Google Pixel 2 XL / Google Pixel XL2

Stunning camera ; The best version of Android ; Minimal bezel ; Feels great to hold

Lifeless screen

There’s nothing revolutionary or noticeably poor about the 3520mAh cell in the Pixel 2 XL. It’s a perfectly fine battery that’ll get you through the day.

Edge-to-edge display ; Outstanding camera ; Distinctive design ; Intelligent software

Plastic-like metal ; Screen slightly behind Samsung

Smart design ; Flagship spec and features ; Natural OLED images ; Superb camera ; Very fast

Average audio ; Video lacks a little detail

The Pixel 2 XL has some neat features, scores highly for usability and has a great camera – but you can get better audio

Smart software that will only get better ; Confident design ; One of the very best smartphone cameras

No 3.5mm headphone port ; Expensive ; Poorer screen than last year's model

Despite losing the cherished 3.5mm headphone jack, the Pixel 2 XL makes up for it in spades with a mix of unique and sought-after features like a stellar design, waterproofing, Active Edge and a truly impressive camera.

Solid build with IP67 waterproofing ; Good battery for all-day performance ; Great camera performance in most conditions (now with Night Sight) ; Display's saturated mode gives the look we wanted at launch

Design doesn't make best use of space (large bezel) ; No 3.5mm headphone socket ; Camera white balance inconsistencies ; No microSD card slot ; Default screen display not the most exciting

After a rocky start, Google's tweaks and changes have given the Pixel 2 XL the appeal that it needed. It's not the best design to encase the 18:9 display format, as it's quite large with big bezels, but at its heart this is a powerful pure Android...

Premium performance ; Two-day battery life ; Slick design ; Perfect photo capture

Screen issues ; Software needs some love

While the Pixel 2 XL is certainly a solid all-round smartphone, there are a few little niggling issues here and there that drop it some vital points..

Phenomenal camera ; Beautiful display and matching audio ; The best Android experience around

Bezels still a little on the chunky side ; No wireless charging or expandable storage

The Pixel 2 XL puts practicality before panache but delivers where it counts with an incredible camera and the definitive Android experience

Superb camera quality ; Great design

Expensive ; Terrible display

It’s very disappointing that in the end, the Pixel 2 XL’s display issues drag the phone back from greatness. Because of this, and unlike its regular-sized alternative, the 2 XL won’t be rocketing to the top spot of our smartphones hierarchy anytime soon.