Google Pixel 2017 Snapdragon 835, a name that evokes memories of a time when Android smartphones were pushing the boundaries of innovation. This phone, released in 2017, wasn’t just another flagship; it was a statement, a testament to Google’s ambition in the mobile world. It was a phone that boasted a powerful Snapdragon 835 processor, a camera that redefined mobile photography, and a software experience that felt like a breath of fresh air.
The Pixel 2 and its larger sibling, the Pixel 2 XL, were more than just hardware upgrades. They were a culmination of Google’s vision for a seamless, intuitive, and powerful mobile experience. The phones offered a clean, stock Android experience, with features like Google Assistant and Pixel Launcher, making them stand out in a crowded market.
Google Pixel 2 & 2 XL Overview
The Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL, released in 2017, marked a significant step forward for Google’s flagship smartphone line. These devices offered a refined design, powerful hardware, and innovative software features, cementing their position as top contenders in the Android ecosystem.
Key Features and Specifications
The Pixel 2 and 2 XL boasted impressive specifications, including:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Display: Pixel 2 – 5-inch OLED display with 1080p resolution, Pixel 2 XL – 6-inch P-OLED display with 1440p resolution
- Camera: 12.2MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, 8MP front camera
- Battery: Pixel 2 – 2700 mAh, Pixel 2 XL – 3520 mAh
- Operating System: Android 8.0 Oreo
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB-C
Differences Between Pixel 2 and 2 XL
The Pixel 2 and 2 XL shared many features but differed in several key aspects:
- Screen Size: The Pixel 2 featured a 5-inch display, while the 2 XL boasted a larger 6-inch screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
- Battery Life: The 2 XL’s larger battery capacity (3520 mAh) offered extended battery life compared to the Pixel 2’s 2700 mAh battery.
- Camera Capabilities: Both models shared the same 12.2MP rear camera, but the Pixel 2 XL’s larger screen allowed for a more detailed view of images and videos.
Design Aesthetics and Materials
The Pixel 2 and 2 XL showcased a minimalist design with a focus on functionality and premium materials.
- Unibody Design: Both models featured a unibody design, with a smooth glass back and a metal frame, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic.
- Front-Facing Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint sensor was integrated into the front of the device, providing easy and secure access.
- Active Edge: A unique feature called Active Edge allowed users to squeeze the sides of the phone to activate Google Assistant.
Snapdragon 835 Performance: Google Pixel 2017 Snapdragon 835
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor was a game-changer in 2017, powering some of the most powerful and efficient smartphones of the year. In the Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL, this processor was a key factor in delivering a seamless and responsive user experience.
Performance Benchmarks
The Snapdragon 835, built on a 10nm process, offered significant performance gains over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 821. It featured a powerful octa-core Kryo 280 CPU, with four cores clocked at 2.45 GHz and four at 1.9 GHz. This architecture enabled the Pixel 2 devices to handle demanding tasks with ease, including multitasking, gaming, and running resource-intensive apps.
Comparison with Other Flagship Processors
In 2017, the Snapdragon 835 was considered the top-tier processor, competing with other flagship chipsets like the Apple A11 Bionic and the Samsung Exynos 8895. Benchmarks showed the Snapdragon 835 consistently delivering impressive performance, rivaling the Apple A11 Bionic in certain aspects, while surpassing the Exynos 8895 in others.
Impact on User Experience
The Snapdragon 835’s performance had a noticeable impact on the overall user experience. Games ran smoothly, with detailed graphics and minimal lag. Multitasking was effortless, with apps switching seamlessly in the background. The Pixel 2 devices could handle demanding apps without any noticeable slowdown.
Gaming Performance
The Snapdragon 835’s Adreno 540 GPU was a powerful component for mobile gaming. It enabled the Pixel 2 devices to run graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends with high frame rates and stunning visuals. The performance was smooth and immersive, offering a truly enjoyable gaming experience.
