Database Info

On a fence: pixel vs XL

Choosing between two. Since they are mostly the same, I'd rather prefer pixel based on size, 5.5 is too much. Battery and pixel density is nicer on XL, but overall is about the same.
The only concern is Google daydream, is it going to suck on smaller screen with less pixels? How bad would be the difference? VR is going to be out month from now, I don't want to wait that long till somebody test it. So any forecasts?

worry said:
Choosing between two. Since they are mostly the same, I'd rather prefer pixel based on size, 5.5 is too much. Battery and pixel density is nicer on XL, but overall is about the same.
The only concern is Google daydream, is it going to suck on smaller screen with less pixels? How bad would be the difference? VR is going to be out month from now, I don't want to wait that long till somebody test it. So any forecasts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess VR would be better on the XL on account of its 2K display. The reviews on the XL are great as well along with awesome battery life. I ordered the smaller one as I prefer the small size but the battery life as per reviews is not as good as the XL

Ordered the small myself, I feel like my Droid Turbo is too big.
But man, oh man, am I going to miss that battery life

this won't be a problem for you. i also chose the regular, not the XL. my eyes aren't great and i work from my phone, so i was looking at the XL as the only option. then my LG G3 (5.5") broke and i had to go back to my Galaxy S3 (4.7") while waiting for the new phone. and i couldn't believe how happy i've been back on the smaller S3! no pixelation problems, or small panel issues, or working from my phone, or any issues at all. so much more compact and easy to handle than the G3! and the Pixel is bigger anyway, so i'm 100% sure i made the right decision by skipping the phablets this time.

I've gone from the Note 7 down to the iPhone 7 while I wait for the REGULAR Pixel to come in this week.

I too struggled with this decision and ultimately have both sizes preordered. I briefly owned iPhone 6 Plus and hated the large size. The xl is just a wee bit smaller, but I fear may still be too big.

testinguser said:
I too struggled with this decision and ultimately have both sizes preordered. I briefly owned iPhone 6 Plus and hated the large size. The xl is just a wee bit smaller, but I fear may still be too big.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also preordered both sizes .. I have to see them in my eyes to make decisions

I ended up ordering the normal Pixel. I'm not so worried about the size as much as I am about the battery life. I found the 5X to be the perfect size for me, but the battery life on the 6P was so much better I ended up using that as my main phone.
Hoping things are a bit better this time around with the smaller phone and that all the optimisations are enough to get a full days battery life out of the regular sized phone.

Guys, thank you for sharing your thoughts, but what about DayDream VR for XL vs nonXL?

worry said:
Guys, thank you for sharing your thoughts, but what about DayDream VR for XL vs nonXL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on DayDream VR specifically but I have used my Nexus 6P with a google cardboard viewer a bit. It wasn't a great experience even with the 6P's resolution so I reckon it is going to be not great on the Pixel XL, and slightly worse on the normal Pixel due to the XL having a bit higher PPI. Either way it isn't going to be fantastic resolution wise.

Actually, lets move to this thread, I'll post there.
"Likely VR performance"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/likely-vr-performance-t3475900

Performance Pixel XL - 5.5-inch vs Pixel 5-inch

Question. I have the pixel XL and and have the pixel 5-inch on order (pending). I was wondering if anyone has had both sizes of the phone in hand and can comment if there is a performance difference. I have read in some reviews that it is suspected the 5-inch would have a slight advantage because of the smaller 5-inch 1080p screen compared to the 5.5. screen of the XL. I just wanted to know if anyone on XDA has actually looked at this and can make any comments.
Thanks!!

I can't comment to this but would love to hear your answer once your order is filled.

I have both because I couldn't decide which one I wanted when ordering, and performance wise there's no difference at all between them. While my battery percentage was a little higher at the end of the day when using the XL both easily make it through a day for me with juice to spare. I've actually been using the regular Pixel more because the performance is the same but it's so much nicer to carry around. Every morning I tell myself I'll take the XL with me today but it's the regular Pixel that's been coming along with me in my pocket. Since both are still under the return window I'm pretty sure it's the XL that's going back to Goog. This is all coming from a guy who used the Nexus 6 as his main device for the last two years too! I still love my Shamu and the XL feels more like a big phone than a good phablet to replace it with. So for the next year I will swap SIMs between regular Pixel and the N6 for when I want something nice to carry around daily or want a good phablet when travelling for a few days without a laptop.

