Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have been launched by the company at a special hardware event in San Francisco. Google Pixel 2 will cost Rs 61,000 for the 64GB variant, and Rs 71,000 for the 128GB model. Meanwhile, the Pixel 2 XL costs Rs 73,000 for the 64GB storage option, while the 128GB variant will set you back by Rs 82,000. Both Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be available online exclusively through Flipkart. The phones will also be available across leading retail channels with over 1000+ offline stores in the country as well. The Pixel 2 will be available for sale starting November 1, while the Pixel 2 XL will hit the retail shelves starting November 15. Google Pixel 2 targets the regular crowd. It has been made a bit sleeker, but the phone largely looks like the original Pixel. The device has the same two-tone finish and the fingerprint scanner sits on the back. Things get far more interesting with the Pixel 2 XL, which now comes with a 6-inch P-OLED display with 18:9 aspect ratio. In comparison, Pixel 2 gets a 5-inch Full HD display and the standard 16:9 aspect ratio. Pixel 2 XL has reduced bezels on the side and Full size display, similar to phones like LG G6, Mi Mix 2 etc. Pixel 2 will come in three colours, which are Black, White and Blue. The Pixel 2 XL has a Black only version and a Black and White version as well. Google is sticking with the two-tone finish on both phones. Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL pack a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM and either 64GB or 128GB storage. As usual, there's no option to expand the internal storage. Google is continuing with unlimited storage for photos, videos at the highest resolution and these can be backed up to the Google Photos app. Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL also get dual-frontal speakers, USB Type-C connectivity and a new Android launcher. Also read: Google Pixel 2 XL first impressions: Can this Android flagship beat Apple iPhone X? The two devices also get a 12MP single camera lens. The big addition is the OIS as well as a wider f aperture lens. Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have a 'Portrait mode' as well though there is no dual rear camera. Google is relying on software to achieve this affect. Both cameras have EIS and OIS as well for video. The front camera is 8MP. Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL succeed the Pixel and Pixel XL that came out last year. Both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL takes the centerstage in the company's hardware portfolio, which also includes the Pixelbook, Google Home Max and Home Mini, Daydream View 2 and Google Clips. Disclaimer: The author is in San Francisco attending the Google Pixel 2 launch at the invite of Google India.
