The non-XL Pixel 2

So many Pixel 2 reviews focus on the XL model, whether they be glowing reviews or rant-fests about the screen and other issues, or something in between. I’m wondering about the normal Pixel 2. Yes, it’s got somewhat large bezels, but it’s dramatically cheaper, has the same amazing camera, the same software, apparently has a better-quality (though lower-resolution) OLED display, the 1080p screen should be enough to have sharp text while allowing for better battery life...it seems to me it might actually be the far better of the two phones. Anyone own one, or played with one in person, and have some thoughts, good or bad?

 

$650 is still 3x what I'd pay for a phone these days.

 

And that’s fine, but I’m not looking for a budget phone with an iffy camera that’s “good enough” and only $200; I’m looking for a phone with a superb camera, a gorgeous screen, and a pleasant look and feel in the hand. I don’t think everyone needs to pay $600-$1000, but for my particular tastes, especially on the camera front, there’s an advantage to it.

 

I've used it a little bit the normal Pixel 2. I would say it's basically Honey I shrunk the kids, except replace kids with Pixel 2 XL. I honestly the Pixel 2 normal is probably better than the XL, I'm still not convinced 2-3k displays should really be in phones, 1080p is more than sufficient unless you want a ginormous phablet.

 

I was seriously considering the Pixel2, but I want something bigger than a 5.0" screen, because that is what I have now. Other than screen size, everything on it is a go for me.

 

I think it's worth noting that the iPhone 7 Plus actually displays at 1080p even though the native screen resolution is higher. The same is true for the S7 Edge with current software on default settings (though you can set it to display at the native 1440p if you want). If that's not evidence that 1080p is good enough for most people, I'm not sure what is.

 

One issue however, the letters will look slightly blurred while running at 1080p, at least that's what happened in my Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

Well I do prefer a lower resolution screen on my Note 4 though, man that 1440p screen is really a power hog. With every charge, about half of it goes to the screen. I have to recharge it every day, and that's with a new battery. Somehow I miss my old HTC One E8 which has a 1080p screen, it could easily last two days before I have to recharge it.

Not gonna lie, the screen gives a crisp image, even better than many laptop screens (after all it's a super AMOLED screen), but at the expense of battery life?