Decided to go with Pixel 2 instead of XL *Wrist strain*

I wanted to see if others experienced the wrist strain issues with the larger phones? If so, did you decide to downsize when purchasing the Pixel 2?
For me, I'm coming from the Motorola Nexus 6 and I can feel pain in my wrist periodically which drove my decision to purchase the Pixel 2.
Just wanted to see who else downsized and for what reasons.

Nexus 6P user here (77.8mm width and slippery case).
Pixel 2 (69.7mm) is larger than Moto X (65.3mm) or Galaxy Nexus (67.9). These 2 samples had an amazing width for 1 hand, specially the Moto X, with its shape. It was the most comfortable phone I tried.
The Pixel 2 won't be like those 2 phones, but still very usable with just one hand.
If the Pixel 2 coating has some grip, it could be more even more comfortable like the Nexus 5 (69.2mm). If not, you can try a dbrand skin with some grip.
Shape and grip matters A LOT. I had a Z5 Compact (4.6" and 65mm) and it was difficult to use (without a case) compared to the phone I had before and after it (Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X). These two 5" and 5.2" were bigger than the Z5 Compact, but easier to be used with one hand (because of the shape and the matte-black back cover with some grip).
I heard that the Pixel 1 was so slippery to be used without a case, but I think the Pixel 2 has another coating.
Anyway, I'm doing the same as you (whenever I get a chance to get a Pixel since it's available only in 5 countries). Want to get rid of the 6P size. I can use it with one hand, but I had to switch to two, many times per day.
The Nexus 6 is a tank, so IF you are almost OK with the Nexus 6, You will probably prefer the Pixel 2 XL.

I love big phones, I was in love the Moto nexus. In fact that was my favorite phone ever (relative to the time period) I opted for the small pixel mainly because with Google promotion and T-Mobile promotion it would be free. Also having a new born having a phone to use one handed will be super useful.
With the way they are shrinking bezels I would love for a 7 inch phone to come to the market. Sure you can buy a cheap Chinese phone on eBay but that's not the same

Well you're coming from the Nexus 6.....and the 6 is gigantic. Pretty much any phone on the market is going to be noticeably smaller for you.
I have a Pixel XL and it is much, much more comfortable than the 6. Not even close. Have you messed around with the XL in stores and it still feels too big for you?

mva5580 said:
Well you're coming from the Nexus 6.....and the 6 is gigantic. Pretty much any phone on the market is going to be noticeably smaller for you.
I have a Pixel XL and it is much, much more comfortable than the 6. Not even close. Have you messed around with the XL in stores and it still feels too big for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the XL right now. I doesn't feel big except when when I am feeding my son. Also not so much "big" as it was heavy. Before the XL I was temporarily using the 5x which was super convenient while holding my son.
Also should mention I have had many phones since then. The nexus 6 wasn't that much bigger than the iPhone what ever plus just in raw dynamics. The Nexus had very small bezels especially for the time.

AsuraDas said:
I am using the XL right now. I doesn't feel big except when when I am feeding my son. Also not so much "big" as it was heavy. Before the XL I was temporarily using the 5x which was super convenient while holding my son.
Also should mention I have had many phones since then. The nexus 6 wasn't that much bigger than the iPhone what ever plus just in raw dynamics. The Nexus had very small bezels especially for the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing with the iPhones is the home button. That button ruins the experience with one hand (specially when you double tap it). Not to mention that they are also slippery phones.
iPhone 6/7/8 size is perfect. But the home button is not very comfortable to use. This could be one more reason why they removed this button in the bigger iPhone X.
I always used Nexus. Before the Nexus I had one Galaxy S3....similar story with the home button.
Virtual screen buttons are faster and more comfortable to use with one hand in my experience.
Sent from my Nexus 6P

thesebastian said:
The thing with the iPhones is the home button. That button ruins the experience with one hand (specially when you double tap it). Not to mention that they are also slippery phones.
iPhone 6/7/8 size is perfect. But the home button is not very comfortable to use. This could be one more reason why they removed this button in the bigger iPhone X.
I always used Nexus. Before the Nexus I had one Galaxy S3....similar story with the home button.
Virtual screen buttons are faster and more comfortable to use with one hand in my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree I am just saying despite the N6 having a much bigger screen the iPhone plus has a very similar footprint to the Nexus 6

