Reviews |Google Pixel 2 camera adds OIS, Dual Pixel AF

Google Pixel 2 camera adds OIS, Dual Pixel AF

Google Pixel 2 camera adds OIS, Dual Pixel AF
News

Google has announced its new Pixel 2 smartphone, which adds a slew of new advanced features to a phone that was already regarded one of the best on the market. In particular, the Google Pixel 2 camera has received a major upgrade, leading Google to dub it ‘the world’s best smartphone, again.’

Announced alongside the Pixel 2 was the Pixel 2 XL, which is the 6in companion to the 5in Pixel 2. Both the Pixel 2 XL and Google Pixel 2 cameras feature a 12.2-megapixel sensor rear camera with with 1.4um pixels and an 8-megapixel rear camera with with 1.4um pixels.

The Google Pixel 2 camera (and Pixel 2 XL) also boasts an f/1.8 lens on the back and an f/2.7 lens on the front camera.

Video

As for video, both the Google Pixel 2 XL and Pixel 2 rear cameras can record 4K at 30fps, while the front cameras are capable of 1080p at 30fps.

The Google Pixel 2 camera also promises more professional looking video footage, as well, thanks to revamped stabilisation that incorporates both optical and electronic image stabilisation at the same time during capture.

Dual Pixel technology

Interestingly, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL cameras eschew the dual camera design on the rear of the phone and employ a single camera. Which makes it all the more impressive – on paper, at least; we’re eager to test the Google Pixel 2 camera properly – when it comes to the Portrait Mode, or ‘fake bokeh’ effect, that’s now become a must-have feature since the iPhone 7 Plus introduced it last year.

Rather than using pixels from two different sensors like other phones, the Google Pixel 2 camera uses the pixels from different areas of the same sensor to produce the bokeh effect.

New to Portrait Mode? OK, let’s break it down. Phase detection focusing uses pairs of pixels to achieve focus. The Google Pixel 2 camera’s dual pixel phase detection AF system enables the camera to record two different versions of an image. It then blends these together to create that fake bokeh effect.

Other key features

Like the HTC U111, the Google Pixel 2 employs squeezable sides that enable you to launch Google Assistant.

The Google Pixel 2 is also water resistant, and Google says you can transfer content to the phone in less than 10 minutes.

What’s more, when you purchase the Google Pixel 2 you’ll receive unlimited photo and video cloud storage at full resolution for as long as Google exists. And as our new tech overlords, the company probably isn’t going away anytime soon.

Price

The Google Pixel 2 price tag will be £629 / $649. Pre-orders for the phone start now.

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