Google released the original Pixel and Pixel XL in late 2016 to mostly positive reviews. These phones were fast, had great cameras, and the update support cannot be beaten. However, Google's inexperience with hardware design was showing, and its manufacturing partner (HTC) didn't help. In early 2017, I mused about what the original Pixel was missing. I'm happy to report, all of my concerns were addressed in the Pixel 2 announcement. Let's recap.
IP67 Rating
One of the most troubling omissions from the 2016 Pixel and Pixel XL was water-resistance. Having an IP rating was becoming a standard feature around that time, leaving phones like the Galaxy S7 and iPhone 7 with a clear advantage over the Pixel.
With the Pixel 2, Google has done the necessary design work to produce a phone that has an IP67 rating. What does that mean? The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL can be immersed in water up to 1 meter in depth for as long as 30 minutes with no leaks. Some phones are IP68, which covers depths deeper than 1 meter.
The headphone jack is sometimes cited as a difficult port to make water-resistant. The Pixel 2 doesn't have one, which isn't going to make consumers happy. Still, if that was the difference between IP67 and something less than water-resistant, it might be a good tradeoff.
Front-Facing Speakers
I also complained in the previous post about Google's thoroughly mediocre speaker on the Pixel. There was only one, and it was on the bottom edge of the phone. This is a popular spot as it lets engineers minimize bezel around the display. However, it's also easy to block with your finger. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have front-facing speakers. That's a big step up.
These phones still have slightly larger bezels than competing phones (especially the regular Pixel 2). Although, I think it's forgivable considering the addition of speakers in that bezel. This is something you don't get with competing phones like the Galaxy S8 or LG V30. Even the iPhone X doesn't have dual front-facing speakers—it has one on the bottom and one on the front.
Faster Fingerprints
The Pixel's fingerprint sensor was in a great spot on the back of the phone, but it just wasn't fast enough. While the sensor was accurate, cheap phones like the OnePlus 3T and OnePlus 5 had faster sensors. The Pixel could feel absolutely glacial by comparison. With the Pixel 2, Google went out of its way to say the new fingerprint reader hardware makes it the fastest on the market.
We'll need to do some testing with the new sensor to confirm this, but it's good to see Google paying attention to unlock speed. After all, you probably unlock your phone a few dozen times per day at least.
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are available for pre-order now on the Google Store and at Verizon. The smaller phone is $649, and the XL is $849.
