If you’ve been hanging on to a Google Pixel 2 for a while, you may be tempted to upgrade. Especially since November marked the end of Android software updates available for the Pixel 2.
Google’s current lineup includes the Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, and the Pixel 4. If you’re looking to upgrade from the 2, you’ll soon find that Google discontinued their Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 series phones. But luckily, you can still find these older pixel models available newish on Swappa — for much less than what they originally were priced.
Which phone should you buy? Swappa keeps your options open. Whether you switch to a Pixel 3 XL or the newest Pixel 5, you’re in for a solid upgrade. Read on further to see the full Pixel 2 comparison.
Pixel Specs
| Pixel 5 | Pixel 4a 5G | Pixel 4a | Pixel 4 | Pixel 3 | Pixel 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6 inches | 6.2 inches | 5.8 inches | 5.7 inches | 5.5 inches | 5 inches |
| Network | 5G | 5G | 4G | 4G | 4G | 4G |
| Display | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) Flexible OLED at 432 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340)OLED at 413 ppi Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) OLED at 443 ppi | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,280)OLED at 444 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,160) OLED at 443 ppi | FHD+ (1080 x 1920) OLED at 441 ppi |
| Battery | 4080 mAh Wireless chargingBattery Share | 3885 mAh | 3140 mAh Fast charging | 2,800 mAh Wireless charging | 2,915 mAh Wireless charging | 2700 mAh Fast charging |
| Water resistance | IP68 | n/a | n/a | IP68 | IP68 | IP67 |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Face unlock | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor |
| Processor | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 | 8-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Rear camera | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP telephoto | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP (ultrawide) | 8 MP |
Learn more about the Pixel 2 in our Pixel 2 Buyer’s Guide. Still stuck on which to buy? Head over to our Google Pixel Roundup 2021 to see how the most popular Pixel phones stack up.
Pixel 2 vs Pixel 5
Google’s latest flagship is the Pixel 5, which is the first Google Pixel device to include 5G connectivity. While 5G might not be available in every area just yet, going with 5G will future-proof your phone. 5G offers higher speeds and lower latency times, allowing for improved gaming, video conferencing, and other advanced features.
The battery in the Pixel 5 is smaller than in many rival devices, with a 4080 mAh capacity. But the phone can still promise about eight hours of screen-on time thanks to Google’s Battery Saver mode. This mode automatically manages apps and activity, claiming to provide up to 48 hours of battery life. Right now, Battery Saver is only available on the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G, but Google says the feature will come to older Pixels in time.
While the Pixel 2 only has one camera in the front and back, the Pixel 5 has two rear cameras — the 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle and the 16 MP ultrawide lens. This extra ultrawide lens makes it easier to get more action in one shot.
Not only does the camera hardware getting an upgrade, but the software does too. Google’s machine learning algorithm delivers Auto-HDR, Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Super Res Zoom — leading to impressive, vivid shots. The Pixel 5’s updated software makes Portrait Mode even more powerful in low light situations and features improved photo editing software.
The Pixel 5 does lack the Motion Sense tech that you’ll find on the Pixel 4 series, so if you were looking forward to trying out those features — maybe go for the Pixel 4 XL instead. And if you’re ready to upgrade to 5G now but want to save some money, opt for the Pixel 4a 5G.
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Pixel 2 vs Pixel 4a
If you want to pay less for the same, modern Pixel feel and a larger display — check out the Pixel 4a.
The Pixel 4a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor brings a more modern CPU and GPU to this affordable phone. And if you’re upgrading from the Pixel 2, you’ll go from 4GB of RAM to 6GB. Not only is the overall performance improved, but so is battery life.
Both the Pixel 4a and 2 have a 12.2 MP dual-pixel rear camera and an 8 MP rear camera. While they look identical on the surface, the Pixel 4a also has support for Google’s astrophotography features. The Pixel 4a’s single-lens camera is 24mm focal length, which will capture a wider shot than the Pixel 2.
Another reason to upgrade to the 4a from the 2 is wireless charging. Upgrading to a Pixel 4a will give you a more refined, mature feeling phone. And yes, it even has a headphone jack.
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Pixel 2 vs Pixel 4XL
If you want to upgrade to a modern, top-notch Pixel without breaking the bank, the Pixel 4 XL is your best bet. Released in 2019, the phone features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor and 6GB of RAM, which still packs a punch in 2020.
The largest display you can get on a Pixel, the 4 XL has a 6.3 inch, full HD, AMOLED screen. The display has a 90Hz refresh rate, making for a buttery smooth experience.
The camera gets an overall refresh if you upgrade to the Pixel 4 XL. Not only do you have the same 12.2 MP dual-pixel camera in the rear, but you’ll also get a 16 MP telephoto lens. This lens seamlessly allows you to take close-up, high-resolution photos.
