With a great camera and software experience, the Google Pixel 2 XL is an excellent phone. But with November 2020 marking the end of Android software updates for the phone, you may be tempted to upgrade. Especially when there are so many cheap Pixels available on Swappa.
Google discontinued the sale of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 series phones, but you can still get them (for less) on Swappa. Or if you’re looking for an even newer phone, Google’s current lineup includes the 5G-capable Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G, and the budget-friendly Pixel 4a.
Not only can Swappa help you save money on your Pixel upgrade, but we’ve compared every Pixel device — so you can decide which phone to buy. Whether you’re looking for the latest and greatest, or just for the best value phone, read on further for the full Pixel 2 XL comparison.
Pixel Specs
| Pixel 5 | Pixel 4a 5G | Pixel 4a | Pixel 4 XL | Pixel 3 XL | Pixel 2 XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6 inches | 6.2 inches | 5.8 inches | 6.3 inches | 6.3 inches | 6 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 charging Battery Share | 3885 mAh | 3140 mAh Fast charging | 3700 mAh Wireless charging | 3430 mAh Wireless charging | 3520 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 2XL in our Pixel 2 XL 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 XL vs Pixel 5
The Pixel 5 is the first Google Pixel flagship to feature 5G connectivity. Whether or not 5G is available in your area just yet, upgrading to a 5G device will future-proof your phone. With higher speeds and lower latency times, 5G connectivity improves gaming, video conferencing, and other advanced features.
While the battery in the Pixel 5 may be smaller (4080 mAh) than other current flagships, the phone can still promise about eight hours of screen on time. This is thanks to Google’s new Battery Saver mode, which automatically manages apps and activity to save battery life. This mode is currently only available on the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G, but Google says they’ll bring the feature to older Pixels in time.
Unlike the Pixel 2 XL, the Pixel 5 has two rear cameras: the 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle and the 16 MP ultrawide lens. This additional ultra-wide allows you to get more action in each shot.
Not only does switching to the Pixel 5 give you an extra camera, but the camera software gets an upgrade too. With Auto-HDR, Night Sight, and Super Res Zoom, Google’s machine learning algorithm leads to impressive, vivid shots. The Pixel 5 also offers an improved Portrait Mode and much better low light capabilities.
If you’re coming from the Pixel 2 XL, you’ll get the same size display (6 inches) with the Pixel 5. With more RAM, a better battery and processor, and software updates guaranteed until October 2023 — the Pixel 5 packs a lot of new features for the price. Get it on Swappa, starting at $540. And remember to sell your old Pixel 2 XL first so you can fund your upgrade.
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Pixel 2 XL vs Pixel 4a 5G
If you’re ready to upgrade to 5G now, but you want to save a bit more money, you might consider going for the Pixel 4a 5G instead of the Pixel 5.
With a lot of the same features as the latest and greatest, the Pixel 4a 5G won’t disappoint. Not only will you get 5G connectivity, but also an improved 3885 mAh battery, 6 GB of RAM (compared to the Pixel 2 XL’s 4 GB), and a better Snapdragon 765G Processor. All of these specs lead to a boost in performance, making it easier to multitask, watch videos, and play games on the Pixel 4a 5G.
While the MSRP of the Pixel 4a 5G is $459, you can get it for as low as $410 on Swappa.
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Pixel 2 XL vs Pixel 4a
If you want to pay less for the same, modern Pixel feel and a larger display, you might want to check out the Pixel 4a.
If you’re upgrading from the Pixel 2 XL, the Pixel 4a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor brings a more modern CPU and GPU while still keeping the phone affordable. You’ll also go from the Pixel 2 XL’s 4 GB of RAM to the Pixel 4a’s 6 GB. Not only does the Pixel 4a offer improved performance, but also battery life.
Both the Pixel 2 XL and the Pixel 4a come with two cameras: the 12.2 MP dual-pixel rear camera and an 8 MP rear camera. This looks identical on the surface, but the Pixel 4a’s single-lens camera can capture a wider shot than the Pixel 2 XL, with 24mm focal length. The Pixel 4a’s camera also supports Google’s astrophotography features.
Not only will upgrading to the Pixel 4a give you a more modern looking phone, but it also has a headphone jack and wireless charging. Get it on Swappa, starting at $270.
