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Outdated 2016-era design; Overly large bezels; Expensive for a minor upgrade over the Pixel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

There’s a lot to love about the Google Pixel 2. It’s a way better phone than the original Pixel, with a far more coherent design, a better screen and even better camera. It really feels like a coming of age for the range. If the original Pixel didn’t really know what it wanted to be besides an Android version of an iPhone, the Pixel 2 has grown up and got itself a job. And that job is to absolutely nail every single aspect of the software experience, from the smart assistant right through to the camera. The hardware isn’t the absolute best, particularly where the design and screen are concerned, but mostly it exists to make all those lovely, lovely software treats work perfectly - and mostly it does so with aplomb. If you’re not bothered about having the biggest, best screen on offer, there’s no better phone out there than this one.

Takes amazing photos; Really fast; Packed with clever software touches;

Design feels dated; Screen isn’t quite flagship-worthy; Stingy with storage;

The Pixel 2 (starting at $649) combines pure Google software and a great camera in a one-hand-friendly size. But while its specs generally measure up to the larger Pixel 2 XL, its design and performance don't quite get there. That makes the XL our Editors' Choice, and the phone to get if you want the full Google experience. Design In an era of tiny-bezel phones, the Pixel 2 ($99.99 at Amazon) is a bit of a throwback. At 5.7 by 2.7 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and 5.0 ounces, it fits very well into one hand. But its 5-inch, 1,920-by-1,080 OLED screen is bracketed by relatively large top and bottom bezels, much like you see on the iPhone 8. As a 16:9 phone, the Pixel 2 is the same width as the Samsung Galaxy S8, which has a much bigger screen; the S8 is taller and narrower, and lacks the large top and bottom bezels. The Pixel 2's screen also looks a bit yellowish, while the Pixel 2 XL is bluer and the Galaxy S8 is balanced in the middle. Similar Products Google P...

The Pixel 2 brings exclusive Google Assistant features you can't get on any other phone, and lets you trigger them with a squeeze.

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

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

Google wanted to announce more than just a boatload of products at its event the other week. The company hoped to foster a new conversation around consumer hardware, moving from a narrative about specs to one about artificial intelligence and machine learning.

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...

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.

Google's first generation of Pixel devices made a big splash last year. However, despite the misfortune that befell Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 and a massive advertising campaign, limited supply held the Pixel back from taking over the world.

Great form-factor; Brilliant everyday performance; Outstanding camera results

Displays on both the Pixel 2 and XL have their drawbacks; Battery life is only OK