Google’s weapon to compete with the most anticipated iPhone X is the Pixel 2.

It is not the most improved smartphone we have seen but it has got some magic in its cameras. The Google Pixel 2 proves that two rear cameras aren’t always better than one on a phone, especially if you favor photo quality over the latest all-screen designs.

It’s Google’s superior stock on Android software that pushes this Android Oreo phone to snap the best-looking pictures seen on any smartphone, beating the camera on last year’s Pixel and Pixel XL debut.

Furthermore, this year’s model is faster, water-resistant and adds a new way to call up the Google Assistant: simply squeeze the phone’s sides to launch your new AI helper. It sounds weird, but trust me it’s easier than accidentally hitting another (Bixby) button.

The Pixel 2, with its 5-inch screen, doesn’t look like the future of smartphones, except for its lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack – you’re going to want a pair of our Bluetooth headphones for this one.

Unlike the Pixel 2 XL, which has an edge-to-edge 6-inch display and tall 18:9 aspect ratio, the Pixel 2 is bezel-heavy but it has more vibrant colors and no signs of screen burn-in problems like Pixel 2 XL.

Depending on how the XL screen performs in the long run, the Pixel 2 may actually be a better option. The bezels won’t be a problem for you if you want a phone that’s a great size, runs smart software and has a fantastic camera that will make your friends – especially your iPhone-owning friends – jealous. The Pixel 2 is for people who favor functionality over fashion.

The Google Pixel 2 price didn’t increase year-over-year, so like its dated design, it isn’t keeping up with the competition. It costs $649 for the 64GB version and $749 for the 128GB configuration.

The price isn’t the cheapest but in the age of $1,200 phone, it’s still a better choice. The phone is sold on-contract through Verizon only among carriers, but buying directly from the Google Store will mean it works on all networks, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint.

If you are the person who happens to take a lot of pictures on your smartphone, prefer stock android over heavily customized Android, prefer more screen space and doesn’t need a headphone jack for music, then the Pixel 2 is the go-to phone for you.