Google Google Pixel Google Pixel 2 XL (2017) - G011C Review

The 2017 Google Pixel 2 XL is a budget phone with a flagship-grade screen and camera. Its performance and software are outdated, and it only works on GSM networks, but for around $200, it's a unique value for media lovers and casual photographers.

If you're hunting for a budget-friendly Android phone with a killer screen and battery, the Google Pixel 2 XL from 2017 is still a surprisingly compelling option. It's a GSM-only unlocked phone, so it won't work on Verizon or other CDMA networks, but for around $200, you get a 6-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 2880 x 1440 resolution and a 3500mAh battery that, according to our database, still ranks in the 89th percentile for longevity. The specs—a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage—tell you this isn't a speed demon, but it's a solid package for the price. People searching for 'best budget Android phone with good camera' or 'unlocked Pixel phone under $250' will find this fits the bill nicely.

Let's be real: the performance percentile of 17 tells you this phone isn't going to win any speed races today. The Snapdragon 835 and 4GB of RAM were top-tier in 2017, but they're now firmly mid-tier, even for budget phones. You'll get smooth performance for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and streaming, but you'll feel the age in more demanding apps or games. The camera, however, punches above its weight at a 78th percentile ranking. That 12.2MP main sensor, backed by Google's computational photography magic from that era, still takes excellent photos in good light. It's a case where the software and legacy hardware combine to deliver results that outshine many newer budget phones.

At roughly $200, the Pixel 2 XL sits in a weird but valuable spot. It's not the cheapest phone you can buy, but it offers specific high-end features—that display and camera—at a budget price. Alternatives like a new Moto G will give you better performance, newer software, and wider carrier support, but they often compromise on screen quality and camera prowess. This Pixel is for the buyer who prioritizes those two things over raw speed and modern connectivity.

The main competitors here are other budget and legacy phones. The Motorola Moto G series, like the G Power, offers much better battery life, newer Android versions, and full carrier support for similar money, but its display and camera usually aren't as good. The Samsung Galaxy A series or older models like the S8 might match the screen quality but often cost more. Then there's the OnePlus Nord series, which delivers far better performance and modern features for a bit more cash. The Pixel 2 XL's unique advantage is its combination of that pristine AMOLED panel and the still-impressive Google camera software, which neither the Moto G nor many Samsung A phones can match at this price.

Skip this phone if you need it to work on Verizon or any CDMA network. Also skip it if you're a power user who needs fast performance for gaming or heavy apps, or if you want modern Android features and security updates. In those cases, a new Motorola Moto G or a refurbished newer Pixel would be a much better fit.

Should you buy the Google Pixel 2 XL in 2024? Only if you know exactly what you're getting. If you need a phone for a CDMA network like Verizon, skip it immediately. If you need fast performance for gaming or heavy multitasking, also skip it. But if you're on a GSM network like T-Mobile or AT&T, and you want a phone primarily for media consumption, light tasks, and taking great photos in daylight, this $200 Pixel is a fascinating bargain. You're buying a slice of 2017's flagship experience at a deep discount, accepting the trade-offs in speed and software updates.