A quick check with Google's online store tells me that the Pixel 2, the smaller of the two new flagship phones, is still hard to get, depending on the model you want. The Verizon option, which includes a SIM card for the wireless carrier, is out of stock entirely. And depending on which variant you want of the unlocked option, you could wait up to three weeks to get yours.
Some models are available right now, though. A Just Black 64GB model will apparently ship out pretty quickly. Even the 128GB model appears to be readily available. That's good news for Google and even better for anyone who might want to buy one of those models.
You're out of luck for now if you want a Clearly White model, though, if you want your phone quickly.
I'm going to take that look at availability and assume that quite a few of you out there managed to pick up a model, and have, hopefully, been able to use it for a bit of time now. And, if you have, I would imagine you've been able to put together some opinions on Google's newest flagship phone.
I've got a few friends who have had their models in hand since launch last month, and they are absolutely in love with their choices. Two of them went with the Pixel 2 and not the larger option, and they are still plenty happy with the devices they'll be using for the foreseeable future. The one remark I've heard at this point is that they wish the Pixel 2 had an OLED display, too. (They are longtime Samsung users, so I can understand this point. I did not point out the complaints with the Pixel 2 XL.)
And that's the only feedback I've received from either owner, which I take as a good thing. There isn't a lot they'd want to change, if anything, and as far as they are concerned Google did a bang-up job.
I've spent some time with the Pixel 2 and I think it's an amazing phone, too. It feels great in the hand, the display is definitely good enough, and it's fast. And smart, in the ways that Google can make that happen. I wish it had the same "panda" color scheme as the Pixel 2 XL, though. I love that option.
One thing I would change, though, are the bezels. Yeah, after using the Galaxy S8, LG V30, and other options, I've come full circle on this particular subject. I wasn't completely on board with the reduction in bezels at first, but I'm very much on that bandwagon now and the Pixel 2's front bezels really stand out.
But that's honestly the only thing I'd change about the Pixel 2. Sure, an OLED panel would be great, but the display in the handset now is good enough. Especially for the price point it sits in. I'm really hoping that next year Google adopts the minimized bezel approach for both of the Pixel variants.
What about you, though? Whether you've gotten a Pixel 2 already or not, what would you change about Google's smaller flagship? Let me know!