The Google Pixel 2 XL revolutionized how we think about smartphone photography. I still remember the first time I saw a portrait image from the Pixel 2 XL. A friend of mine had one on launch, and Google’s computational photography blew me away. Before the Pixel 2 XL, smartphone cameras seemed like an afterthought, which was added as a convenience to take a photo in a pinch.
However, the Pixel 2 XL isn’t memorable only for its camera. The phone is a favorite among Pixel fans for its unique design and stock Android experience. It holds a special place in my heart, and I jumped at the chance to put my SIM back in and see how my panda dual-tone Pixel XL 2 is holding up. I used a Pixel 2 XL in 2025; here’s what happened.
Better performance than I expected
Everything worked well
I didn’t know what to expect from the Pixel 2 XL’s Snapdragon 835 chipset. I’ve had luck recently with the Snapdragon 845 in my Samsung Galaxy Note 9, but every older phone differs. Thankfully, the Pixel 2 XL performed significantly better than the Google Pixel XL I had just spent time with. Navigating through the UI was surprisingly snappy, and I didn’t experience noticeable slowdown or lag using apps like Instagram and Slack. I didn’t ask my Pixel 2 XL to do anything unreasonable for a device of its age, and you’re fooling yourself if you think it can handle intense gaming or photo editing, but for daily use, the Pixel 2 XL is pleasant.
Although its camera system is not as versatile as those on current midrange phones, the Pixel 2 XL can get the job done in good lighting.
I didn’t notice the same problems I had with my Pixel XL aggressively closing apps for RAM management, despite the Pixel 2 XL also being limited to 4GB. Perhaps the faster Snapdragon 835 made it less apparent, but I found the Pixel 2 XL much more usable. Of course, you’ll see a performance gap to today’s flagship devices, but it’s not as drastic as expected. Scrolling Instagram felt just as good on my Pixel 2 XL as on my Pixel 9 Pro XL, and WhatsApp messages went out just as quickly. We grossly overestimate the power we need in smartphones for daily tasks, and using a Pixel 2 XL in 2025 proves this.
Modern features on an old phone
Out of support doesn’t mean useless
The Pixel 2 XL stopped receiving software updates in 2020, but that doesn’t mean the phone is stuck in the past. Sure, it’s only running Android 11, but individual apps can be updated. When it was new, I never used the squeeze feature on the Pixel 2 XL, but I enjoyed gripping my phone to pull up the Gemini voice assistant. I could also have full conversations with Gemini Live, an unexpected touch of AI on ancient hardware.
I didn’t have the same app compatibility issues I had with the Pixel XL running Android 10. I’m sure more apps will eventually lose support, but for now, all the apps I needed to survive downloaded and worked well. It was refreshing to return and enjoy a relatively stock Android experience. I’m excited about the changes coming with Material 3 Expressive, but stock Android appeals to me. Different doesn’t always mean better; the Pixel 2 XL is an example.
Although its camera system is not as versatile as those on current midrange phones, the Pixel 2 XL can get the job done in good lighting. Its 12.2MP camera produces decent images, and I like that they don’t have the overprocessing we get with today’s Pixel phones. The Pixel 2 XL’s display also holds up. It’s a gorgeous 6-inch OLED panel with vibrant colors. It reminds me why I grew frustrated with Pixel screens, because I know they used to be excellent, and it wasn’t until the Super Actua panels that Google returned to that.
It’s not all wonderful
You’ll notice you’ve been using a phone from 2017
Of course, not everything has held up well on the Google Pixel 2 XL. Its 3,500mAh battery shows signs of aging, and while your mileage may vary depending on the health of your cell, I struggled to get 4 hours of screen time. I actually expected a lot of work, and I noticed the camera app seemed to cause the battery percentage to melt away, but for the most part, light mixed use didn’t pose a problem, and standby drain was manageable.
Even though daily tasks were fine, you’ll feel you’re using an older chipset. The Snapdragon 835 is limited, and more intensive apps will slow the Pixel 2 XL down, but that’s to be expected. While I don’t think people will actively hack into your Pixel 2 XL, you are more likely to be affected by new vulnerabilities, as the phone will no longer be patched. As long as apps are supported, you should be secure, but many might not want to take that chance with sensitive banking information.
A fun trip down memory lane
I don’t recommend people throw away their smartphone and dig through eBay for a good deal on a Pixel 2 XL, especially not with the excellent midrange options available. Still, if you have one lying around or are nostalgic for the devices of yesteryear, the Pixel 2 XL is more usable than you think. It demonstrates to me how much we overestimate the power we need in our smartphones, and it’s yet another example that extended software support is valuable.
