Google Pixel 2

While it’s bigger brother, the Pixel 2 XL, might be getting more attention, the Pixel 2 still looks great on paper.

But in a year where the bigger models outshine their smaller siblings, do reviewers feel the Pixel 2 is a good value?

Keep reading to find out!

Unlike the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, the Pixel 2 isn’t just a smaller version of the Pixel 2 XL. It’s from a different manufacturer (HTC), so it provides a slightly different design. Measuring in at 5.7-by-2.7-by-0.3- inches, it’s small enough reviewers have no issue with one-handed use. Some reviewers also thought the large top and bottom bezels gave the phone a retro look and feel.

With that said, it comes with a host of updates from the original Pixel. Some are good–such as the IP67 water- and dust-resistance and a new Active Edge which allows users to squeeze the sides to activate Google Assistant. Some are bad–such as the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Still, others have not changed–like the two-tone glass and metal rear.

The 5-inch, 1080p AMOLED display didn’t wow experts. But they were generally happy with the overall results. While not as colorful as competing Samsung devices, it provides more natural colors, good contrast, and deep blacks. Testing the screen in bright sunlight, brightness levels provided decent legibility. And, unlike the Pixel 2 XL, this screen doesn’t suffer from the burn-in issues.

Packed inside the small body are 4GB of RAM and a Qualcomm’s 2.46GHz Snapdragon 835 processor. As expected, critics noticed zero hiccups or lag when scrolling through the menu, multitasking or playing games. It was able to keep up with all of their activities no matter how demanding. Still, despite its capabilities, they do not suggest it for VR as the screen itself doesn’t offer a high enough pixel density for a good experience.

The 2,700mAh battery provided critics with decent battery life. Most were able to get around 8 hours during their battery tests. In real-life testing, they were able to get a little over a full day of moderate usage. While it supports fast-charging, there is no wireless charging.

The biggest draw for reviewers is the camera. Despite being a single camera versus the dual camera options found in other smartphones, the 12.2MP lens captured excellent images. Reviewers were very impressed with the sharpness, color accuracy and detail of each of their images. Even their low light shots had little noise and shake thanks to the wide f/1.8 aperture and both optical (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS). Tech Radar states, “It’s now the leader among smartphone cameras.”

Despite some small niggles about the design, experts highly recommend the Pixel 2 and consider it one of the best smartphones on the market in 2017. Expert Reviews states, “It might be sticking with the same uninspired design … but a much-needed processor upgrade and … camera improvements have seen the Pixel 2 rocket to the top of our smartphone wish list.”