Five months ago, I paid $1000 for a Google Pixel 2 XL, and I’ve been living with its various issues ever since. This phone is a failure by many measures:Â Google’s phones sell poorly and there were so many reported problems with this particular device that I eventually refused to review it.
But that refusal was for you, for readers of this site. There was just no way I could ever recommend a product with that many issues. I knew that I would continue using this handset regardless, and for a number of reasons. Though I’ve spent the first few months of this year considering other phones, including the recently-released (and excellent) Samsung Galaxy S9+ that I’m currently evaluating.
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Let me ruin the surprise of my coming review: The Galaxy S9+ is an amazing phone, and it would be a great choice for virtually anyone. For me … it just falls short in a few key areas. Notably low-light photography and Project Fi compatibility. That those are key Pixel 2 XL advantages (for me) is, of course, notable.
So I’m going to give the Pixel 2 XL another chance. And for a number of reasons.
First, I made a few changes that have positively impacted some of the issues I had with the device. Key among them was blowing away the OS so I could install the Android P Developer Preview: this nicely solved, if temporarily, the many performance issues I’d been experiencing. And while it has introduced some new camera instabilities, these are easily solved by restarting the app. I can live with that. (Plus, there will be future Android P previews that should solve this issue.)
Second, I stopped using a case.
I realize that sounds a little goofy. The Pixel 2 XL is sleeker sans-case, which is obvious enough. But more to the point, it feels better—more premium, if you will—without the case. And unlike certain glass-covered handsets, like the Galaxy S9 or newer iPhones, it seems rugged and more able to withstand day-to-day use this way.
Of course, neither of those changes solve the biggest issue I’ve had, which involves audio over USB-C. As you may know, Google controversially (and wrongly) removed the headphone jack from the Pixel 2 XL. But this has caused me all kinds of problems.
I’ve used the Google-supplied USB-C-to-headphone dongle. I’ve bought another one from Google. I’ve tried two other dongles that came with other phones. And I’ve tried two pairs of USB-C headphones. Nothing works: The audio continues to come through the device’s internal speakers. It’s infuriating, and it means I can’t use the Pixel 2 XL when I travel, when I walk and listen to podcasts, or when I’m in the car. It is completely unusable.
(Say what you will about Apple’s decision to remove the headphone jack starting with the iPhone 7. But this handset—I have an iPhone 7 Plus—has always worked perfectly well with a dongle. No issues, ever.)
I’ve not had this issue with any other phone, including those that do still include a headphone jack: Audio over USB-C, using the same adapters/headphones, always works.
So today I finally did something I should have done a long time ago. I contacted Google Support. And after a round of troubleshooting that I knew would amount to nothing, they agreed to send me another (refurbished) Pixel 2 XL. It should arrive later this week.
Will this solve my problem? I hope so. Because when it comes down to it, the Pixel 2 XL is otherwise the phone I do want to use: It has the modern form factor I like, the camera I want, and the Project Fi compatibility I prefer. If I had one that just worked, I’d be happy to continue using it going forward. And who knows? I may even review it, finally.
You know, assuming it actually works.
Stooks
<p>It is simply SAD that Google can't release a great phone and it is 2018. It just seems like most of their products it is simply half hearted and honestly a confusing mix of the old way and many new ways (Android messaging, video/music apps/offerings.) </p><p><br></p><p>I would never own a Android phone again for privacy reasons and is Android the future or Chrome OS or their new Fuchsia?? Also how will the recent legal loss to Oracle around Java impact all of it. It is quite a mess, especially from a consumer perspective.</p><p><br></p><p>I got a iPhone X they day it came out. Costly yes, but the best phone I have had hands down. Face ID is fast and way better than finger print ID. I have not really had any problems. Its camera for my use is just as good as any cell phone camera and I use a real camera when I want great pictures.</p>
jedwards87
<blockquote><a href="#258845"><em>In reply to PeteB:</em></a></blockquote><p>I am going to disagree with you. I'm a Pixel 2 user myself however I also own and use an iPhone X. The Pixel 2 camera is awesome and I agree it is better than the iPhone but it does not by any means BLOW the iPhone away. Lets not get carried away with being close minded.</p><p><br></p><p>Also, yes Apple collects data but not for the same reason Google does. There is a big difference in the why/how it is used but I am sure you already knew that and just refuse to accept they have difference business models.</p>
Stooks
<blockquote><a href="#258845"><em>In reply to PeteB:</em></a></blockquote><p>Thoughtsalad hahaha. </p><p><br></p><p>Basically my point is Paul is having loads of issues with this phone. I had a Nexus 6 and it was a bug fest. I had friends with the 5x that had to return them multiple times. Google is not good at hardware. Getting a fix from Android P beta is not great especially if your on a phone (non Google) that won't get that update anytime soon or if EVER.</p><p><br></p><p>Google is fantastic at collecting data and has a whole host of free tools that do this for them. Most of those tools are decent.</p><p><br></p><p>Google is NOT great at sticking too things and their message as to their roadmap is completely messed up. Are you using Youtube? Or Youtube Red to watch video? No you are using Youtube TV you say or Google Play video to rent that movie??? Inbox or Gmail? DUO or Allo, or hangouts? No Android messenger.</p><p><br></p><p>The average user won't be able to tell the difference between a pixel or X when it comes to camera's. They will be able to tell the difference from a dedicated camera and any cell phone camera.</p>
Bats
<p>Paul Thurrott got the weirdest issues. It's not the phone. It's HIM! He's the only one suffering these issues. The guy had serious issues with the Pixel I, which no one in the whole world has experienced. I even started a thread on Android Central telling him about Paul Thurrott…..it's funny the comments he go on there. </p><p><br></p><p>No one seems to be complaining about this phone anymore. Android Central, a few weeks, praised it saying that NOT EVEN the S9 is as good as the Pixel. The Pixel is still considered the absolute BEST Android phone in the market. If you don't believe, … google it.</p><p><br></p><p>As for the phone jack…don't need it. Like the notch, it's going to be a new norm. For my listening, I'm using the Pixel Buds, which are excellent BTW, for the gym and causal walking to anywhere. Not just that, but I plan to use them when I go to Asia on business later this year. In case anyone forgot, that bad boy of ear buds translate foreign languages to english. Plus the carrying case allows for a few full charges. </p><p><br></p><p>I also use the B&O headset. It's my headset for my PC (Envy AiO and Spectre X2) and my Android phone. The carrying case allows for (I think) 4 full charges.</p><p><br></p><p>Therefore, people should get with the times and start using wireless earbuds. Not only is it cool and light to wear with no cord dangling in your face, but it will also advance the market for this product category. It's so clear and obvious what's going to happen next and the staff Thurrott.com better get their notebooks ready and take notes. Tomorrow (not literally next day) ear buds will probably even last a day or something to the effect where the dependency of wired headsets will no longer be needed. </p>
skane2600
<p>I hope Paul can deduct some of these crazy expensive products he buys from his taxes as a business expense.</p>