Pixel 2

The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are flagship phones that Google announced and started selling in 2017. I bought the smaller Pixel 2 on October 6, 2017 to replace the Nexus 6P that no longer receives upgrades to Android. I bought the Nexus 6P on October 9, 2015.

As of March, 2019 the Pixel 2 continues to be my Every Day Carry smartphone. As long as Google continues to release Android upgrades for it, I see no reason to switch to another phone. On October 6, 2019 my Pixel 2 will be more than two years old and I plan to still be using it.

The main difference between the prior Nexus line and the current Pixel line is that Nexus produced reference devices, mostly phones but also tablets, with a bias towards providing current features at affordable prices. Pixel is Google's premium brand for smartphones, tablets, and notebook computers. As a premium brand it has a higher price.

When Google shifted their strategy from Nexus to Pixel I began to think hard about whether I want to spend the money on Pixel. I really like getting Android updates in a timely manner directly from Google, which is why I have only owned Nexus or Pixel line phones. However, I find it hard to justify spending nearly $1000 for a phone. What will make spending so much on the Pixel 2 is if I can keep using it for more than two years as has been the case with previous Nexus phones.

The Pixel 2 provides all of the functions I need in a smartphone. The only feature I wish it had is wireless charging. While the Pixel 2 does not support wireless charging it does support fast charging. I prefer the smaller size and hope that Google continues with the "standard" and "large" size phones.

On September 3, 2019 I upgraded the Pixel 2 to Android Q.

I installed the December 2019 Android security update on my Pixel 2 on 2019.12.05 and ever since the cellular signal strength indicators show really bad signal when I am home and the phone is connected by the AT&T microcell. I found that once I leave the home signal strength indicator displays as expected, therefore causing me to suspect there is something different about the microcell that Android does not know how to interpret.

Unfortunately, AT&T has discontinued the microcell and now pushes customers toward Wi-Fi calling. page Consequently, I am doubt I could get support for this from AT&T. We will keep using it until it stops working. It doesn't look like AT&T plans to provide a replacement in the future.