When Google released the Pixel last year, it was taking a stand. No longer would Google hardware be tainted with the brands and logos of other companies, even if behind the scenes, Google still needed help from those same companies to actually build its phones.

This means that they don't look like a million dollars, compared to those phones which feature glass backs and shiny metal highlights, but they feel instantly premium. More importantly, the focus from Google - undeniably - has been function, rather than a fancy package.

The Google Pixel 2 has an excellent camera and it comes in a compact form factor. It's the fastest compact Android phone you can buy today.

Compact form factor; Fast and fluid performance; Excellent camera

Camera can be inconsistent; Average battery life

Killing off the Nexus lineup was a bitter pill to swallow for many Android fans, but in place of that, we got the Pixel series - two no-nonsense flagship smartphones that improved vastly upon the Nexus series' biggest shortcomings, build quality and camera performance.

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

Google's focus for and main selling point of its latest smartphones is the combination of hardware, software, and artificial intelligence that these two constitute. Overall, our first impressions of the Pixel 2 were very positive, and we liked the new camera and the Google Lens feature in...

The Google Pixel 2 is packed with some amazing internals in a humdrum design. Comparing to its predecessor, it has a speedy processor, improved camera modules, and offers outstanding Android experience. If you don't mind the big bezels, the Pixel 2 can easily satiate your hunger for power.

I have a hard time keeping phones for more than six months. The promise of a better experience with new hardware is often too hard to resist, but every once in a while a phone is good enough to keep me grounded. The Pixel 2 is probably one of those phones.

The Google Pixel 2 launched at Rs 61,000 and it made no sense to buy it at that time. However, the prices have dropped and I've seen Flipkart selling it for as low as Rs 39,999. At that price, it makes for a great premium compact smartphone.

The Google Pixel 2 clearly wins the heart of the user with top notch camera performance, immersive response and light weight design. The smartphone runs like breeze throughout no matter which type of game you're interested in.