Go to a Verizon store? Post your thoughts here!

[RaRa85]

Re: Hands on at Verizon

Technically no since T-Mobile doesn't officially carry it off. I assume you mean pay half off, trade in, and then upgrade?

Yep that was my concern. I kinds figured I wouldn't be able to do that with an unlocked device.

 

[Almeuit]

Re: Hands on at Verizon

Yep that was my concern. I kinds figured I wouldn't be able to do that with an unlocked device.

Yeah T-Mobile won't ever do that unless they sell the device. No carrier will really.

 

[RaRa85]

Re: Hands on at Verizon

Yeah T-Mobile won't ever do that unless they sell the device. No carrier will really.

Yep so it's probably a no go for me then unless I felt I really could settle down with the P2 XL until I paid it off.

 

[black_beard]

Question - if you buy unlocked and go to T-Mobile for the deal they are offering, would they install bloatware to get wi-fi calling and visual voicemail?

 

[Almeuit]

Question - if you buy unlocked and go to T-Mobile for the deal they are offering, would they install bloatware to get wi-fi calling and visual voicemail?

No bloatware will be installed. WiFi calling / VoLTE works fine on T-Mobile since Android has it built in and T-Mobile plays nice w/ unlocked devices.

For voicemail you would have to download their app.

 

[Mike Dee]

just had a look at the pixel 2 XL in an EE store in the UK. I was surprised to see it there.

not the best demo as the phone was quite locked down and kept popping up saying it was a demo unit when trying to explore all functionality. also have to say it felt pretty cheap to me. I was surprised but having just had a play with the iPhone 8 plus there was a definitely a difference to me in terms of feel.

I'm considering going back to the iPhone and the pixel 2 XL was my last hope to keep me android. not so sure now!

I was able to turn off demo mode

 

[vomhorizon]

Went in and checked it out. Impressive! Really like the new launcher and boy is it SMOOOOOTH. A few things I did not like :

- The texture on the back metal portion just does not feel premium. I am coming from an IP7+ and 6P and was also able to play with the first pixel XL while at the store. All three of the phones feel more premium while the back of the current one feels a lot different. Not plastic as a lot of the reviews are making it sound but just different.

- Screen brightness - Not as bright as the IP7+ and definitely nowhere near the Note8. I had to double check to see if it was at full brightness. Overall the colors look good, just not as bight as I would expect from a phone I'll be spending $900 on.

Overall, the design is not all that impressive. Last year's device felt more premium although the new aspect ratio and reduction in bezels meant that this was a very comfortable phone to hold and use with one hand. Immediately i could tell the difference compared to the IP7+ which is a lot wider (all feels so). Camera and software (google services) are the strong points here and hopefully the battery lives up (this is the best thing about my IP that I absolutely wish is matched).

Still will be buying it but will wait till the Panda is available on the Google Store. Although I wasn't able to see the panda at the store, I feel it will look much better since I don't intend on using a case.

 

[erojas388]

For everyone questioning the display on the XL (blue tint, etc.); are you able to go into Settings and adjust Screen Color (Normal, Best for movies, Best for photos, Best for web, and Custom) or is that option not available on the Pixel 2 XL as it is on the V30?

No it only has a toggle on or off for vivid display but the difference is not even noticeable. And i went to my second verizon store today just to make sure the screen i saw yesterday wasn't defective and unfortunately it wasn't. The viewing angles are horrible on the xl. Seriously disappointed.

 

[sixty_four]

I was able to check out both the Pixel 2 and 2 XL yesterday for a little while. I actually liked the feel of the finish on the black 2 and 2 XL I held. It felt like a powder-coated piece of metal I preferred the look and feel over my smooth-backed Nexus 6P.

The display of the 2 XL did appear to be bluish when held up next to the 2 but looked ok on its own. Both appeared slightly washed out...or maybe they were simply not oversaturated like a Samsung panel.

It's hard to judge in-hand feel with the security tethers on the phones but I preferred the 2 by far. The 2 XL felt unbalanced when trying to reach the navigation buttons as they were too close to the edge (IMO) because of smaller bezels. That fact and the larger footprint of the 2 XL made it feel precarious when trying to thumb the home/back/recents buttons. The smaller 2 felt much more stable when doing this. One-hand typing was also easier for me on the 2.

The buttons on the 2 XL were far superior to the 2. Satisfyingly clicky. The 2's buttons - especially the volume rocker - felt mushy and sloppy.

I pre-ordered a 2 a few days ago and after checking out both phones I'm confident I made the right choice. The only thing I'll miss is the clicky physical buttons. I won't miss the large screen as I'm just tired of my big 6P and am ready for a smaller phone. Now, if someone could build another original Moto X (2013) with today's specs and a magic 5000 mAh battery, I'd be all over it.

 

[popkurn611]

Wow, I am really bummed. After hearing majority of people in this thread talking about the build of the XL and the viewing angle blue tint, I had to leave work on my lunch break and go check it out at my local Verizon store.