Both the Pixel 4 and 4 XL introduced Motion Sense, which is the culmination of Google ATAP Labs’ Project Soli research. Motion Sense is a combination of radar hardware and innovative software, bringing the most advanced motion sensing features and gesture recognition ever seen on a consumer device. This creates a bubble of awareness around the Pixel, which allows for touchless gestures and more.
Google Motion Sense starts turning on the face unlock cameras as soon as you get close to your phone, making unlocking even faster than Apple Face ID. The new unlock method makes use of the powerful sensor array crammed into the top bezel to deliver speedy and secure device authentication.
You can’t find these features on the newer Pixels, so the Pixel 4 XL is the most advanced Pixel you can get with this software. All other Pixels have a fingerprint reader instead. In the age of face masks, some might prefer a fingerprint reader. But if you want to check out face unlock — or use Motion Sense to easily swipe between tracks while listening to music — check out the Pixel 4 XL.
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Pixel 2 vs Pixel 4
All the same face unlock and Motion Sense features from Google’s Project Soli are also available on the Pixel 4, but with a smaller screen. If you’re looking to upgrade to a newer Pixel but prefer a more compact phone, the Pixel 4 is for you.
With a 5.7-inch screen, you still enjoy full HD, 6GB of RAM, and a 90Hz refresh rate. You’ll also get the same powerful Snapdragon 855 processor as the Pixel 4 XL. This will give you a boost from the Pixel 2, especially since the Pixel 2 has only 4 GB of RAM — making it harder to multitask.
One thing to keep in mind if you’re switching from the Pixel 2 is that the Pixel 4 doesn’t have a headphone jack. Luckily in 2020, it’s easy to find a cheap pair of bluetooth headphones or a dongle to let you listen to your favorite tunes.
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Pixel 2 vs Pixel 3XL
Like the Pixel 4 XL, the display size is 6.3 inches. So if you’re wanting to upgrade to a larger Pixel phone, but you want to save a bit more money, the Pixel 3 XL is for you.
Both the Pixel 2 and 3 XL have 4 GB of RAM, so you won’t see as much of a difference in multitasking. However, the Pixel 3 XL processor has gotten a boost with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. This helps improve the overall performance of the Pixel 3 XL.
Cameras got an upgrade with the Pixel 3 series, improving the Pixel Visual Core: Google’s custom hardware for image processing. This enables features like Top Shot and Motion Photo, making it easier to snap the perfect shot.
While the Pixel 3 XL doesn’t have a telephoto like the Pixel 4 series, you’ll still get an extra camera if you upgrade to the Pixel 3 XL. This phone comes with the same 12.2 MP camera on the back, and two selfie cams — an 8 MP wide angle and an 8 MP ultrawide. Say goodbye to your selfie stick, because this ultrawide front-facing camera allows you to take group photos with ease.
The Pixel 3 XL has a Gorilla Glass back, which allows for wireless charging. Just another reason why an upgrade to the Pixel 3 XL would feel a bit more modern.
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Pixel 2 vs Pixel 3
The Pixel 3’s AMOLED screen is 5.5 inches, compared to the 2’s 5 inches. That’ll give you a bigger screen without needing to invest in an XL Pixel.
One big plus for upgrading to the Pixel 3 from the 2 is the addition of wireless charging. The processor also gets a facelift from the Pixel 2, with a Snapdragon 835.
Battery life for the Pixel 3 wasn’t it’s strongest selling point. With a 2915 mAh battery, it is larger than the Pixel 2’s 2700 mAh battery. However, with a larger phone and a more powerful processor, you won’t see much of a battery boost when you upgrade from the Pixel 2 to the Pixel 3.
So if you’re looking to upgrade for a better battery, perhaps go for a Pixel 4 instead. Although for most individuals using their phone for basic tasks, without heavy gaming or YouTube video watching, the Pixel 3 battery should work just fine.
The phone also introduced Super Res Zoom, an innovative machine learning camera feature also found on later Pixel models. This feature takes photos in bursts and then merges them together to fill in extra details in your snapshots. The Pixel 3 also brought Night Sight, improving the camera’s ability to take low-light photos. If you like an ultrawide camera, the Pixel 3 features the same 8 MP ultrawide selfie cam you can find on the Pixel 3 XL.
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Price
For most people, whether you should upgrade to the Pixel 3, 4, or 5 will come down to price. Swappa is the best place to find a reliable, gently used Pixel in new, mint, or good condition.
Both the Pixel 3 and 4 were valued at $799 at launch. You can now get the phone on Swappa for a fraction of the price. We’re talking under $350 bucks. Compare Pixel prices below.
| Google Pixel model | Avg price (November 2020) |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel 3 (64GB) | $191 |
| Google Pixel 3 (128GB) | $212 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (64GB) | $221 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (128GB) | $239 |
| Google Pixel 4 (64 GB) | $322 |
| Google Pixel 4 (128 GB) | $392 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (64) | $382 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (128) | $382 |
| Google Pixel 4a (128 GB) | $324 |
| Google Pixel 5 (128 GB) | $660 |
