If there's a rockstar of the Android world in 2017, it's the new Pixel 2 . Google's own smartphones may not sell in as great a number as, say, Apple's iPhone or Samsung's Galaxy, but they're arguably no less important in their own way.

Pure Android Oreo experience is tasty; Excellent camera; Solid battery life; Speedy Snapdragon 835 performance

Pixel 2 bezels are huge; Pixel 2 XL pOLED is muted and blue-tinged off-axis; Can Google meet demand

Without fail, every person who has picked up the Pixel 2 XL has said virtually the same thing: "It feels like it's made out of plastic." I said it myself when I first held it. Of course, neither the Pixel 2 nor the Pixel 2 XL are made out of plastic.

Incredible camera; Great speakers; Best Android experience; Incredible camera; Great speakers; Best Android experience

Screen shows image retention immediately; Colors are muted; even compared to other sRGB screens; No headphone jack; Huge bezels around screen; No headphone jack; Lacks some customization in camera features

So should you buy one? As reviewed, the Pixel 2 XL with 64GB of storage on the Verizon network costs $849. The smaller Pixel 2 costs $649, and boosting memory to 128GB adds $100 to either phone.

Easy to handle and use; fast Android feature and security updates; Now Playing music recognition; Google Assistant is fast and accurate

Limited camera functionality; not as sexy as its competition

When we talk about last year’s Google Pixel, the conversation inevitably focuses on the device’s shortcomings: no dust and water resistance, no wireless charging, and no expandable storage. And its design was seen as uninspired and forgettable.

Distinctive color combinations mark the family, versus our Just Black test units.

The Google Pixel 2 shows Google now has clear vision for its flagship smartphones. The design is distinctive and has character, the camera continues to be outstanding, and the software it very intelligent. However, those bezels can't be ignored, so we'd go for the Pixel 2 XL .

Distinctive design; Leading camera; Intelligent software

Top and bottom bezels; Plastic-like metal

It's Google's smartest smartphone yet, but don't expect mind-blowing design

Well made handset now with water resistance; Brilliant camera with smart features; Active Edge works well with the Google Assistant

Outdated 2016-era design; Overly large bezels; Expensive for a minor upgrade over the Pixel

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are the latest two smartphones to bear Google's name, following the release of last year's well-received Pixel and Pixel XL , as well as the scuttling of the company's popular - and affordable - Nexus line of smartphones.

The Pixel 2 XL is a great looking device; and a step above the Pixel XL; Melding of hardware and software makes for a more sophisticated user experience overall; Both devices are IP67 water resistant

Neither phone features a 3.5mm headphone jack; Pixel 2's Bezels are large (Pixel 2 XL also still has substantial bezels; Pixel 2's display is lacklustre

Last year's inaugural Pixel was such a slam dunk, I expected this year's Google Pixel 2 -- and larger Pixel 2 XL -- to carry Google's phone even further. In the most important ways, it has.

Google's Pixel 2 has a superb camera with OIS and excellent low-light shooting; It's water-resistant and Google Lens calls up a trove of information to help you explore your surroundings

The phone's battery doesn't keep pace with the Pixel's competitors and its Portrait Mode isn't as smooth on dual-camera phones; Its design feels dated and it doesn't have wireless charging or a headphone jack

There's a smooth set of stair steps up the Android flagship price ladder. The OnePlus 5 costs $479. The Pixel 2 is $649. The Galaxy S8 clocks in around $720, the Pixel 2 XL is $849, and the Galaxy Note 8 is in the $900 zone.

Promising camera; Fast processor; Nice build; Exclusive Assistant features

Small screen and big bezels for the size; No headphone jack