Vertical Divider

Google and LGD Fix Pixel 2 XL Display
May 28, 2018
 
The Google Pixel 2 XL has been improving with time and newer builds. The principal thing holding the Pixel back was the display. Google and LG, the OLED display supplier, apparently have ironed out the display issues that existed on the early builds. The latest build, dated late January 2018, has a better display: colors* are no longer muted, they're deeper, more vibrant than the build November build. In short, it now feels like the high-quality OLED display that Google should have had at the beginning. 
And the blue tint (as seen from an angle) isn't an issue now. Other improvements include:

• Android on Pixel -- better than iOS: Until Google's Pixel phones, Android didn't have the fit and finish of the iPhone/iOS. But Android married with the Pixel 2 XL is so fluid and fast some prefer it now to the iPhone X.
• Camera -- vs. iPhone X: no need to rehash this. Suffice to say, the Pixel 2 XL's still camera is a little better than the iPhone X's (though it lacks the iPhone X's 2X optical zoom lens). Apple has a leg up on video (e.g., more robust optical image stabilization). But overall there's nothing new after eight months that hasn't already been covered in numerous reviews, i.e., there is pretty much parity between the two phones.
• Size -- big but not too big: The 6-inch Pixel 2 XL is Google's largest phone. Compared to the 5.8-inch iPhone X, the XL's display is taller and wider. The upshot is, some prefer the XL to the X because of the bigger screen combined with its buttery-smooth operation. Also note that the bezels are small (unlike the 5-inch Pixel 2). 
• Biometric ID (face and fingerprint ID): The rear fingerprint reader works well. Compared to the iPhone X's Face ID, the XL is faster and it can ID from any position, i.e., the phone does not need to be brought up to the face. The iPhone X is Apple's first attempt at facial recognition. 
• AI:This isn't breaking news but Google Assistant on the Pixel is superior to Apple's Siri. Google has invested more resources in AI (and for a longer time) than Apple and it shows.
• Overall/wrap-up:  The Pixel 2 XL's display improvement rounds out and completes the XL, turning it into the best smartphone I've used to date: aesthetically pleasing, fast, easy-in-the-hand, and the ultimate phone for running Android.

 
Apple also has an amazing phone but starting at $999 with 64GB, it is about $100 too much. On the other hand, the Pixel 2 XL with 64GB and a considerably larger 6-inch OLED display (both taller and wider than the 5.8-inch on the X) starts at $849.
Other upsides: the Pixel is the best pure Android experience, the XL is incredibly fast (zero lag), has a gorgeous display (on the later builds), a camera that's the iPhone X's equal, and feels great for a big phone in the hand.
----
*The display itself is better, irrespective of software tweaks such as the "saturated" switch in the advanced settings.