Multitasking
The octa-core CPU of the Snapdragon 835 allowed for seamless multitasking. Users could effortlessly switch between multiple apps without any lag or noticeable slowdown. This made it easy to manage various tasks simultaneously, improving overall productivity and efficiency.
App Performance
The Snapdragon 835’s performance resulted in faster app loading times and smoother app navigation. Apps opened quickly, transitions were fluid, and overall app performance was significantly enhanced. This made the Pixel 2 devices feel snappy and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience.
Camera Capabilities
The Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL were known for their exceptional camera capabilities, exceeding the standards set by other smartphones released in 2017. Google’s software expertise played a crucial role in optimizing the camera performance, resulting in stunning image quality and innovative features.
Camera System Details, Google pixel 2017 snapdragon 835
The Pixel 2 and 2 XL featured a single 12.2MP rear camera with a large f/1.8 aperture lens, which allowed for more light to reach the sensor, resulting in brighter images, particularly in low-light conditions. The sensor size was 1/2.3″, which is considered relatively large for a smartphone camera, contributing to better image quality. The camera system also included optical image stabilization (OIS), which helped reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low-light or when shooting moving subjects.
HDR+ and Portrait Mode
Google’s HDR+ technology was a game-changer in mobile photography. This software-based feature combined multiple exposures to create images with a wider dynamic range, resulting in better detail in both highlights and shadows. This was particularly useful in challenging lighting conditions, such as backlit scenes or high-contrast environments. The Pixel 2 and 2 XL also introduced a portrait mode, which utilized software algorithms to simulate a shallow depth of field effect, blurring the background and highlighting the subject. This feature allowed users to capture professional-looking portraits with a blurred background, enhancing the subject’s prominence.
Video Recording
The Pixel 2 and 2 XL supported 4K video recording at 30fps, capturing high-resolution footage with excellent detail and color accuracy. They also offered slow-motion video recording at 1080p resolution at 120fps, allowing users to capture fast-paced action in slow motion. The camera system’s optical image stabilization ensured smooth and steady video footage, even when shooting handheld.
Camera Performance Comparison
In 2017, the Pixel 2 and 2 XL’s camera performance was widely acclaimed, surpassing many other flagship smartphones released at the time. The camera’s ability to capture high-quality images in various lighting conditions, coupled with features like HDR+ and portrait mode, set a new standard for mobile photography. The Pixel 2 and 2 XL’s camera performance was often compared favorably to devices like the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy Note 8, consistently receiving praise for its image quality and software features.
Software Experience
The Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL offer a pure Android experience, unburdened by bloatware and customizations found on other Android devices. This “stock” Android approach emphasizes simplicity, speed, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. Google’s software optimizations ensure smooth performance, regular updates, and a user-friendly interface.
Benefits of Stock Android
The absence of manufacturer-specific customizations on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL allows for a clean and streamlined interface. This results in a faster and more efficient user experience. The absence of bloatware ensures that the device’s resources are not consumed by unnecessary apps. This results in better performance and battery life.
Google’s Software Features
Google’s software features on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL are designed to enhance user experience and provide seamless integration with other Google services.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant is a voice-activated virtual assistant that can perform various tasks, including setting reminders, making calls, sending messages, and controlling smart home devices.
Pixel Launcher
The Pixel Launcher is a customizable home screen launcher that offers a clean and minimalist interface. It features Google’s “At a Glance” widget, which displays relevant information such as upcoming appointments, weather updates, and traffic conditions.
Google Photos
Google Photos is a cloud-based photo storage and sharing service that offers unlimited storage for photos and videos at a reduced resolution. It also provides advanced features such as automatic photo organization, face recognition, and photo editing tools.
Software Experience Compared to Other Android Devices
The software experience on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL stands out compared to other Android devices due to its simplicity, speed, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. The lack of bloatware and manufacturer customizations allows for a cleaner and more efficient user experience. Regular updates ensure that users have access to the latest features and security patches.