For me, it's really a toss-up between a better viewing experience and more convenient day-to-day usage.
Coming from a 6P, I was a bit reluctant to lose a chunk of screen real estate and dithered between the 2 and the 2XL. I have loved being able to fit so much in view and it's great for video.
However, I've held a few friends' phones with similar dimensions to the Pixel 2 and I'm looking forward to consistent one-handed use.

for me i love small phones and i think if google made the pixel edge to edge with same size it will be [emoji91] [emoji23]
but i go to 2 XL if not comfortable i go sell it and i buy regular pixel
and dont forget now all company go to made big phones
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

DinarQ8 said:
for me i love small phones and i think if google made the pixel edge to edge with same size it will be [emoji91] [emoji23]
but i go to 2 XL if not comfortable i go sell it and i buy regular pixel
and dont forget now all company go to made big phones
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me the perfect small phone would be some Pixel with the Moto X's width and some ergonomic shape with a good grip.
And obviously, bigger screen (maybe they can provide 5" or more reducing the bezels) still maintaining Moto X's width of 65~mm.
(Galaxy S8 has 68.1mm of width with 5.8").

thesebastian said:
For me the perfect small phone would be some Pixel with the Moto X's width and some ergonomic shape with a good grip.
And obviously, bigger screen (maybe they can provide 5" or more reducing the bezels) still maintaining Moto X's width of 65~mm.
(Galaxy S8 has 68.1mm of width with 5.8").
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if google made pixel 2 with small bezels 5.5 or 5.8 same design 2 xl will no one buy 2 xl
i love Pixel 2 because more comfortable with one hand
i love Pixel 2 XL because beautiful design
really I can not decide ⁦??*⁩ [emoji144]
pixel 2 for : whatsapp - insta - snap social media
pixel 2 xl for : game - movies
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

DinarQ8 said:
if google made pixel 2 with small bezels 5.5 or 5.8 same design 2 xl will no one buy 2 xl
i love Pixel 2 because more comfortable with one hand
i love Pixel 2 XL because beautiful design
really I can not decide ⁦??*⁩ [emoji144]
pixel 2 for : whatsapp - insta - snap social media
pixel 2 xl for : game - movies
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it is a phone after all...if you are using the phone all the time while commuting, walking etc. Go for the regular/phone version. If you are using the phone more from home/office in a quiet environment and/or for more entertainment purposes. Then the XL phablet will be a better option.
Sent from my Nexus 6P

thesebastian said:
For me the perfect small phone would be some Pixel with the Moto X's width and some ergonomic shape with a good grip.
And obviously, bigger screen (maybe they can provide 5" or more reducing the bezels) still maintaining Moto X's width of 65~mm.
(Galaxy S8 has 68.1mm of width with 5.8").
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A 5" 16:9 screen is 62.3 mm wide. Not going to fit in a 65mm width unless you play Samsung's game of folding the edges down (which is how they fit a 64.4mm wide screen in a 68mm wide device - and even then you'll see that the difference is larger than 65 vs 62.3). Personally I'd take a more usable flat screen any day.
A 5" 2:1 display you could easily fit in that width because it's the same width as a 4.6" 16:9 (56-57mm). But that has a smaller area than a 5" 16:9, 12.5% more than the 4.6" 16:9 would give.
Personally I'd be happy with a 5.5" 2:1 display, which would fit inside the current Pixel 2 body perfectly well. I expect that's what Pixel 3 will be, but my current phone wasn't going to last another year.

Currently have Droid Turbo 2, always strained to securely hold it in one hand while also reaching far corner. Pre-ordered Pixel 2 on a hunch it'd be the better size for me going forward. Just came back from Verizon store holding both and came away 100% confident I made the right choice. 2XL certainly looks nicer, but even harder to operate one handed than my Turbo

I REALLY love this tall screen trend but i too went with the smaller pixel. I have been using the 5" from last year and it is the perfect size phone. I have used bigger phones in the past ( i came from a nexus 6P) but the smaller phones feel right. I wish that this new smaller pixel also had the tall screen but have to wait until next year. I cant go back to such a large phone... The 2 XL is almost the exact same size as the 6P! If google can make next years smaller pixel like the essential phone i think that may be the perfect phone.

