Pixel 2 vs. Pixel: Does a year make a big difference?

The successor to the Pixel is here with the Pixel 2. Google’s second iteration of its smaller flagship improves upon everything the Pixel did right, and then some.

Last year, Google surprised everyone when it unleashed the Pixel, the perfect vision of Android for both hardware and software. The first generation Pixel was quite impressive specs-wise, but for design, Google played it safe.

The exterior donned the normal premium materials—glass, aluminum and more glass—but it didn’t offer anything new. The feature that set the Pixel apart was its class leading 12.3MP camera. It was arguably the best smartphone camera of 2017.

A year later and the Pixel 2 is ready to carry the mantle. Google improved upon every gripe we had with the original Pixel, including the design. The bezels are still gigantic—it’s very disappointing the Pixel 2 XL’s display design didn’t make it’s way to the smaller version—but at least now you get dual stereo speakers. Overall, the look of the Pixel 2 is still very reminiscent from last year’s model, but its been slightly refined to something more appealing.

Getting to the specs, Google made some key additions that will go a long way. The Snapdragon 835 processor and IP67 water and dust resistance make sure the Pixel 2 is fast and durable. It still retains the same 12.3MP camera, but Google made some major improvements with a new imaging chip that is sure to provide some top-notch photos.

The Pixel 2 made big strides that make it an appealing phone, but the Pixel more than holds its own.

Check out the gallery and spec sheets to compare the Pixel 2 and Pixel.