Now Playing.

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Hands-on: Apple’s new USB-C headphone adapter is your cheapest option for analog audio on Pixel

Ben Schoon Nov 1 2018 - 11:59 am PT

Earlier this week, Apple made a move that many expected wouldn’t happen — the iPad adopted USB-C. That aligns it with much of the industry, including most Android makers, but at the same time, the tablet also dropped its 3.5mm headphone jack. That led to an Apple USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, and it’s currently the best one you can get for an Android device.

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[Update: Wear OS viewfinder] Google Pixel 2 will add ‘Now Playing’ history, Pixel 3 camera app begins rolling out

Ben Schoon Oct 23 2018 - 2:18 pm PT

One of the tidbits we learned early on about the Pixel 3 was that the Now Playing feature would be offering up a new history section. Now, Google has quietly confirmed that Now Playing History is coming to Pixel 2. Alongside that, the new camera app from the Pixel 3 appears to be rolling out to Pixel 2 owners.

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