Last year, Google set the tone for its smartphone ambitions. The company was going to use manufacturing partners but control the entire product experience. The first Pixel smartphones took impressive photos -- something Googles' phones were never known for -- had a new software experience, and laid...

Impressive camera; Battery life; IP67 rating; Performance

Active Edge is frustrating at times; Portrait Mode needs some work

There was never any doubt that the second Pixel phone would arrive with anything less than an amazing camera. It's really quick, of course, and has all of Google's top software features. It was always the design that would make or break it - and in many ways, Google has delivered. By going down the same 18:9 aspect ratio and skinny bezel route as Samsung, Apple, LG et al, Google has ensured the Pixel 2 XL feels as modern as its rivals - and that split glass-and-metal rear that was so divisive a year ago has aged better than a fine wine. Sure, finding room for stereo speakers has made it a bit bulkier than the competition, but it sounds fantastic as a result. If you don’t mind the size, and spending the extra, the XL is absolutely the Pixel 2 to buy - the smaller version just feels plain in comparison. It's expensive, but then what flagship phone isn't these days? Google didn’t quite manage it last year, but with the best hardware powering the best version of Android you'll find on any phone, anywhere, the Pixel 2 XL finally feels like the full package. Is it the best Android phone around? Not quite. The Galaxy S8 - and indeed the bigger S8+ - still just about pips it based on its sheer desirability, and comes a close second with camera quality. The XL easily slots in behind it, though. Google is properly in the game now, and other manufacturers are going to have to watch out.

Phenomenal camera; Beautiful display and matching audio; The best Android experience around;

Bezels still a little on the chunky side; No wireless charging or expandable storage;

Last year, Google set the tone for its smartphone ambitions. The company was going to use manufacturing partners but control the entire product experience. The first Pixel smartphones took impressive photos -- something Googles' phones were never known for -- had a new software experience, and laid...

Impressive camera, Battery life, IP67 rating, Performance

Active Edge is frustrating at times, Portrait Mode needs some work

Dual front speakers, pure Android experience

No headphone jack, smaller Pixel 2 still looks clunky and has mediocre battery life

Ever since the introduction of Android 7 Nougat and even more so with Android 8 Oreo now, battery life test methodology has gotten pretty tricky. Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, Google's operating system is getting more aggressive at killing tasks that are consuming significant...

Great design and build quality, Pure Android Oreo, Break-out general performance, Boots in as little as 10 seconds, Great camera performance and features, Excellent displays, IP67 dust and water resistance

Pricey, No wireless charging, No legacy headphone jack

Full screen design The Google Pixel 2 XL has that new and highly desirable full screen design. The Pixel 2 doesn't feature this, so this is one of the main reasons that consumers will want the Pixel 2 XL over its smaller cousin.

It is no longer news that search engine giant, Google recently unveiled two flagship devices for the year 2017. The two devices are the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL. We have previously had a look at the Google Pixel 2 and we talked about the major highlight specs, price and where to buy.

Google has not become tired of saying that the best combination of hardware, software, and artificial intelligence lies in the new smartphones. Indeed, the Google Pixel 2 XL leaves a very positive impression, especially the camera knows to please, and the new Google Lens feature also works well...

Google has pretty much covered all screen size bases with the second-generation line-up of the Pixel phones. There is the more conventional and comparatively compact design of the Pixel 2, and the completely modern hues in the larger Pixel 2 XL.

While many users are naturally waiting for any new iPhone 8 leaks, the rest of you could be keeping an eye out for news on the upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL which is shaping up to be one of the main iPhone 8 alternatives this year.