Pixel 2 XL Golden Era: Why It Still Matters
The Pixel 2 XL, released in October 2017, is widely considered the start of Google’s modern smartphone era, but whether it was a “golden era” depends on what you value: it introduced the first truly great camera with computational photography, but it also suffered from a notoriously flawed display. This article explains why the Pixel 2 XL is still discussed today, what made it special, what went wrong, and how it compares to current phones.
Background: The State of Phones in 2017
In 2017, the smartphone market was dominated by Apple’s iPhone X and Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8. Google’s first Pixel (2016) had already proven that a phone could compete on camera quality alone, but it was seen as a modest hardware effort. The Pixel 2 XL was Google’s second attempt, and it aimed to fix the first Pixel’s shortcomings: it had a larger OLED display, a bigger battery, and a more premium design with a glass-and-aluminum back.
Critically, the Pixel 2 XL introduced the concept of “computational photography” to the mainstream. Instead of relying on a dual-lens setup like its rivals, Google used a single 12.2-megapixel sensor and relied on software—specifically, HDR+ and later, Night Sight—to produce images that rivaled and often beat phones with more hardware. This approach became the blueprint for every Pixel phone since, and it’s why the 2 XL is often called the “golden era” of Pixel camera development.
What Made the Pixel 2 XL Special
- Camera: The 12.2MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture and OIS/EIS produced stunning photos, especially in low light, thanks to multi-frame processing. Portrait mode, which used both lenses on other phones, was done with a single lens and machine learning—a first.
- Software: It launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and received three years of OS updates and three years of security patches, which was industry-leading at the time.
- Front-facing speakers: Dual front-facing speakers offered a much better audio experience than most phones of that era.
- Active Edge: Squeezing the sides of the phone triggered Google Assistant, a feature that was novel and useful.
- Battery life: The 3520 mAh battery easily lasted a full day, and the phone supported fast charging (USB-PD).
The Display Controversy: A Flawed Gem
The Pixel 2 XL’s biggest weakness was its display. The 6-inch P-OLED panel, made by LG, had several issues: a blue shift when viewed at an angle, muted colors (which Google later “fixed” with a software update that added a “Saturated” mode), and, in some units, burn-in and uneven brightness. Reviewers and users were vocal about these problems, and Google issued a software update to improve color accuracy, but the hardware limitations remained.
This display controversy is why many people don’t consider the Pixel 2 XL a “golden era” phone—it was a great camera phone with a subpar screen. However, it’s also a reminder that even a flawed phone can be remembered fondly if its core strengths are strong enough.
How to Choose: Is It Still Worth It in 2024?
In 2024, the Pixel 2 XL is no longer supported with security updates (it received its last update in October 2020), so it’s not recommended as a daily driver. However, it can still be used as a dedicated camera, a music player, or a backup phone. If you’re considering buying one used, here are a few things to check:
- Battery health: The battery is likely degraded; check if it holds a charge.
- Display: Look for burn-in, especially in the navigation bar area.
- Software: It’s stuck on Android 11, so some apps may not work properly.
- Price: Expect to pay $50–$100 for a used unit, depending on condition.
Common Problems and Fixes
Even in its heyday, the Pixel 2 XL had a few known issues beyond the display:
- Microphone issues: Some units had a faulty microphone that made calls inaudible; this was covered by a warranty replacement program.
- Bluetooth connection drops: Fixed with software updates, but some users still experienced issues.
- Speaker distortion: At high volumes, the front speakers could crackle; a software update improved it.
- Fast charging issues: Some chargers didn’t work with the phone; using a USB-PD charger was recommended.
Comparisons: Pixel 2 XL vs. Modern Pixels
Compared to the Pixel 8 or Pixel 9, the Pixel 2 XL is ancient in every way except one: the camera. The 2 XL’s camera, while lacking the resolution and zoom of modern phones, still produces images that are surprisingly good, especially in daylight. The Pixel 8’s camera is objectively better, with a larger sensor, better HDR, and Night Sight that’s more advanced. But the 2 XL’s simplicity and the fact that it was the first to do many things make it a favorite among enthusiasts.
In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 835 in the 2 XL is far slower than the Tensor chips in modern Pixels, and the 4GB of RAM is now insufficient for heavy multitasking. The display, even when working correctly, is dimmer and less color-accurate than any modern OLED.
Cost and Value
When it launched, the Pixel 2 XL cost $849 for the 64GB model. Today, a used one sells for around $60–$100. That’s a low price for a phone with a great camera, but you’re paying for a device that’s no longer secure and may have hardware issues. For the same price, you could buy a budget Android phone that performs better and receives updates. So, as a collector’s item or a camera toy, it has value; as a practical phone, it doesn’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pixel 2 XL still supported?
No. The Pixel 2 XL received its last OS update (Android 11) in 2020, and its last security patch in October 2020. It no longer receives any updates.
Can I use the Pixel 2 XL as a daily driver in 2024?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The lack of security updates, aging battery, and slow performance make it a poor choice for daily use. Apps may also stop supporting Android 11.
Was the Pixel 2 XL’s camera really that good?
Yes. In 2017, it was widely considered the best smartphone camera, and even today, its photos hold up surprisingly well in good lighting. The computational photography approach it pioneered is now standard across all phones.
Why is the Pixel 2 XL called a “golden era” phone?
Because it represented a time when Google was innovating in camera software and offering a clean, fast Android experience at a reasonable price. It also set the template for future Pixels, making it a turning point in Google’s hardware history.
What are the biggest problems with the Pixel 2 XL?
The display (blue shift, burn-in, muted colors) and the microphone issue are the most common. Battery degradation is also a concern now that the phone is old.
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