The Google Pixel 2 is available now and you might be asking yourself, “Do I need a Google Pixel 2?” Since the flagship phone from Google in 2016 did extremely well, many are wondering what the Pixel 2 will bring? We’ve got all the details to help you decide if the Pixel 2 is for you.

Design

While many are calling the design of the Google Pixel 2, “so last year”, don’t let that turn you off to this new device. The naysayers are condemning the design of the Pixel 2 due its bezel-heavy design. Since many new smartphones are ditching the bezels, or at least minimizing them, it seems like the current trend, but that is not the case for Google. The Pixel 2 has a very similar look to that of the Pixel, yet there are some definite improvements to the design. First, the Pixel 2 has an aluminum exterior (same as the Pixel), but instead has a matte finish, which gives it a soft, warmer touch. Also, the Pixel 2 is waterproof up to about 3 feet under water for an hour, which is a definite improvement over the Pixel. Another big change is the exclusion of a headphone jack, to the dismay of many. However, that gives you reason to check out the brand new Pixel Buds, Google’s version of Bluetooth ear buds.

Battery

The battery on the Google Pixel 2 appears to be about so-so, similar to that of its predecessor. Many tests show the battery lasting about 13 hours on continuous usage. This is about average for smartphones on the market today. If you’re looking for some kind of stellar battery-life, then you will not find it in the Pixel 2. When discussing the battery of the Pixel 2, Matt Swider from Techradar said it best, “You’re not going to be disappointed, but you’re also not going to be impressed with how this one performs”. Also, while the Pixel 2 charges relatively quickly (again, about average), keep in mind that it is not wireless charging capable.

Speakers

While they become increasingly rare for smartphone today, the Pixel 2 features dual front-facing stereo speakers (as opposed to the usual speaker through the bottom of the device, which many smartphones have today). This is a refreshing feature of the Pixel 2, which is capable of some pretty stellar sound through these stereo speakers. While many smartphones are getting thinner and bezel-less, Google chose to include these stereo speakers (which require a certain thickness to the device), in their distinct show of their function over fashion values.

Camera

The Pixel 2 is basically all about the camera. The single, 12.2-megapixel, back-facing camera is stellar. It seems that this is what Google has had planned all along – to offer exceptional cameras through its smart phones! While it started this journey with the Pixel, they have definitely gone to new camera heights through the Pixel 2. Critics are consistently claiming that the best part of the Pixel 2 is the camera. While the Pixel 2 excels at indoor and outdoor photography, the low-light shots are what seem to shock everyone with how well lit they appear. The camera on the Pixel 2 is definitely one of the best of all smart phone cameras right now, however, it doesn’t quite beat the newest iPhones. If you want to find out more about the camera on the Pixel 2, check out this review and this review.

Price

The Google Pixel starts at $649 for the 64GB device (another difference from the Pixel, this is now the lowest storage option). You can upgrade to 128GB for just another $100. Similarly, the Pixel 2 XL starts at $849 for 64GB. When compared to the iPhone X, these prices are definitely reasonable.

Should you buy it?

If you’re ready for an upgrade, you like Android, and you want one of the best smart phone cameras available, then the Google Pixel 2 is a great choice for you. While it is missing some of the bells and whistles from the newest iPhones, it certainly will not disappoint. If beauty is what you’re looking for, then this device probably isn’t for you, with its bezels and chunk. However, if you want function over fashion, the Google Pixel 2 has definitely got it.

Google wants to make the switch from any previous smartphone, to the Pixel 2 as smooth as possible. You can get up to $410 back when you trade in your old device for a Pixel 2. Also, Google claims that switching all your content from your old device, to the Pixel 2 will take 10 minutes or less. If that is all true, it’s a pretty sweet deal for an excellent new device.