Google Pixel 2

296 'Google Pixel 2' stories February 2017 - March 2020

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Google officially unveiled the Pixel 2 this morning but it was quickly overshadowed by the Pixel 2 XL. While the latter features many of the same features as the Pixel 2, this handset isn’t much of a step up compared to last year’s model. Here are the Google Pixel 2’s official specs…

Where to purchase the Google Pixel 2 |

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Full hardware specifications for Google’s Pixel 2:

Google Pixel 2	Specification
Android version	Android 8.0 Oreo w/ Google UI
Screen size	5-inch AMOLED
Resolution	1920×1080 pixels
PPI	441 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	2,700mAh (nonremovable)
Ports	USB Type-C
Weight	143 g
Dimensions	145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8 mm
Other features	IP67 water and dust resistant, rear-facing fingerprint sensor, dual front-facing speakers, Bluetooth 5.0, Hi-Fi codecs, USB-PD, 18W rapid Charging
Color options	Kinda Blue, Just Black, Clearly White
Carrier availability	Shipping October 17
Base price off-contract	~$650
In-box accessories	TBD

What are you most excited for from the latest Pixel Feature Drop? [Poll]

Ben Schoon Mar 2 2020 - 1:00 pm PT

mid-range over flagship smartphone

It’s here! Three months after the first, Google has just released another Feature Drop for its Pixel smartphones, once again delivering a bunch of awesome new features. Every feature is going to be more useful for one person than another, though, so we’re curious — what’s your favorite?

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Google Pixel’s ‘Now Playing’ feature will no longer show songs you’re casting

Ben Schoon Mar 2 2020 - 12:35 pm PT

google pixel now playing

One of my favorite features of Google’s Pixel smartphones for the past couple of generations has been “Now Playing.” The effortless feature identifies music playing in the background, and, now, it’s fixing one source of frustration. Now Playing will no longer show songs you’re casting from Pixel.

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Live Caption support comes to the Google Pixel 2 with little to no fanfare

Damien Wilde Jan 15 2020 - 9:42 am PT

Live captions for calls pixel 3 pixel 2

One of the neatest new features of Android 10 on the Pixel 4 was the audio subtitling Live Caption feature. Live Caption support was adding to the Pixel 3 and 3a series shortly afterward but is now very quietly coming to the Google Pixel 2.

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How to enable Android’s built-in screen recorder on Google Pixel

Ben Schoon Jan 14 2020 - 9:18 am PT

google pixel 4 xl best android smartphones

One long-requested feature for Android finally popped up in Android 10’s beta releases, but it didn’t end up in the final release, unfortunately. However, there is a trick to bring it back. Here’s how to enable Android’s built-in screen recorder on Google Pixel devices.

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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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Google Stadia adds Pixel 2 and Pixel 4 support, joining Pixel 3/3a

Abner Li Oct 16 2019 - 5:38 pm PT

google stadia controller

Beyond the November 19th launch date, a number of Stadia developments were announced at Made by Google 2019. In addition to the Pixel 4 being compatible with the game streaming service, Google today revealed that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will also be supported by Stadia.

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Google Pixel 3

Google Pixel calls on Android 10 could be hindered by My Verizon app

Ben Schoon Sep 10 2019 - 6:13 am PT

If you’re a Google Pixel owner on Verizon Wireless, there’s a good chance that calls have been broken or delayed since the Android 10 update. As many have noted, a weird issue with the My Verizon app is hindering calls.

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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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Google Pixel repair partner uBreakiFix bought out by Asurion

Ben Schoon Aug 27 2019 - 6:53 am PT

While Google lacks its own stores, you can still head to a brick-and-mortar store to get an official repair for your Pixel smartphone. uBreakiFix has been working with Google as a repair partner for the past few years, and this week the company has been bought out by Asurion.

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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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[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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