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If Google thinks this is the smartphone to take down the iPhone, it needs some help

Published Sep 29th, 2017 11:34PM EDT
Pixel 2 vs. iPhone X
Image: AP/REX/Shutterstock

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The Pixel 2 phones are not quite here yet, but we already know almost everything there is to know about the new Google handsets. They’re going to have similar specs, including some unexpected surprises, and offer a bunch of novel features, which is only to be expected of any new smartphone.

But the phones aren’t exactly equals when it comes to design, as it was the case with the original Pixels. HTC is making the Pixel 2, while LG is in charge of the Pixel 2 XL. And recent leaks proved that the Pixel 2 is the uglier of the two. In fact, it’s so ugly that it makes the iPhone X’s notch look totally adorable.

I recently said I can’t defend the ugly iPhone X notch. But what bothers me isn’t the phone’s design. It’s the way Apple handles it in software.

Fast-forward to this week’s Pixel 2 leak. Check out this image right here:

Image source: Uber
Image source: SlashLeaks

We’re looking at alleged Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL protective covers that make one thing clear: The Pixel 2 will be hideous compared to the XL version and to every 2017 smartphone that embraces the all-screen design mantra.

For some reason, Google thinks that dual front-facing speakers are features that will be appreciated more than more screen real estate. What year is this? Don’t we already have great sound solutions, including wireless speakers that Google sells? Or wireless headphones that everyone is making — and Google is rumored to launch its own models for the Pixels.

Headphone jack or no headphone jack on the Pixel 2, I’m pretty sure most people would appreciate a bigger screen than dual speakers.

Look at those ugly top and bottom bezels, and then look at the iPhone X:

Image source: Apple

Yes, I often said the Pixel is an iPhone clone. Given that the Pixel 2 looks like last year’s Pixel, it sounds as if I’m saying now the iPhone design that Apple used for the last three years is incredibly ugly. It is, but only because we have an iPhone X to look at.

The Galaxy S8 doesn’t look bad either:

Image source: Zach Epstein, BGR

Let’s check out the Mi Mix 2 from Xiaomi:

Image source: Xiaomi

What about LG’s V30, which will compete directly against the Pixel 2 XL?

Image source: Jacob Siegal/BGR

Compared to the Pixel 2, even the Essential Phone looks great.

Image source: Essential

On top of those unsightly speakers, let’s not forget that the Pixel 2 doubles down on ugly with the glass-and-metal rear shell which isn’t going anywhere.

Smartphone beauty is, of course, completely subjective, and standards change every few years. But the Pixel 2 isn’t even here and it’s already stuck in the past, while everyone else is moving forward. Just look at those screen protectors one more time, and then look at some of this year’s phones that have embraced all-screen designs.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.