There’s a lot to like about Google’s new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL phones – slimmer, lighter hardware, a better camera, better speakers and so on. But what I love about the Pixel 2 models is the same thing I love about the first Pixel phones. They're pure Google. Unless you install it yourself, there is no bloatware or any other third party software and because it’s pure Google it’s always up-to-date with the latest version of Android.
And the same can be said for iPhones as well. They’re pure Apple and they always have the latest version of iOS.
I tested the Pixel 2 XL but the software is the same as the Pixel 2.
No fragmentation or bloatware
As many have observed over the years, Android phones are subject to fragmentation and weird user interfaces imposed by their makers. Unlike Google and Apple’s own phones, anyone who decides to make an Android phone is free to load it up with all sorts of strange software.
Although several Android makers have gotten a bit more disciplined over time, I’ve tested plenty of Android phones through the years that require me to go back and look at a help screen just to perform standard tasks because their maker decided to “add value” to the phone by making it different than other Android phones. Now I’m a big fan of improving on the status quo but the fact is that the engineers and designers at these other handset companies aren’t any better than their counterparts at Google so it’s pretty rare for any of them to add value. Instead, they often add software that slows the phone down or causes people familiar with other Android phones to have to figure out how to perform simple tasks thanks to change for the sake of change.
Use your voice to snap a selfie
Another advantage to the same company designing both the hardware and software is better integration of features. The new Pixel 2 and XL, for example, enable you to use Google Now to take a selfie or regular photo. Just say “OK Google Take a Selfie” and it automatically switches into the selfie camera mode with a the 3 second timer running. Say “Take a picture” instead, and it activates the back camera, also with that 3 second timer. And, if you don’t want to bother saying “OK Google,” or long press the home button, you can take advantage of another hardware/software innovation by squeezing on the lower part of the phone (it works with the case that Google provided) which activates Google Now. It’s another example of how well Google integrated both the hardware and software. That’s possible for Android partners to emulate, but you see more of it on Google hardware.
Pixel 2 owners are also the first to try out new features like Google Lens that uses artificial intelligence to identify landmarks, books, music albums, movies and artwork captured by the phone's camera.
Apple iPhone users have their own set of features where hardware and software are well integrated because they, too, have a device made by a single company.
Camera software update
It's not there yet, but Google has announced plans to update its camera to activate a chip called "Pixel Visual Core." Once turned on, that chip, said Google, will enhance the quality of images through HDR+, per the following example (provided by Google)
Google not alone
Google isn’t alone when it comes to (nearly) pure Android. Along with the shiny new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL that Google loaned me for this review, I also have a borrowed an Essential phone from the company headed by former Googler and Android founder Andy Rubin. Essential did get creative when it comes to the hardware (including a clever magnetic docking system that you can use to attach peripherals (like their 360 camera) without fiddling with cables or having to configure wireless connections. But, when it comes to the operating system and the software, it’s almost the same as the Pixel 2, though there are a few unique apps like Essential’s camera which can accommodate 360 images along with regular photos and videos. And while users won’t get the newest version of Android quite as quickly as will Pixel owners, the company is committed to rolling out new versions as quickly as possible.
So, unless you're looking for a less expensive phone from a budget handset maker, I would recommend you stick with phones from Google or other handset makers that pledge to use pure Google software and keep you up-to-date with the latest versions of Android.
