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.

Dual front speakers; pure Android experience No headphone jack; smaller Pixel 2 still looks clunky and has mediocre battery life

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

There is no question that the Google Pixel 2 XL is the best Android experience money can buy. It is the fastest-feeling, slickest and smoothest Android has ever been, putting it well on par with the quality of iOS.

very fast; long battery life; great screen; squeezable sides; latest version of Android and rapid updates; interesting built-in AI; water resistant; fantastic camera; unlimited photo and video backup

expensive; no expandable storage or removable battery; no headphone jack; no wireless charging

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

I'm not going to pretend the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are perfect phones. The removal of the headphone jack is lame, and the smaller Pixel 2 still has too much bezel. I'd also like more control over Active Edge. If you already have always-on "OK Google" configured, the squeeze is a bit redundant.

Performance The Pixel 2 and 2 XL are consistently fast with impressively low touch latency; Build quality Solid aluminum construction with IP67 water-resistance; Battery life It's solidly above average; Software This is Google's vision of Android.

Design again The 5-inch Pixel 2 has rather large bezels; There are front-facing speakers embedded in them, but the device just looks a bit clunky, Headphone jack There isn't one on either phone, Camera again This is a minor one, but portrait mode is buggy.

While the Pixel 2 XL is certainly a solid all-round smartphone, there are a few little niggling issues here and there that drop it some vital points. We love the slick performance and fantastic battery life, while the funky design means it's certainly a desirable handset.

Premium performance; Two-day battery life; Slick design; Perfect photo capture

You'll want the Google Pixel 2 XL if you're looking for the purest, most elegant Android experience possible in a 6-inch phone. You'll want the Pixel 2 XL if you're looking for a stunning display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, amazing portrait photography, and a ton of surprise-and-delight features made...