This Christmas I was given the gift of the Google Pixel 2. An email landed in my inbox, asking if I'd like to participate in the Pixel holiday campaign and I did not hesitate to say yes, as I've become increasingly dissatisfied as an iPhone user. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to see if I could cross over because I've been feeling disgusted tied to a singular brand, and one that has admitted to slowing down its iOS, which pressures their consumers to purchase more. I've been a long time Apple & iPhone user but as their products continue to sky rocket in price while the quality of their devices plummets, I've found myself ready for something new.

I had no idea what to expect from the Google Pixel 2 aside from the superior camera I kept reading about. Because my work is heavily focused on photography and video, the quality of the camera was my biggest concern. With a 12-megapixel f/1.8 unit I was curious as to what kind of images I'd be able to capture. There was only one place to try this baby out so I headed to The Broad Museum to see the Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors exhibit before it closed on January 1. As this exhibit was sold-out before it event opened to the public, I had to utilize my plug for a private escort into the show, and for that I am eternally grateful. Yayoi was not to be missed and it felt wild using a new phone to capture my experience.

My foray into the world of Google smartphones was both equal parts illuminating and frustrating. With my smartphone camera, I was able to capture high quality images with incredible sharpness and detail. Interesting Photo Sphere and panorama features not only impressed me but had all my friends playing with the device as well–and my friends are not easy to impress. There was a quality in color and image I hadn't experienced on my iPhone, I felt the Pixel pulling me in. As soon as I was about to get really intimate with my new phone it started to let me down, much like a third date with someone you were initially hyped on, only to feel deflated by their many revealed flaws. I wanted to send photos via Bluetooth to my computer & other phone for review. I cannot tell you how many times I attempted this, to no avail, before I gave up entirely. I looked online for solutions and tried them, read message boards, all that. From my research I learned I wasn't the only person with Bluetooth problems; it seems to be common in the Pixel 2 and as someone who relies on that feature a lot, I was really turned off. I then tried to email the photos to myself, which at first also didn't work. Again, I had to reset my settings, then only to be met with the biggest lag in email service I ever experienced. For a new phone just out the wrapper, I shouldn't have to be Googling troubleshooting tips. It was unacceptable.

I am still going to continue playing with my Pixel 2 but will begrudgingly remain an iPhone user. The Pixel 2 is now my on-the-go camera, while I use my other smartphone for emails, calls, everything else. I wanted to cross over, but if a new phone hands me that many hiccups off top, I cannot commit nor could I recommend you do the same. All of these bugs makes it feel like the Pixel 2 was rushed. Pixel 3? Just maybe. They're on to something and I'm curious. Until then, I'll be walking around with two phones because neither one of them works how I'd like them to.

Location

The Broad
221 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012