Google just announced its new Pixel 2 XL smartphone

piexel 2 xl

Google announced its new Pixel 2 XL smartphone on October 4 during its event in San Francisco.

The Pixel 2 XL's 6-inch screen is quadHD, meaning it has a sharp 1440p resolution. It also has an 18:9 aspect ratio, which means the screen is taller than normal smartphone screens. It's a similar aspect ratio as the Galaxy S8 and LG G6 smartphones.

The display is a POLED, which makes for gorgeous colors and contrast. And Google tuned the display for a wide color gamut for richer colors, and it included a polarizer so you can see the screen with sunglasses.

Google also added the always-on features for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, so you can see notifications, the time, or basic information without having to wake the phone.

The headphone jack has been removed, and Google added a second loudspeaker for stereo sound.

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL's cameras have also been improved over the original models, which were already one of the best cameras you could find on a smartphone. The cameras are 12 megapixels with optical image stabilization (OIS) to reduce blur from shaky hands and HDR for better shots in mixed lighting.

google pixel 2 xl camera

Google also added its own Portrait Mode that blurs the background and makes the subject stand out. Unlike other smartphones with a similar feature that use two cameras, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL do this with one camera. Portrait Mode also works with the front-facing camera for selfies.

For video, the new Pixel 2 smartphones use OIS and electronic image stabilization (EIS) for ultra-smooth videos.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users will get free unlimited Google Photo storage for videos and photos in their original, uncompressed size and resolution.

The Pixel 2 XL will come in all black, or a combination of black and white. The power button is also red and is purely aesthetic.

pixel 2 and pixel 2 xl

As expected, you'll be able to use Google's smart AI voice-activated assistant, called Google Asssitant to perform a number of tasks. It'll also allow you to use Google Lens to gather information about things through the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL's camera.

The Pixel 2 phones are also water-resistant, an improvement over the original models that were not water resistant. The new devices will also feature fast charging

google pixel 2 XL

You'll also be able to us augmented reality (AR) using the new Pixel 2'x cameras that are calibrated for AR. You can use it to see what furniture you're interested in buying will look like in your home, or play AR games.

Google Pixel event

The Pixel 2 XL's price tag is $849, and will be available for pre-order starting on Wednesday in Australia, Canada, Germany, India, the UK, and the US. Google is also throwing in the $50 Google Home Mini with every purchase of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK, and the US.

This story is developing with Pixel 2 XL specs and features. Check back here for updates.

SEE ALSO: This is the new Google Pixel 2

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