Legacy and Impact
The Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL, released in 2017, were significant milestones in the evolution of smartphones, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and Google’s own Pixel phone line. These devices showcased Google’s prowess in software and hardware integration, introducing innovative features that set a new standard for mobile experiences.
Key Innovations and Features
The Pixel 2 and 2 XL introduced several groundbreaking features that influenced future smartphone development. These innovations highlighted Google’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology.
- Active Edge: This feature allowed users to squeeze the sides of the phone to activate Google Assistant, offering a unique and intuitive way to interact with the device. This gesture-based interaction was later adopted by other smartphone manufacturers, demonstrating its user-friendliness and practicality.
- Google Lens: This visual search tool allowed users to point their camera at objects, text, or scenes and get instant information. This feature revolutionized how people interacted with the world around them, opening up new possibilities for information retrieval and exploration. Google Lens quickly became a standard feature on Android devices and other platforms, showcasing its versatility and usefulness.
- Always-on Display: The Pixel 2 and 2 XL introduced an always-on display that showed the time, notifications, and other information without requiring users to wake up the device. This feature, now common on many smartphones, improved user convenience and efficiency by providing quick access to essential information.
- Pixel Visual Core: This dedicated image processing chip was designed to enhance the Pixel 2’s camera capabilities, enabling features like HDR+ and Portrait Mode. This innovative approach to image processing paved the way for future smartphones to incorporate specialized hardware for enhanced camera performance.
- Software Integration: The Pixel 2 and 2 XL exemplified Google’s commitment to seamless software integration. The devices ran a clean version of Android with minimal bloatware, providing a smooth and efficient user experience. This approach influenced other smartphone manufacturers to prioritize software optimization and user experience.
Long-Term Legacy
The Pixel 2 and 2 XL’s impact extends beyond their initial release. They established the Pixel phone line as a premium smartphone offering, known for its exceptional camera capabilities, clean software experience, and innovative features. The success of these devices paved the way for the Pixel 3, 4, and subsequent models, solidifying Google’s position as a major player in the smartphone market.
- Camera Excellence: The Pixel 2 and 2 XL set a new standard for smartphone photography, earning critical acclaim for their image quality and computational photography capabilities. Subsequent Pixel models have continued to build on this foundation, consistently ranking among the best camera phones available. The Pixel’s camera has become synonymous with exceptional image quality, influencing other smartphone manufacturers to invest in similar technology.
- Software Innovation: Google’s focus on software integration and user experience with the Pixel 2 and 2 XL laid the groundwork for the company’s ongoing commitment to software innovation. The Pixel line has continued to introduce new software features and enhancements, including Google Assistant integration, AI-powered features, and a streamlined user interface. This emphasis on software innovation has helped Google differentiate the Pixel line from other Android devices.
- Brand Recognition: The Pixel 2 and 2 XL played a crucial role in establishing the Pixel brand as a premium and innovative smartphone offering. The devices’ success helped Google gain recognition as a serious competitor in the smartphone market, challenging established players like Samsung and Apple. The Pixel line has since become a sought-after choice for tech enthusiasts and consumers seeking a unique and well-integrated smartphone experience.
The Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL, powered by the Snapdragon 835, were a significant step forward for Google in the smartphone market. They showcased the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology and providing users with a truly unique and engaging experience. While these phones may have been released years ago, their legacy continues to inspire, shaping the future of Google’s Pixel phone line and the Android ecosystem as a whole.
Remember the Google Pixel 2, the phone that rocked the world with its Snapdragon 835 processor? That same chip is now powering a revolution in food production. Companies like POW Bio are using biomanufacturing and fermentation to create sustainable and delicious food alternatives, all thanks to the same cutting-edge technology that once made your phone fly. So, the next time you’re using your Pixel 2, remember that its power is not just confined to your pocket, it’s shaping the future of food as well.