Google Pixel 2 XL - impressions (One Month)

Well, as per my previous blog, I went all in and opted to get the Pixel 2 XL  Now, I'd be resigned to call this a review of any sort.  It's merely the initial impression and opinion of the device so far.  Further to this, it's also going to be interesting in comparing my experience and "growth" (both software and hardware-wise) when upgrading from the ol' trusty Nexus 5 to this.

Let's start screen size.  Now, there's something to be said when going from a smaller screen to a larger screen.  I remember that feeling when going from the 4" Nexus S to the 5" Nexus 5, and it's a lot more of the same when jumping onto the 6" Pixel 2 XL.  I'm sure if I'd stuck with the 5" Pixel 2, I'd be just as happy, but there's something to be said when you're given more screen real estate to work with and view content.

The ol' Nexus 5 (left) with the Pixel 2 XL (right).  The tinting you see on the 2 XL is from the Night Light screen settings.

I'd always been tepid when it came to the larger screens, especially during the phablet boom that Samsung started with its Note line of devices.  One of the great worries was whether it would fit in the pocket comfortably.  However, with the introduction of the S8 and S8+, and its 2:1 screen ratio (c'mon, it's basic math, though I'm sure 18:9 gets the point across for screen size), it's suddenly made larger devices easier to pocket.  The Pixel has also adopted this resolution, and I'm quite happy how things fit, even with the casing I bought with it (the Spigen Tough Armor).  It truly is hard to go back to a smaller screen at 16:9... it would almost feel like a downgrade.  Couple this with both resolution and font size adjustments baked into Oreo, and the amount of information displayed on screen at once is downright incredible, especially for this screen ratio.

Keeping things minimalist with Nova Launcher, and loving those Live Wallpapers.

On the subject of screen, there's also the debate (race?) for bezel-free design.  I have my own opinions about this (which I'll likely put into another blog), but for what it's worth, there's an understated elegance to the design of the Pixel 2 XL's smaller bezels.  Yes, they're not exactly edge-to-edge like the the Samsungs, and nowhere close to the ambitions of the iPhone X or Essential PH-1, but I'm OK with this.  I don't want to say it's because of those front-facing speakers, because then the debate will come abouts regarding its 5" sibling, and why they couldn't follow suit.

Speaking of speakers, I'm actually glad they've put in the stereo speakers for their 2nd gen devices.  Only a handful of manufacturers have ever opted for these for their devices (the ZTE Axom 7 comes to mind, because of how ridiculously loud they tested, from what I understand).  To be able to watch videos and play games without worrying about the audio is something I think all manufacturers should consider including.  The 2 XL is loud enough, and that's all I ask for.  If I want clarity, I'll use headphones.

Watching videos is so much better with stereo speakers.  And the built-in stand on this Spigen Tough Armour case keeps the views hands-free too :)

Oh yes... headphones.  I'd like to think I'm in the majority of missing the 3.5 jack, but it's more than what many are complaining about (which is the convenience).  To be honest, for as long as I'd been using the Nexus 5 with a case (also a Spigen), there was much to be desired when trying to plug in a set of cans into an opening on the case that couldn't accommodate for my headphones' jack (my go-to set is kind of an entry level from Audio-Technica).  As compensation for this, I'd been using a $20 Bluetooth adapter (with mic) with my headphones, long before there was even an idea of removing this port at all.  They do provide you the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, so I've primarily kept this connected to my AUX cable in my car..  The underlying debate behind the lack of headphone jack is with regards to DRM (shoutout to my buddy, Ajay, for bringing this to my attention).

A couple of other things that do irk me about the device are likely part of the growing pains of working with Oreo, and both are in relation to battery readings:

1. Not being able to access the battery usage directly from the Notification bar, like in Marshmallow
2. I kinda miss the graphical representation of how certain services/apps are using up battery

They're minor gripes that I can work around.  #2 in particular, from what I can surmise, is likely due to how battery usage, and service/app management, is now being handled by Oreo.

Otherwise, it's an outstanding device so far:

- Battery life so far as been solid.  I can get through a day on a single charge (between social media, gaming, and video viewing), and still be left with over 40% before I sleep.  I'm sure that 3250mAh battery has something to do with it

- It's quite responsive.  Doubling up the RAM from 2GB (Nexus 5) to 4GB, and having the latest O/S can also contribute to this as well

- Loving the camera so far.  Portrait Mode has been exceptional (for both front and rear cameras).  A couple of low light shots that I've tested have been brighter and clearer than expected.  There's also something to be said about having OIS to ensure shots stay clear

A random shot taken one evening while at the airport, dropping off family.  Standard HDR+ settings enabled.

- In relation to the camera and photos, it's interesting to play around with Google Lens.  It's amazing to see the information extracted from, say, a business card that I took a photo of.  It's still a new thing where it's still learning (it's more hit than miss on some of the photos I've had it analyze), but of the photos it was able to recognize and identify, it's pretty cool to get relevant information based on those subjects in the photos.

The question I suppose at this point is whether or not it's worth the $1000CA (for the 64GB).  I guess, for me, it definitely is.  Having lived the mid-range life for years, I was finally looking to see if having something of a no-compromise device would be what I'm looking for.  Much like their keynote introducing this device back in October, hardware is always going to be given, so the focus was more about how the software can drive this hardware.  The AI/machine learning, the OIS, guaranteed updates, and unlimited full quality cloud backup until 2020, not to mention the 24/7 support contact directly from the device I think may justify the price as much.

Oh, the whole burn-in/retention situation that's been reported since its release?  I guess considering I bought the device after the update was applied, I haven't experienced anything of the sort so far.