I had the S8 with weird 18:9 screen size and I hated it. I much prefer the 16:9 cinematic... They look too tall and lanky which makes the pixel 2 xl unappealing to me on top of the fact that it actually makes it more difficult to hold (the top weight makes it easy to drop). What's funny is everyone getting angry about bezels in the android community but iphone users are getting bezeled phones and no one on iphone seems to care. I personally prefer a smaller one hand phone that can fit in my gym shorts when I run and not pull my pants off! The original XL is a little too big.

mrnathanr said:
I had the S8 with weird 18:9 screen size and I hated it. I much prefer the 16:9 cinematic... They look too tall and lanky which makes the pixel 2 xl unappealing to me on top of the fact that it actually makes it more difficult to hold (the top weight makes it easy to drop).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember that the Samsungs are taller relative to the width because (a) they use a slightly longer format, 18.5:9, and more importantly (b) they fold the sides of the screen down, making the phone narrower than you'd expect for the screen dimensions.
Look at the V30, which has a flat 2:1 display, and compare its proportions with those of the Pixel 2 and you'll find it's a bit shorter relative to its width than the Pixel (though that's harder to do with a smaller phone, since the same physical size of bezel is a larger proportion of the phone's size), and in absolute terms shorter than "conventional" phablets such as the OnePlus 5 or HTC U11 whose displays are the same width. The 2:1 display format doesn't itself have to mean a taller phone.

Large Hadron said:
Remember that the Samsungs are taller relative to the width because (a) they use a slightly longer format, 18.5:9, and more importantly (b) they fold the sides of the screen down, making the phone narrower than you'd expect for the screen dimensions.
Look at the V30, which has a flat 2:1 display, and compare its proportions with those of the Pixel 2 and you'll find it's a bit shorter relative to its width than the Pixel (though that's harder to do with a smaller phone, since the same physical size of bezel is a larger proportion of the phone's size), and in absolute terms shorter than "conventional" phablets such as the OnePlus 5 or HTC U11 whose displays are the same width. The 2:1 display format doesn't itself have to mean a taller phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha - I was under the impression that the Pixel 2 XL would be the same dimensions as the S8s are. THe S8s seem to be copying the old school iPhone Format.

The 2XL is taller than the V30, because it has larger top/bottom bezels with speakers in them. So it's just slightly shorter than the S8+, and a little wider.

I experience everything strain on those phablets. Unwieldy one-handed. Honestly, 5" with those huge bezels is too big but its the only reasonable option out there.

Anyone transition to the Pixel 2 from an s8?

I'm very tempted to grab a Pixel 2 (and sell my s8) with the VZW black friday sale, but I don't know if it is worth it. Before the s8, I had the 6p, and I really miss the pure android experience. Also, the stupid fingerprint reader placement drives me nuts. Was wondering if there was anyone else that has switched over to the pixel from the s8 and what their experiences were? Did you notice the difference in battery life? Camera quality? Day-to-day use?

I like the pixel 2 a lot better than my s8(sold) and the only thing I miss is Sam pay. You won't be sorry for getting the pixel. It's very solid plus 2 year warranty and first dibs on software.
Camera is better and battery is the same if not better on the pixel 2

noXcape said:
I like the pixel 2 a lot better than my s8(sold) and the only thing I miss is Sam pay. You won't be sorry for getting the pixel. It's very solid plus 2 year warranty and first dibs on software.
Camera is better and battery is the same if not better on the pixel 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you lucky in getting a phone that works? Did you have to go through any RMA processes for the screen/call issues? I'm a bit worried of the return process - really the only thing holding me back at this point.

Dubear
I haven't used an S8...but I know what is to have a non-Google android phone.
Honestly from my point of view, the S8 is better in terms of screen size and overall phone width. (This is something I'd liked to have in the Pixel 2). S8 is still a bit tall for my liking.
So you might miss this screen size switching to the Pixel 2.
Now if you had a Google phone before and you miss all that. Then everything else it would be an upgrade and tie to you.
I've personally switched from a 6P and can't be more happy with the Pixel 2. But I always liked phones with less than 70mm of width that are easy to handle with just one hand while walking etc.
Sent from my Pixel 2

I had the S8, couldn't stand the bloat and general lack of responsiveness (my other phone is an iPhone 7).
I sold the S8 and was looking at the OP 5T to replace it but went with the Pixel 2. All I can say is, this phone is the best phone I have used in 2017. The camera is great, the screen is great, I have no issues and everything works.
The screen to body ratio is terrible and it's pretty big for a 5 inch phone, but I can live with all of those.
Every time I pick it up, it's a joy to use and is so fast and responsive.
If something happened to my phone, I would buy another Pixel 2 in a heartbeat. That's how much I love it!

