Google’s Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL Smartphones Debut with No Headphone Jack

Google has just announced the launch of its second generation of Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, both of which lack a dedicated headphone jack, like last year’s iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (#courage). The new Pixel phones feature OLED displays, front-facing stereo speakers, Snapdragon 835 processors, 4GB of RAM, Android 8.1 Oreo and an option for 64GB or 128GB of storage.

The Pixel 2 sports a 5-inch, 1080p display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, whereas the larger Pixel 2 XL packs a 6-inch, QHD+ display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. Other highlights include an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, a 12-megapixel rear camera, a fingerprint scanner on the back, and a USB-C port at the bottom. Regarding the lack of a headphone jack, Google says “Use your existing analog headphones with the included adapter”.

“The Pixel 2s have a music recognition feature that is always on, Google’s director of product management Sabrina Ellis revealed. Whenever music is playing nearby and the second-generation Pixel recognizes the song, it will automatically show the artist and title on your lock screen.

Like all smartphone makers, Google puts a big emphasis on its camera. Google promised greater high dynamic range, optical image stabilization, and lots of image processing crammed in.”

Pricing and Availability: 

The HTC-manufactured Pixel 2 will be available in Just Black, Clearly White, and Kinda Blue on October 19, while the LG-manufactured Pixel 2 XL will ship in Just Black and Black & White on November 15.

Both phones are available for pre-order today, starting at $899 CAD on the Google Store, Bell, Best Buy Canada, Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Rogers, The Source, TELUS, Tbooth wireless, Walmart, WIRELESSWAVE, Videotron, and Virgin.