As anticipated, Google has launched the successors of last year’s Google Pixel smartphones – the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL.

Both the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are the big upgrades over last year models. The new smartphones features all-new design, front-firing speakers, best-in-class cameras, squeezable ‘Active Edge’ displays, and stronger software integration with Google Assistant.

Google Pixel 2: Best ever camera in a smartphone

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL cameras are same on both phones, and are the highest rated cameras ever by DxOMark with 98 points.

These cameras will let you take portrait shots with background blurs from both the front and back cameras. Google has also put in new motion photos feature, something very similar to Apple’s Live Photo feature.

Both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL phones boasts of a 12.2MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, laser + dual pixel phase detection, OIS, EIS and LED flash. The front-facing 8MP camera has an aperture of f/2.4 and can take portrait photos as well, just like iPhone 8/ 8 Plus.

“We are really proud of how the Pixel smartphones did last year,” said Rick Osterloh, SVP Hardware at Google.

Google Pixel 2 full specifications

• Single-SIM 4G VoLTE, Android 8.0 Oreo, Fingerprint sensor, Water and dust Resistant (IP67)
• 5-inch full-HD (1080 x 1920 pixels) AMOLED display with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC
• 4GB RAM, 64GB/ 128GB internal storage
• 12.2MP rear camera with laser + dual pixel phase detection, OIS, EIS, f/1.8 aperture, 4K video
• 8MP front-facing camera, f/2.4 aperture, 1080p video
• 2700mAh battery, USB Type-C with fast charging

Google Pixel 2 full specifications

• Single-SIM 4G VoLTE, Android 8.0 Oreo, Fingerprint sensor, Water and dust Resistant (IP67)
• 6-inch Quad HD+ (1440 x 2880 pixels) pOLED 18:9 display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC
• 4GB RAM, 64GB/ 128GB internal storage
• 12.2MP rear camera with laser + dual pixel phase detection, OIS, EIS, f/1.8 aperture, 4K video
• 8MP front-facing camera, f/2.4 aperture, 1080p video
• 3520mAh battery, USB Type-C 18W adaptor with USB-PD

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be available in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, India and Australia in first phase.

The Pixel 2 comes in Just Black, Clearly White and Kinda Blue colour options. It’s 64GB variant is priced at $649 and $749 for the 128GB version in the U.S.

The Google Pixel 2 XL comes in Just Black and Black & White colours. It is priced at $849 and $949 for the 64GB and 128GB variants respectively.

Google Pixel 2: India Price and Availability

Google has also announced the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL pricing for India. It will be priced as: Pixel 2 64GB (Rs. 61,000), Pixel 2 128GB (Rs. 70,000), Pixel 2 XL 64GB (Rs. 73,000), and Pixel 2 XL 128GB (Rs. 82,000).

Pre-orders commence on October 26 for India. The Pixel 2 will be available for sales in over 1000+ stores across the country and online starting November 1. The Pixel 2 XL will be available for sales in 1000+ stores and online starting November 15.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be available online, exclusively on Flipkart.