Google Pixel 2 XL put through tough photo test, as handset goes on sale in UK

Google Pixel 2 XL is now available in the UK.

The flagship handset was announced at the Made By Google media event in Mountain View, California in early October.

Pixel 2 XL is the last Google-branded device announced at the event to launch in the UK, after the smaller five-inch Pixel 2 debuted October 19th.

The Pixel 2 XL sports an entirely-new design compared to its predecessor, with slimmer bezels to help reduce the physical footprint of the handset.

That's a crucial design change, since Google has expanded the size of the display on the Pixel XL from 5.5-inches to 6-inches.

Pixel 2 XL includes a 3D curved glass front, which houses the pixel-packed pOLED.

The flagship handset is rated IP67 water and dust resistant.

Like the Pixel launch last year, EE is the only UK network to directly offer the Google Pixel 2 XL from launch.

The UK network also boasts Wi-Fi Calling, 4G Calling and the UK’s fastest Cat 12 download speeds for the new handset.

Express.co.uk reviewed the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL earlier this month, praising the water resistant design, latest version of Android, and “unbelievable camera”.

To mark the launch of the Pixel 2 XL, Express.co.uk put the new 12.2MP camera through its paces in a gruelling test – sports photography.

We were dispatched to Wembley Stadium, and dropped into a gaggle of veteran sports photographers, each cradling a DSLR camera and lens worth more than £10,000.

Sprinting up and down the pitch, Express.co.uk tried to capture the action taking place on the pitch with the Google handset.

The Pixel 2 XL held-up really well.

Google has combined its unmatched prowess in machine learning with a 12.2MP dual-pixel sensor with f/1.8 aperture for some truly phenomenal results.

According to the California-based technology company, each and every time you hit the shutter button on the Pixel 2 XL, the phone actually takes 10 different shots – then algorithmically stitches them together.

This all happens behind-the-scenes in a matter of milliseconds, but the result is that photographs are sharp, with beautifully vivid colours and deep shadows.

The processing speed is key – especially when trying to shoot a fast-paced football game.

As the match continued and dusk faded to night, the Google Pixel 2 XL took the challenging low-light conditions in its stride.

Holding down the shutter button triggers Burst Mode, which rattles off full-resolution photographs until the button is released.

In Google Photos, users can then pick the best of the crop – and ditch the rest.

Compared to the iPhone 8 Plus, the Google Pixel 2 XL did a much better job of handling the drastically different lighting conditions in the stadium. In this shot, the iPhone struggles to hold onto any detail in the brightly-lit face, pitch and goal –

With the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google has included Portrait Mode to the default camera app.

This is a growing trend amongst flagship smartphones, with similar features already available on the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, OnePlus 5, and Galaxy Note 8.

However, unlike its rival, which use a dual-camera set-up to achieve the effect, Google has opted to use a combination of machine learning and dual-pixel technology.

This enables the company to create a depth map, which it uses to fill-in a bokeh-style blur behind the subject.

Like the iPhone 8 Plus and Galaxy Note 8, the results can be a little hit-and-miss with Portrait Mode, but Google’s AI does a much better job at handling hair than either of its rivals.

Shooting the mascots as they paraded around the pitch during the England match, the Pixel 2 XL did a solid job of blurring the crowd and stadium lights behind the subject.

And since Google is handling the bokeh-style blur with software, unlike the dual-camera systems on the iPhone 8 Plus and Galaxy Note 8, it can apply the effect to photos shot on the front-facing camera.

It’s a brilliant addition and seriously improves selfies. Apple fans looking for similar functionality will have to bump for the iPhone X, which starts at £999.

Google has also introduced Motion Stills with the Pixel 2 range, which includes a small looping clip of video alongside the photo.

These are very similar to Live Photos on iOS, except the effect isn’t as polished – the endless loops aren’t as elegant as the short burst of movement that happens in Apple’s Photos app when you flick through Live Photos.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to test them during the England vs Brazil match, since it would contravene broadcast rights around football.

Pixel 2 XL ships with free unlimited Google Photos storage, so you can back-up full-resolution photographs and video (even in 4K Ultra HD) to the cloud.

Although the Pixel 2 XL has a staggeringly good camera, the phone isn’t perfect – read our in-depth review on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL for our definitive opinion.

Monthly plans start at £57.99 for the Pixel 2 XL, with no upfront cost.

EE also includes 3GB of 4G data, unlimited texts and minutes, as well as free access to the BT Sport app for the duration of the 24 month contract.