Google unveiled its latest Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones last night and while there are some features we like there are also some we find questionable.

Let’s start at the front and work our way around the new handsets.

The Pixel 2 sports a 5inch AMOLED display while the 2 XL will use a 6inch P-OLED display.

As for what’s under the hood both the Pixel 2 and 2 XL are using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4GB of RAM. Sadly users will have to make do with either 64GB or 128GB of storage as Google does not include a microSD card with its handset.

That having been said, Google is giving owners free unlimited cloud storage for original quality photos until 2020 which is awful nice of them.

The handsets both feature a rear mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type C interface port and no 3.5mm jack. Seems as if Google got some of that Apple “courage”.

Unlike Apple, LG, Samsung and Huawei, Google has opted for a single-lens camera set up. The 12.3MP sensor with a f/1.8 aperture sounds great on paper and Google touts it as the “highest rated smartphone camera” so we’re hopeful that it’s as good as the firm says it is.

Google is also introducing a new feature where users can squeeze the sides of the Pixel 2 to open the Assistant where you can then launch additional apps. The Pixel 2 also supports Google Lens which allows you to snap a photo of your surroundings and get information from Google.

As for battery the Pixel 2 houses a 2 700mAh battery while the larger XL 2 has a 3 520mAh battery.

Now for pricing and availability.

The Pixel 2 will start at $649 while the 2 XL starts at $849. The handsets land in the US on 19th October. South Africans, should probably not hold their breath at the prospect of seeing these handsets in stores.

Outside of grey imports we’ve never seen Google’s devices readily available locally but that could change and if it does we’ll be sure to let you know.