Pixel 2 (NON-XL) Owners Club Reviews

[Apple2Droid]

It's in the developer options in Android N. Some phones on N added it as a standard setting. Moto took it even further with the percentage inside the actual icon.

I can't read the battery percentage in the icon on my Moto Z Play. I like that the P2 shows it big enough to actually see.

 

[AustinIllini]

I tested the Pixel 2 for a week and I can honestly say it's the best looking phone of its size and far more compelling than anything in the compact flagship category.

 

[feetforbrains]

Re: Pixel 2 none Xl Owners Club Reviews

Can owners comment on the radios? i.e. How is the signal strength ? GPS works well? Bluetooth connections good? Etc

If you state your carrier that helps too ( I am on Verizon).

Phone antenna is more sensitive than Nexus 6P

Bluetooth seems to be rock solid connection to keyboard and activity tracker.

Haven't really messed with GPS yet.

Google Project-fi

 

[Apple2Droid]

I've only had it for 2 full days now so I'm still tweaking with settings.

The bezels bothered me at first–not because of the current Sammy trend but because even my 3-year old Moto X2 has smaller bezels. These two phones are roughly the same size but the P2 is very slighyly taller, and all of that extra height is bezel. BUT, here's what I've noticed. I tried an OtterBox Defender first–dark plum color with lilac-looking color inner shell. I really hate that color as it's just way too pink for me, but the biggest issue is seeing that color against the largish bezels–it just makes them look even bigger.

I ditched that case in favor of an iridescent red Incipio DualPro which is much better for many reasons, but the best is the black TPU against the black screen and bezel. I'm really not noticing it much anymore, and remember, I've only had it for two days. Something else I discovered tonight is that because this case has such a great lip protecting the screen, I can rest the bottom of the phone on my middle finger and my thumb rests on the bottom lip of the case on the bezel, so it gives me room to hold it without covering up screen info. This won't be a plus for lots of people but I'm finding it kid of handy.

I've used GPS twice, with my local maps downloaded to Google Maps, and it's worked fine–except when it sent me to a place that didn't actually exist. But that was GM rather than the phone.

WiFi and Bluetooth have worked fine for me so far, and I like how quickly just turning on Bluetooth results in almost instant connection to my Bluetooth device. –I've only connected to one so far. I'm with an MVNO carrier that uses enhanced WiFi calling and so far, both WiFi and cellular calling have been solid.

 

[Apple2Droid]

My first post was just waaay too long so I'm posting this separately.

My only issue with it so far is battery life. Someone on one of the threads turned me on to AccuBattery, which I bought and was using on my Moto Z Play and now on the Pixel 2. Their recommendation for improved battery longevity over time is not to charge to 100% but, to stop charging at 80%, and not let it drop below 20%. I had no issues with this on the MZPlay and noticed no difference is daily battery life, and yes I do realize that it has a freakin' huge battery that the P2 doesn't have . . . But in using this app on the P2, I'm noticing the battery percentage drop fast–tonight it dropped to 65% within an hour with light use, and I'm not sure why. I keep Location adn Bluetooth turned off when not in use and screen is at around 50% and I have battery optimizaiton turned on or most apps. Tonight I turned on adaptive brightness but I don't think I can use the screen that dim.

I'll leave the phone off the charger until tomorrow morning and then I'll top up to 100% and test the drain during the day. I'm also slow charging (Motorola brick) rather than fast charging, which shouldn't affect this, but I wanted to mention it.

Does anybody have any suggestions? It's only been two days, but this seems like a really fast drop compared to what others are getting.

 

[Ca_lvn]

Just go into battery and look at apps and see what's hogging your battery

 

[AGReklaw]

Re: Pixel 2 none Xl Owners Club Reviews

This report of black crushing on the Pixel 2 (non XL) screen concerns me....

Edit:

Including the image here. Top is a Moto X, bottom is a Pixel 2:

https://i.imgur.com/OLA9jOK.jpg

This depends on the app you're using to view that file.
I only get a resemblance of that view when I use SE Image Viewer (Solid Explorer). (SE is a sketchy app that wants permission to make phone calls; I just uninstalled it.)
When I view the same file using Photo, Photoshop Express or ES Image Browser the color gradient is smooth as butter with NO crush.

Quit using the worst app to display the file...

Screenshot using SE Image Viewer:


Screenshots using Photoshop Express and ES Image Browser respectively:

 

[ImTurningViolet]

After 3 days I am sold on sRGB. No need for that ultra deep color saturation which now just looks unnatural and cartoonish. This is after years of Samsung AMOLEDs.

I just turned off vivid. It's much better with it off imo.

With vivid on, the colors are more saturated/cartoony than my iPad air 2.

 

[e30ernest]

Re: Pixel 2 none Xl Owners Club Reviews

This depends on the app you're using to view that file.
I only get a resemblance of that view when I use SE Image Viewer (Solid Explorer). (SE is a sketchy app that wants permission to make phone calls; I just uninstalled it.)
When I view the same file using Photo, Photoshop Express or ES Image Browser the color gradient is smooth as butter with NO crush.

