Pixel 2 XL is Now Discounted, But Not the Pixel 2

Google has never explicitly discussed its Apple-like policy of keeping previous generation devices around at reduced prices. But they typically do so, and the Pixel 2 XL is now available for about $150 off the original price.

Oddly, the smaller Pixel 2 is not discounted, at least not yet. So it retains its original price, and it is only $50 less than the bigger Pixel 2 XL.

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Should you buy a discounted Pixel 2 XL?

In a word, no. As I’ve recounted repeatedly, the Pixel 2 XL is an endemically unreliable handset, and I’m on my third unit overall, having returned two of them because of (different) USB port-related issues. But it’s not just me: Users have reported all kinds of problems with the Pixel 2 XL, including its washed out display, display burn-in, weird clicking and high-pitched sounds related to NFC, and more. The problems were so bad that Google actually doubled the warranty to two years.

That Google has discounted the Pixel 2 XL by $150, to a starting price of $700, is good, theoretically. But it would have to cost a lot less than that before I could recommend it. Even if it was just to use as a camera for trips and events. $500? Maybe.

What’s unfortunate is that the smaller Pixel 2, which was based on an HTC design rather than the Pixel 2 XL’s LG underpinnings, suffers from none of the XL’s issues. How amazing would it be if the Pixel 2 was offered for $100 or $150 off? That phone at $500 or less would almost be a no-brainer.

If you’re interested in such a thing, I recommend keeping track of this. Over time, I do expect the Pixel 2 to be discounted, and perhaps both will be deeply discounted as the stock runs out.

 

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Conversation 8 comments

  • mlafleur

    11 October, 2018 - 9:18 am

    <p>My wife and I both have the 1st generation Pixel. I've been holding out for the Pixel 3 myself but my wife could not care less about upgrading her phone. And while <em>I</em> care about her receiving security updates, I'm NOT shelling out $1k+ for a phone she doesn't want. For $500 however, I'd have her set up with a Pixel 2 without hesitation.</p>

  • cnc123

    11 October, 2018 - 11:51 am

    <p>Pixel 2 loses OS upgrades in a year and security updates in two years, so factor that in to your purchase decisions.</p>

    • B Mallon

      11 October, 2018 - 12:59 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#352350">In reply to cnc123:</a></em></blockquote><p>The Pixel 2 gets Android version updates and security updates through Oct 2020</p>

  • Illusive_Man

    11 October, 2018 - 12:11 pm

    <p>Terrible phone. </p>

  • fraXis

    Premium Member
    11 October, 2018 - 12:42 pm

    <p>I hope the Pixel 3 does not suffer from any of these problems the Pixel 2 had.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

  • DLF

    11 October, 2018 - 1:10 pm

    <p>I’m with you, Paul. Never had issues with any HTC phone, so a $500 Pixel 2 would ROCK!</p>

  • tanvir369

    11 October, 2018 - 4:05 pm

    <p>I heard that this device has <a href="https://funny-wifi-names.xyz&quot; target="_blank">wifi </a>problem???</p>

  • mike2thel73

    12 October, 2018 - 1:17 am

    <p>Paul, Google has pretty much stopped selling the pixel 2 (NON XL). The original reports say they went out of stock but i'm not buying that. As of this moment only the Pixel 2 XL is available. So your point about the price not changing for the smaller pixel 2 does not matter. I doubt very much that google is going to get more stock of the smaller pixel 2.</p>

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