Like above the only thing I miss about the s8 is Samsung Pay. Bluetooth on the samsung seems to work a little better IMO. My car and BT headphones seem fine but other bluetooth gadgets seem a little flakey (golf gizmos etc). I had the P2XL and sent it back. I've enjoyed the size and screen on the P2 more

Don't be fooled by the defects you see in xda. I sure that they are shining brighter because usually ppl don't complain when it's issue free... Every thing is on par with the pixel 2 when it comes to build quality if I compare it to my old s8 and my Moto z2 force that i have.

thesebastian said:
Honestly from my point of view, the S8 is better in terms of screen size and overall phone width. (This is something I'd liked to have in the Pixel 2). S8 is still a bit tall for my liking.
So you might miss this screen size switching to the Pixel 2.
Now if you had a Google phone before and you miss all that. Then everything else it would be an upgrade and tie to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great points! I definitely love the s8 screen and it's going to be weird to adjust back to the deep bezels (I think the transition would have been better if I went from the 6p directly to the p2), but like you said, I miss the pure android experience.

noXcape said:
Don't be fooled by the defects you see in xda. I sure that they are shining brighter because usually ppl don't complain when it's issue free... Every thing is on par with the pixel 2 when it comes to build quality if I compare it to my old s8 and my Moto z2 force that i have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I haven't heard too many p2 complaints vs the 2xl which is a big reason why I decided on the p2. But I was also on the fence because I thought I would notice the difference in screen quality/resolution between the s8 and p2 (1080 vs 1440).

jamgam said:
Like above the only thing I miss about the s8 is Samsung Pay. Bluetooth on the samsung seems to work a little better IMO. My car and BT headphones seem fine but other bluetooth gadgets seem a little flakey (golf gizmos etc). I had the P2XL and sent it back. I've enjoyed the size and screen on the P2 more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you notice the difference in screen quality/resolution from the s8 to the p 2?

dubear said:
Did you notice the difference in screen quality/resolution from the s8 to the p 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is more saturated which I don't mind. I'm not a screen junkie. I miss a little bit of screen real estate. I liked the P2XL screen except for the blue. that was awful. I still have my S8+. It will come down to bluetooth in the next week if I return the P2

Moto X Pure VS Pixel 2 XL

So I finally switched, after more than 2 years with the Moto X Pure. I had the Pixel 2 XL for about a week, here is my comparison.
Speed: No doubt the Pixel is far quicker, snappier, but anyone would have expected that.
Screen: I prefer the display of the Moto. Now you would think the size difference 6 vs 5.7 is huge, but when you play videos it seems like the width of the Moto gives you a bit more of the viewing experience. Theres is not a lot of difference with the quality of the display, the Pixel seemed to have a bit deeper blacks.
Camera: Pixels camera is just great, it almost consistently takes great pix. Love the night shots and the portrait mode. No comparison...
Speakers: I expected the Pixel speakers to be better, but after putting them side by side I found out that the Moto X Pure has speakers that are just a bit louder, just a tiny bit. Theres no audio quality difference
Build: Both phones are built well. Both feel heavy. The Moto X is thicker and the Pixel is lenghtier.
Forgot to mention the battery. The Pixel battery is amazing. I never had a phone last this long.
I think its a perfect upgrade.
Few things that would make the Pixel even better:
1. Additional wide angle lens like on the V30.
2. Minimize the height a bit
3. IP68
4. Chop chop for light

Don't forget about us here in the forums!
As long as you're happy with it, that's what matters. Personally, going from a reasonably attractive phone (like the Pure Edition) to a comparatively ugly phone with an Oled display (like the Pixel 2 XL) would be a bit of a letdown for me. However, if the advancements made in terms of camera and hardware performance are worth it to you, don't let that stand in the way of personal progress.