Quit using the worst app to display the file...

Screenshot using SE Image Viewer:
View attachment 272830

Screenshots using Photoshop Express and ES Image Browser respectively:
View attachment 272831

View attachment 272832

I will admit to forgetting about this issue when I got the phone. But I did notice it on while checking dark photos I took on a cemetery during Halloween on the Google Photos app (lost shadow detail). Either way, it's something that can be fixed through software from what I hear.

 

[mwboost]

I ended up getting a black 64gb pixel 2. And I'm coming from an S8. I mainly got it for the camera and the stock android for a change. Love it. No issues either. I'm glad they added water resistance and fixed the lens flare issue. They were the reasons I didn't stick with the original pixel and had the S8.
The design isn't as nice but I'm not fussed.
Only reason I didn't go with the XL2 is the money I didn't want to throw at it right now. (pixel 2 $1079aud and $1399aud for the XL2).
Also noticed the weather widget is now working all the time. Only seems to need the data on. And that's with my chosen location for weather.

 

[vzwuser76]

My first post was just waaay too long so I'm posting this separately.

My only issue with it so far is battery life. Someone on one of the threads turned me on to AccuBattery, which I bought and was using on my Moto Z Play and now on the Pixel 2. Their recommendation for improved battery longevity over time is not to charge to 100% but, to stop charging at 80%, and not let it drop below 20%. I had no issues with this on the MZPlay and noticed no difference is daily battery life, and yes I do realize that it has a freakin' huge battery that the P2 doesn't have . . . But in using this app on the P2, I'm noticing the battery percentage drop fast–tonight it dropped to 65% within an hour with light use, and I'm not sure why. I keep Location adn Bluetooth turned off when not in use and screen is at around 50% and I have battery optimizaiton turned on or most apps. Tonight I turned on adaptive brightness but I don't think I can use the screen that dim.

I'll leave the phone off the charger until tomorrow morning and then I'll top up to 100% and test the drain during the day. I'm also slow charging (Motorola brick) rather than fast charging, which shouldn't affect this, but I wanted to mention it.

Does anybody have any suggestions? It's only been two days, but this seems like a really fast drop compared to what others are getting.

I'm not getting anything like you are. I did pretty decent on my original Pixel, around 14.5-16.5hrs off the charger with 4hrs SOT and around 10-15% left. On the P2, I can get the same, but with around 30-35% left. So far I'd say the battery life is probably the main benefit of upgrading in my experience.

I'd try safe mode or doing a reset and adding apps back one or a couple at a time and see what starts draining your battery, because most experiences I've seen for the P2 have been similar or better than mine, with a few outliers getting what you are.

 

[codeda]

Re: Pixel 2 none Xl Owners Club Reviews

Can owners comment on the radios? i.e. How is the signal strength ? GPS works well? Bluetooth connections good? Etc

If you state your carrier that helps too ( I am on Verizon).

I use a lot of phones because I’m a junky and it’s fun to compare. Anyway I’ve found cell radios haven’t been as good but not bad. Getting H in places where I’ve always had LTE randomly. Not all the time but here and there. GPS worked fine but has been slower to lock on mine than on my other phones. A little searching around says that google is going to be updating and fixing this soon. We shall see. My Bluetooth and WiFi have been just fine so far. Call quality on mine has been great too. Oh I’m on ATT

 

[codeda]

I tested the Pixel 2 for a week and I can honestly say it's the best looking phone of its size and far more compelling than anything in the compact flagship category.

Side by side the s8 is the same size and looks a lot better. That being said I’m really enjoying my pixel. I have the white one and love the back but the front is just ok.

 

[vzwuser76]

Re: Pixel 2 none Xl Owners Club Reviews

I use a lot of phones because I’m a junky and it’s fun to compare. Anyway I’ve found cell radios haven’t been as good but not bad. Getting H in places where I’ve always had LTE randomly. Not all the time but here and there. GPS worked fine but has been slower to lock on mine than on my other phones. A little searching around says that google is going to be updating and fixing this soon. We shall see. My Bluetooth and WiFi have been just fine so far. Call quality on mine has been great too. Oh I’m on ATT

I'm on Verizon and I'm actually getting better signal than I was on my original Pixel. I was in a low signal area last week, where normally just driving through it you drop calls, and I was in the spot for 2hrs and never dropped a single call, and data worked fine.

 

[codeda]

Re: Pixel 2 none Xl Owners Club Reviews

I'm on Verizon and I'm actually getting better signal than I was on my original Pixel. I was in a low signal area last week, where normally just driving through it you drop calls, and I was in the spot for 2hrs and never dropped a single call, and data worked fine.

That’s awesome. I haven’t dropped signal anywhere but at home I’ve always had LTE and now it goes from H to LTE depending on what room I’m in. Not a huge deal just something I noticed. I haven’t used the OG pixel since early this year so can’t remember if I had issues with that one.

