- Analysis by KJ David
Barely a month after Apple unmasked the iPhone X, Google unveiled the Pixel 2 and this supersized XL version -- both models are the first to run Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box.
Unlike its smaller sibling, which kept it rather sober on the display front by rocking a 5-inch FHD-1080p AMOLED screen, the Google Pixel 2 XL really brings on the pixels, boasting a premium 6-inch Always On pOLED screen with a QHD+ (2880 x 1440) definition 
. Moreover, it features a rarely-seen (as of its market entry) 18:9 aspect ratio alongside a 100000:1 contrast ratio and a 538ppi pixel density . Its display pros are protected by a 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 panel that further improves its chances of joining our list of the best phablets as of 2017.
Moving on, the Pixel 2 XL also brings back its base model's Active Edge technology , letting the user quick-launch its preloaded Google Assistant simply by squeezing the phone's edges. A slightly-older, yet still welcome, Google-branded feature, in the form of the Daydream VR suite is on board as well.
Regrettably, this high-ranking phablet cut down on imaging pros and cons, only coming with a 12.2-megapixel rear camera and a uninspired 8-megapixel fixed-focus selfie cam 
. In comparison, many camera-focused 2017 smartphones have rear cam resolutions going as high as 20 megapixels, while some of the best selfie smartphones don't go any lower than 16 megapixels. Nevertheless, the Pixel 2 XL delivers 4K-2160p video-recording , a dual pixel phase-detection autofocus system , and an OIS/EIS image stabilization combo.
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Jumping inside its IP67-rated (dust- and waterproof) metal unibody , we found similar hardware specs as the smaller Pixel 2, namely, a Snapdragon 835 octa-core 2.35GHz + 1.9GHz processor , an Adreno 540 graphics engine , and 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM . Keep in mind, though, that some of its phablet rivals bluster with 6GB RAMs . For storage, the Pixel 2 XL comes in 128GB as well as 64GB options and lacks a microSD card slot entirely . That said, it features a redeeming quality in its unlimited Google Photos storage support .
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Powering all its pros and cons is a not-to-promising 3520mAh battery that somehow manages to replenish 7 more hours of standard use under a 15-minute charge , -- at least according to Google. It also features LTE Cat 15 connectivity of up to 800Mbps . Lastly, it is offered in Just Black and a Black & White dual-color finish.
Long story short, Google's Pixel 2 XL may not be the most-promising phone when it comes to imaging, but its sophisticated display and high-octane hardware certainly make it a solid choice for the high-class phablet buyer.
** This phone is also known as: Google Pixel XL 2
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