Pixel 2 XL vs. Essential PH-1: Google easily outshines the newcomer

Andy Rubin was once a part of Google and led the development of Android. He eventually parted with the company, but his latest endeavor, the Essential Phone, has pitted him against his old friends. The Essential Phone aims to be the best Android flagship, but Google has something to say about with the Pixel 2 XL.

Essential wants to offer the best, stripped down version of an Android smartphone. Thus when it created the Essential Phone, it was equipped with the bare basics with one major feature: modules that attach to the back. It ended up being a refreshingly different device with a ceramic back and titanium frame and the signature display with the tiny notch at the top. Essential didn’t skimp out on specs either: Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a 13MP camera.

This was a similar path Google took with the Pixel XL, but the Pixel 2 XL is its second and most impressive attempt yet. It has focused on features the previous generation lacked and improved upon everything else. The front bezels are much smaller, it now has a water and dust resistant build and even front-facing speakers were included.

The main differentiator between the two devices comes to the camera. Essential included a dual camera in its flagship, but twice the amount doesn’t add up to quality. The Pixel, on the other hand, had arguably the best shooter from a device last year and its follow up improves upon that with the addition of OIS and new image processing chip.

Essential makes a valiant effort, but the Google Pixel 2 XL is just too refined to ever be bothered by the rookie phone.

Check out the spec sheet down below for a side by side comparison between the Pixel 2XL and Essential Phone.