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Pixel 2 XL vs Pixel 4 XL
The Pixel 4 XL is your best bet for a premium Pixel that won’t break the bank. Not only is it cheaper, the Pixel 4 XL offers a lot of features you can’t find in the latest Pixel lineup. And if you’re coming from the Pixel 2 XL and prefer big phones, the Pixel 4 XL has a larger screen than the Pixel 5 or 4a 5G.
At 6.3 inches, the Pixel 4 XL screen is full HD, AMOLED, and has a 90Hz refresh rate. This buttery smooth display is one of the best you can get on a Pixel today. Released in 2019, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor and 6GB of RAM, still packing a punch in 2020.
Coming from the Pixel 2 XL, the camera gets an overall refresh with the Pixel 4 XL. In addition to the same 12.2 MP dual-pixel camera on the rear, the Pixel 4 XL also comes with a 16 MP telephoto lens. This feature allows you to take high resolution, zoomed-in shots.
One of the biggest perks you can get with this phone that’s not found in the Pixel 5 is Motion Sense. Built on Google’s Project Soli, Motion Sense technology combines radar hardware and innovative software to deliver advanced gesture recognition. This creates a bubble of awareness around the phone, allowing 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 XL vs Pixel 4
If you’d rather go for a smaller screen with your next Pixel, the Pixel 4 offers a lot of the same features as the Pixel 4 XL. At 5.7 inches, the Pixel 4 display is still full HD, AMOLED, and features a 90Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 4 also has the same powerful Snapdragon 855 processor and 6 GB of RAM. This will give you the same boost in performance, and make it easier to multitask on your phone.
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 switching from the Pixel 2 XL, One thing to keep in mind is that the Pixel 4 doesn’t have a headphone jack. Luckily, it’s easy to find a cheap pair of Bluetooth headphones or a dongle to let you listen to your favorite tunes in 2021.
Get the Pixel 4 on Swappa, starting at $245.
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Pixel 2 XL vs Pixel 3 XL
Just like the Pixel 4 XL, the Pixel 3 XL is another larger Pixel (6.3-inch display) with a great camera. But if you want to save a bit more money, the Pixel 3 XL might be for you. For less, the phone still offers a decent upgrade from your Pixel 2 XL and another year of Android software updates.
While the phone still has 4 GB of RAM, the Pixel 3 XL does have an improved processor with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. This gives the performance and overall boost compared to the Pixel 2 XL.
The Pixel 3 series also saw an upgrade to the Pixel camera, improving the Pixel Visual Core: Google’s custom hardware for image processing. This enabled features like Motion Photo and Top Shot, so you can snap the perfect shot.
Instead of the Pixel 4 series’ telephoto lens, the Pixel 3 XL has an extra ultrawide selfie camera. That means you’ll still get an extra camera lens if you upgrade to the Pixel 3 XL. And with an ultra-wide front facing camera, you can say goodbye to your selfie stick and take group photos with ease.
With a Gorilla Glass back, the Pixel 3 XL also allows for wireless charging, making the phone feel more modern. Get it on Swappa, starting at $138.
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Pixel 2 XL vs Pixel 3
With a 5.5-inch screen, upgrading to the Pixel 3 will get you a great camera and improved performance in a compact phone. One big reason why you’d upgrade from the Pixel 2 XL is for the wireless charging, and if you prefer a smaller phone.
The Pixel 3 series 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 want an ultrawide camera, the Pixel 3 features the same 8 MP ultrawide selfie cam you can find on the Pixel 3 XL.
Battery life for the Pixel 3 wasn’t it’s strongest selling point. 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.
With software updates until October 2021, it might be worth going for the more affordable Pixel 3. Especially since you can always sell your phone and fund your upgrade with Swappa. Right now, you can get the Pixel 3 for as low as $119. That’s pretty cheap considering all of the value you get with this phone.
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Price
For most people, which Pixel you should upgrade 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 $300 bucks. As for the XL models, both the Pixel 3 XL and 4 XL started at $899 when they launched. You can now find these phones for over 70% less on Swappa in 2021. Compare Pixel prices below.
| Google Pixel model | Avg price (December 2020) |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel 3 (64GB) | $162 |
| Google Pixel 3 (128GB) | $198 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (64GB) | $193 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL (128GB) | $233 |
| Google Pixel 4 (64 GB) | $299 |
| Google Pixel 4 (128 GB) | $359 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (64) | $372 |
| Google Pixel 4 XL (128) | $372 |
| Google Pixel 4a (128 GB) | $297 |
| Google Pixel 5 (128 GB) | $612 |