 

[cbreze]

Well for me today was the day for the Pixel arriving. I've been setting it up a bit as I like to start from scratch and rebuild it slowly. Contacts and pix are about all that I carry over from the previous device.
Wow, what a sweet device it is. Looks like a winner no doubt. Curiously enough it is on the Sept security patch and I thought it would be a current month update thing. Nice to be back on a nice , clean Google phone for sure.
Will be going case-less until a couple of cases I ordered arrive but not for a couple weeks. I will say tho it is one of the less slippery phones I've had in a long time. Being careful tho. Cheers all!

 

[vzwuser76]

Well for me today was the day for the Pixel arriving. I've been setting it up a bit as I like to start from scratch and rebuild it slowly. Contacts and pix are about all that I carry over from the previous device.
Wow, what a sweet device it is. Looks like a winner no doubt. Curiously enough it is on the Sept security patch and I thought it would be a current month update thing. Nice to be back on a nice , clean Google phone for sure.
Will be going case-less until a couple of cases I ordered arrive but not for a couple weeks. I will say tho it is one of the less slippery phones I've had in a long time. Being careful tho. Cheers all!

From what I've heard, if you go with the black versions of the 2 & 2 XL, they have that grippier matte coating on them. I know some have said the Panda version is more slippery and smooth, so I'd imagine that'd be the same for the white and possibly blue models.

 

[cbreze]

From what I've heard, if you go with the black versions of the 2 & 2 XL, they have that grippier matte coating on them. I know some have said the Panda version is more slippery and smooth, so I'd imagine that'd be the same for the white and possibly blue models.

I forgot to mention I did get the black(non xl). It is one of the grippiest phones I've had in a long time. I have a couple cases coming soon and a couple more I'm considering. Ok to be caseless for a few days but not over the long haul for me personally. One thing is I cringe everytime I set it down and think of the camera hump resting on a bare tabletop. So I'll be casing it soon enough. Nice being back on clean android.

 

[DoctorOctagon]

After receiving the phone last night and playing around with it:

- I do have the faint ticking, only mildly annoying and I'm willing to see what they do with a possible software fix.
- Set up on Project Fi with eSIM was super smooth, I'm liking the service so far. Project Fi is half the reason I wanted this phone.
- I'm happy with the screen in all aspects including viewing angles, I wish it was about 5% wider and had a 2:1 aspect ration with small bezels.....but hey there is always next year. I'm coming from a 5.2" screen and it sounds dumb but I do miss that 0.2" diagonal.
- Camera is so good in low light such as inside at night with lamps on.
- Phone call quality is great, but my last phone was pretty bad so for all I know it is average.
- Bluetooth seems good in my car (2015 VW Golf), no problems and seems quick to connect.
- Phone was awesome when I just used Android Pay, it paid faster, smoother, and from further away than my old phone.....it surprised me how fast it completed the transaction. It seems like better NFC plus the faster processor in general.
- WiFi seems good but I haven't done any in depth testing.
- Speakers are ok but definitely "bright" sounding....they will get the job done when I want to watch a quick YouTube video on the phone instead of Chromecast. They are speakers in a thin light weight phone so I don't expect any miracles here, you can't beat physics.
- Ambient display isn't as good as the "Moto Display" from my 2014 Moto X....I wish Google would have kept the rights to copy that when they sold off Motorola to Lenovo (for Lenovo to ruin the Moto brand). For all I know maybe they could copy it and just choose not to.
- In general the phone is really great and I'm glad that I bought it. Next year I hope they make the minor form factor tweaks to make the smaller phone even better (more screen, less bezel)

 

[sixty_four]

Bluetooth seems good in my car (2015 VW Golf), no problems and seems quick to connect.

I've got a '17 GTI with the MIB II head unit and have some issues:

• about half the time I pair with my car, a notification pops up asking for access to messages via Bluetooth. Harmless but irritating.
• Google Assitant output is muted most of the time. If I'm playing music, the music will pause and a tiny mute icon appears on the MIB II during the time Assistant is outputing audio. Assistant with Android Auto works fine.

- Phone was awesome when I just used Android Pay, it paid faster, smoother, and from further away than my old phone.....it surprised me how fast it completed the transaction. It seems like better NFC plus the faster processor in general.

Hopefully this won't change if/when Google issues a fix for the "faint ticking" problem.

- Ambient display isn't as good as the "Moto Display" from my 2014 Moto X....I wish Google would have kept the rights to copy that when they sold off Motorola to Lenovo (for Lenovo to ruin the Moto brand). For all I know maybe they could copy it and just choose not to.

Hey! I was thinking this same thing while daydreaming earlier this afternoon. I couldn't agree more. Active Display on my Moto X 2013 was awesome and I too wish Google kept this feature.

- In general the phone is really great and I'm glad that I bought it. Next year I hope they make the minor form factor tweaks to make the smaller phone even better (more screen, less bezel)

I like the bezels. For me, it makes the phone easier to handle with one hand. If anything, I wish the smaller phone had a smaller screen and even smaller form factor. But the Pixel 2 is as close to perfect for me out of all phones available today.