When comparing Google Pixel 2 XL vs Apple iPhone 12 mini, the Slant community recommends Apple iPhone 12 mini for most people. In the question“What are the best smartphones with good battery life around $800?” Apple iPhone 12 mini is ranked 9th while Google Pixel 2 XL is ranked 11th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro The software is always up to date
Since it's a Google phone and since it runs stock Android, it's the first device to get an update once a new Android version hits.
Pro The screen displays colorful and bright pictures
The 1440p pOLED display does not disappoint and is probably one of the best hardware-related features for this phone. The colours are warm and true to life. The blacks are also very inky and quite nice.
Pro Some of the best audio coming out of a smartphone
The Pixel 2 XL is one of the last flagship phones not to go with a completely bezel-less design. Instead, the top and bottom bezels are home to two front-facing speakers that produce excellent audio (for a smartphone).
Pro Durable body without being too bulky
The Pixel 2 XL has a sturdy aluminium body that adds a lot of durability while still keeping the phone thin and comfortable to hold.
Pro Takes some of the best pictures on a smartphone
The camera on the Pixel 2 is one of the best cameras on the market. It takes amazing pictures both on low and well-lit conditions.
The camera software is where it truly shines though. It's able to automatically adjust the focus and lighting so you never end up with photos that are too lit or too dark. It also manages to find out where the edges of an object are and blur them accordingly.
Pro The Android ecosystem is perfectly integrated with this phone
Google uses the Pixel line as a platform to show off their operating system instead of treating the software as a second-class citizen and it shows. The Android ecosystem, starting from Google Assistant is perfectly integrated with the hardware. By using the same technology as HTC which lets users squeeze the sides of their device, you can bring up the smart assistant at any point, even with a locked screen (of course, you have to unlock the phone to give the assistant any commands). This is a welcome change for people who disliked the "Ok Google" command.
Cons
Con Not much of an upgrade from the first Pixel
The Pixel 2 XL is not much of an upgrade from the first Pixel; the hardware is almost the same and the new software updates will be available for the new model soon enough. Outside of a few gimmicks and the removal of the headphone jack it's virtually the same phone.
Con Too expensive
Starting at $849 it's one of the most expensive Android flagships on the market, especially when you consider the fact that it costs $200 more than the Pixel 2 while being the same phone with a slightly larger screen.
Con Battery life might not last a full day of heavy use
Even though the Pixel 2 XL has a slightly larger battery than the Pixel 2, it has a larger screen which draws more power.
Tests show that this phone's battery lasts an average of seven hours of relatively heavy use (using mobile data, sending messages, browsing the web and watching videos).
Con Can't use wired headphones without a dongle
Since it doesn't have a headphone jack, you are forced to use bluetooth headphones or use a lightning-to-3.5mm jack adapter.
Con Vendor lock-in
There is no way to avoid the Apple ecosystem.
Con USB 2.0
It is the end of 2020 and they still come up with USB 2.0.
Con Metal case
It might look pretty but unlike plastic it doesn't spring back to it's original shape once you have a dent.
Con Side facing speakers
They can be easily covered with your hands.