Since you mentioned the speakers. They were actually a big surprise for me, when I got the X-Style.. The main reason I bought the X-style, was that it was oddly cheap here, when considering some very decent stats.. The fact that it had stereo speakers was just a bonus.. But they are really good.
I was basically shocked the first time I put on the teaser trailer for Agony, and got a good blast of, surprisingly non-tinny, music in my face =)
Overall, with the P2-XL being about 4 times the price of the X-style, I would expect the P2-XL to be better.. But so far I have been very happy with my X-style.. The only thing I can think of, that would improve the X-style, would be an Amoled display.. Like the X-Force has.. But the X-force is an ugly block, with no developer community, So here I am on the X-style board

LCD makes the phone
timmtn said:
The only thing I can think of, that would improve the X-style, would be an Amoled display..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful what you wish for. The Moto X Pure Edition has one of the best displays in the business. A dingy old oled panel would've been a dealbreaker for me. If you want a Pure Edition-like phone with Oled, the Droid Turbo (or possibly the Nexus 6) is it. All of this phone's successors (the Moto Z series) have Oled panels, as do most of its predecessors.

Not a Pixel XL 2 only XL
AmelFl said:
So I finally switched, after more than 2 years with the Moto X Pure. I had the Pixel 2 XL for about a week, here is my comparison.
Speed: No doubt the Pixel is far quicker, snappier, but anyone would have expected that.
Screen: I prefer the display of the Moto. Now you would think the size difference 6 vs 5.7 is huge, but when you play videos it seems like the width of the Moto gives you a bit more of the viewing experience. Theres is not a lot of difference with the quality of the display, the Pixel seemed to have a bit deeper blacks.
Camera: Pixels camera is just great, it almost consistently takes great pix. Love the night shots and the portrait mode. No comparison...
Speakers: I expected the Pixel speakers to be better, but after putting them side by side I found out that the Moto X Pure has speakers that are just a bit louder, just a tiny bit. Theres no audio quality difference
Build: Both phones are built well. Both feel heavy. The Moto X is thicker and the Pixel is lenghtier.
Forgot to mention the battery. The Pixel battery is amazing. I never had a phone last this long.
I think its a perfect upgrade.
Few things that would make the Pixel even better:
1. Additional wide angle lens like on the V30.
2. Minimize the height a bit
3. IP68
4. Chop chop for light
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found that like you that the sound wasnt as good but what i really noticed was the call and cell quality and strength were subpar to the MXPE. My XL is on its way back to google. I just couldnt justify the cost. Meanwhile my MXPE is still fine..

I just got my Pixel 2 XL a few days ago and I'm absolutely loving the Pixel. My Moto X Pure will still likely go down as my favorite device of all time due to it's specs, price, and performance. When it comes to the Pixel 2 XL, don't believe the hype on the screen issues. The screen is fantastic on the XL, the blue shift that people are complaining about is there, but it's waay over exaggerated. All oled screens have some sort of color shift. My buddy has the Samsung S8+ which is supposed to be one of the top rated screens on any phone and it has worse blue shift than the Pixel 2 XL along with an overall red tone to the screen. The curved glass is sooo cool and really makes using the phone a pleasure. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy the curved glass until owning the device. The big thing I was concerned about with going with the Pixel was the lack of an external SD slot, but I'm not really all that concerned about it now. I bought a really nice usb C adapter that holds a micro sd card in it and also has a usb A connection to hook up to a PC. When I do my Titanium/TWRP backups, I just click that in and do my backups. Nice and easy. The speakers on the XL sound pretty good, I notice little to no difference. They are phone speakers after all, but they are stereo, front firing and do their job. The signal strength on the Pixel is unmatched. I'm amazed at how strong the wifi and cell signals are compared to my MXP. The build of the phone is great, and feels like the dollar amount invested. The immediate updates are one of the biggest things I like along with firmware being posted almost immediately from Google. No more hunting down/capturing OTA's or full firmware zips. As much as I enjoyed Moto Display, the Pixels ambient display on 8.1 is top notch, has double tap to wake, and we get a notification light back (which I really missed while using the MXP).
Overall, I'm very happy with the Pixel 2 XL. Lenavo really ruined the MXP and it's unlikely I'll ever go back to them unless they go back to the way Motorola originally set up their phone's update schedules. Right now as I type this I'm wiping my MXP and setting it up as a dedicated music media player for my car to replace my current old LG-G3. My battery is still strong on the MXP and I expect to get several more years of service out of it.