Pixel 2 and XL: Google tries to kill the iPhone with two new Androids
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Google has unveiled two brand new phones, just weeks after Apple's big iPhone launch.
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are designed to compete directly with the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, the latter of which is due to come out at the end of this month.
Google's new handsets are shaping up as two of the best Android phones on the market, and consumers may have difficulty choosing between the new Pixels and new iPhones.
Apple just about has the edge on the design front. The Pixels are unique-looking, but can't be described as the prettiest smartphones out there, thanks mainly to their prominent bezels.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus aren't exactly stunning either, but they look slightly slicker than the Pixels. The iPhone X, however, is by far the most attractive of the bunch.
The Pixel XL 2 is definitely superior to the regular model, thanks to its larger, sharper display, but there isn't as marked a difference here as there is between the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and the 8 Plus and X.
The X looks a lot better than the others, and has Apple's highly advanced TrueDepth camera, which the 8 and 8 Plus don't have. It also has a better rear camera than the 8 Plus, which in turn has a better rear camera – and a better screen – than the 8.
Something both Apple and Google are focusing on this year is AR. The Pixel lets you play with augmented reality stickers through the phone's camera, and you can do something very similar with the iPhone 8 and X, thanks to ARKit.
We haven't spent enough time wither either system to pick one over the other, but it will be interesting to see how the battle develops over time.
Both companies have also made huge claims about their phones' camera systems, but we'll only get the chance to compare them when the Pixels and iPhone X actually hit the market.
Where Android usually has the upper hand over iPhone is in the pricing department. However, that's not completely the case this year.
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL start at £629 and £799 respectively, while the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X will cost you a minimum of £699, £799 and £999 respectively.
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