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

The Google Pixel 2 reviewed here launched in October 2017 to positive reviews, cementing Google's place as a serious smartphone competitor. In addition to impressing Android users, the Pixel 2 also managed to entice iPhone users away from the iPhone X.

Buy the Pixel 2 for one of the best cameras on any Android phone and fast Google updates, but be aware that an upgrade is likely coming in a few months.

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.

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

The new Pixel 2 smartphones certainly hold their own in the top tier. They are high quality, well-designed and brimming with excellent features. If you're an Android user who wants a high-quality device then the Google Pixel should definitely be near the top of your list.

The Pixel 2 is a brilliantly fast, compact smartphone with a stunning camera.

Blazing fast speed; Great software experience; fast updates; Excellent camera; IP67 water-resistant; Compact; colorful screen

No headphone jack; Average battery life; Chunky edges around screen; dated design

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

Google's Pixel phones are among the very few Android handsets out there to offer a clean, unfettered version of the OS, packed inside some premium hardware. You might not get much in the way of frills, yet the Pixel is a well-constructed smartphone that delivers dependable performance and solid...

Solid camera tech; Sharp screen with deep blacks; Strong performance

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.

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

Google's Pixel 2 is waving the flag for Android once again, but does it suffer from the same display issues as the Pixel 2XL?

Top-notch performance; Much better display than the Pixel 2 XL; The best smartphone camera; ever

Expensive