I am going to agree with majority of what people have said so far, the blue tinted viewing angle is really bad. I find the phone to feel super cheap in the hand, it is very lightweight which is nice but a little too light for comfort. Definitely has a plastic like feel. It's baby brother is another story. I don't love the bezels but wow the display is nicer, the build is fantastic and the overall size of the phone is very nice. For whatever reason the XL has a washed look on the screen, it is no where near as vibrant as the original pixel XL or the pixel 2 regular size. I will be cancelling my preorder through Verizon and will think this through a little more now that I had my hands on it. I also don't like the rounded corner display on the XL, although I thought initially I would because the LG G6 looks fabulous with the curved display.

Pretty disappointing!

 

[anon(10274434)]

I went to 2 V stores today - no demo phones. Glad to see the positive words about the Pixel 2, as I plan to get one on the 19th.

 

[ChuckG73]

Okay I went a spent about 30 minutes with each phone the 2 XL and regular Pixel 2.

1st impression is that both handsets are nice and feel like an upgrade, and the 2 XL felt awkward in my hand. Reminded me of the 1st time I held the Nexus 6 (I don't think its that big). It is very thin and taller then I expected.

The Pixel 2 felt great in my hand...

I remember now why I initially purchased the original Pixel, it is a great phone in a great size. I ordered two Pixel 2 XL's and am really torn now.

The only negative I can call out from my time with the larger XL that concerns me is the size. Everything else is great. The phone is thin and has a gorgeous screen, front facing speakers....but is it worth 200 more dollars and size does matter.

The thing that really scares me with the smaller pixel is Battery life. I love my Pixel XL and the battery life is one of the reasons. Now your thinking wait isn't Chuck complaining about the size of the Pixel 2 XL and the answer is yes I am. It is taller and wider than the pixel XL.

Look photos do neither phone Justice they are both premium devices and worth the upgrade in my opinion.

If I could be convinced that the smaller Pixel 2 had an all day battery I would change my mind I think.

 

[cbreze]

Im liking all the positives being talked up on the smaller pixel2. Not a fan of big phones anymore so that would be my sweet spot size. But battery life is certainly my biggest concern. I'm going to resist being an early adopter this time and wait for those user reviews. Might be holiday sales coming up, hope for that.

 

[popkurn611]

Okay I went a spent about 30 minutes with each phone the 2 XL and regular Pixel 2.

1st impression is that both handsets are nice and feel like an upgrade, and the 2 XL felt awkward in my hand. Reminded me of the 1st time I held the Nexus 6 (I don't think its that big). It is very thin and taller then I expected.

The Pixel 2 felt great in my hand...

I remember now why I initially purchased the original Pixel, it is a great phone in a great size. I ordered two Pixel 2 XL's and am really torn now.

The only negative I can call out from my time with the larger XL that concerns me is the size. Everything else is great. The phone is thin and has a gorgeous screen, front facing speakers....but is it worth 200 more dollars and size does matter.

The thing that really scares me with the smaller pixel is Battery life. I love my Pixel XL and the battery life is one of the reasons. Now your thinking wait isn't Chuck complaining about the size of the Pixel 2 XL and the answer is yes I am. It is taller and wider than the pixel XL.

Look photos do neither phone Justice they are both premium devices and worth the upgrade in my opinion.

If I could be convinced that the smaller Pixel 2 had an all day battery I would change my mind I think.

I rather take size over battery life. I had a iPhone 7 plus for a while and started getting really sick of the bulky size. I downsized to an iPhone 7 and while the battery isn't as good, I am so much more comfortable on a daily basis holding and using the 7. If I have to charge my phone at 8pm for a half hour for some extra juice then so be it. That I can live with for that short time period vs using a phone too big for me on a daily basis.

Just my two cents

 

[ChuckG73]

OK I am going crazy the Pixel 2 XL is smaller the the Nexus 6P.....I am sure it will feel more natural in a case. as tempted as I am to go smaller and just get the Pixel 2 I will stick with the Pixel 2 XL.

I will say for the record though for those getting the Pixel 2 you will not be disappointed

 

[anon(10274434)]

If I could be convinced that the smaller Pixel 2 had an all day battery I would change my mind I think.

MAYBE - you need a shorter day -

 

[cyndie1030]

I got nervous enough with what I've been reading about the folks checking out both devices at the Verizon stores so cancelled by 2XL order and ordered the 2 instead. It's also supposed to get here Oct 24-25, same as the 2XL, so no worries there. I had already ordered some cheap 2XL cases off Amazon but I'll see if my son wants to sell them for me on eBay along with the Pixel cases I never used.

 

[ChuckG73]

Cancelled my Black 128 GB Pixel 2 XL, purchased Black 128 GB Pixel 2.

 

[sixty_four]

OK I am going crazy the Pixel 2 XL is smaller the the Nexus 6P.....I am sure it will feel more natural in a case. as tempted as I am to go smaller and just get the Pixel 2 I will stick with the Pixel 2 XL.

I will say for the record though for those getting the Pixel 2 you will not be disappointed

One thing to consider is the significantly smaller bezels of the 2 XL when compared to the 6P. The bezels actually helped in-hand feel, IMO. Only you can determine if the 2 or the 2 XL will work for you. If you get a chance, you should check them out at a Verizon store before deciding for yourself.

(edit: oops, I saw that you did get a chance to check one out for yourself. Maybe another visit and see if the smaller bezels of the 2 XL are a negative - they were for me.)

 

[Almeuit]

Pixel 2 XL for me is the only option. I like big phone + I consume a lot of media via my phone. Without question I always go with the bigger phone.