My Pixel 2 arrived today (american version, regular size - I didn't want to bother with the screen issues on the XL). My Spark SIM wouldn't work so I had to move over to 2degrees. The person at Spark said it was because the Pixel 2 wasn't compatible with Spark's 4G LTE networks. I looked it up beforehand but I guess I misunderstood the specs somehow. All the mobile providers have the exact same plans anyways so it's not like it makes a difference which one I'm using, though, haha.

Anyways, it's a great phone! Super fast, the google assistant is great (I love that you give your phone a little hug to bring up the assistant), and the camera is incredible. Just be aware it won't work with Spark if you're dug deep in their plans already.

any case/screen protector recommendations?

I have an otterbox that should be here this week. I'll post pics and let y'all know! I've been using them for ages., They make things a bit bulky/ugly, but it's worth it, I think.

With the pixel 2 v. pixel 2 XL, I've used both htc and lg phones, and find that htc consistently have better build quality. If I wasn't so impatient, I'd probably have waited for the htc u11+ (which was supposed to be the original pixel 2 XL before google decided to diversify). Even though the screen issues are pretty much resolved, I think it might reflect poorly on the overall components (if they use a blue-shifted screen because it's cheaper, what other components are cheaper? What happens when there's an issue that can't be fixed with software? That line of thinking.) I'm not the type to upgrade my phone ever year or two, so something that will last a long time is important to me, especially when buying something without a NZ-specific warranty.

booyah:any case/screen protector recommendations?

I got this today....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075Q96XFH/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also have ordered....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075RR9S4C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074FGT6P9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A warning about buying on-line:-

I bought a couple of "Fast charge cables" for my Pixel 2 XL because my research and experience told me that fast charging does not work with just any old cables.

The ones I ordered via Amazon specified that they did work on the Pixel 2 XL but it was not until after 10 emails to and from the supplier that they replied

"After I ask our technical staff, he said that the Pixel 2 need a 5V 3A current if you want to quick charge. So for the inconvenience, we can give you a full refund. It's that ok for you?"

I said that I would prefer cables that did work but they said they do not have any (Type A to Type C)

They are available - I have 2 already (from a different supplier)

Holding on for a New Zealand supplier....... It's time to update and there are so many good options but I've settled on the Pixel 2 XL.

Or I could go to Aus for the day :)

See https://www.dicksmith.co.nz/dn/buy/google-pixel-2-xl-64gb-just-black-google/

robfish:

 

See https://www.dicksmith.co.nz/dn/buy/google-pixel-2-xl-64gb-just-black-google/

 

Thanks.  Yeah, I've seen comments throughout the thread but here seems to be a level of confusion/uncertainty about GST etc.  Or is it just on the user's part I wonder :)

While it's nice to have the Dick Smith option, it's still not ideal to me:

• Parallel import seems it's coming from whichever country you get on the day, and you'll get whatever country charger it turns up with. As noted above, there's been a few hassles sorting out compatible fast charging via USB-C power delivery. Would be nice to get the Australian ones with the compatible charger.
  
  
• No brick and mortar store with a display model anywhere, especially considering the early controversy around the screen. I'd really like to be able to go and look at one in person before I decide to drop that much cash.
  
  
• Uncertainty around shipping times due to the toll as noted above. Having no actual NZ stock is a pain, especially if you need to claim warranty (LG doesn't have the best reputation for reliability) and are left without a device for indeterminate amounts of time. 

If PB Tech pick them up like I've heard they're trying to, might at least alleviate one of those concerns. Still on the fence about whether I should grab one through Dick Smith now or not. 

toxicbubble:

 

While it's nice to have the Dick Smith option, it's still not ideal to me:

 

• Parallel import seems it's coming from whichever country you get on the day, and you'll get whatever country charger it turns up with. As noted above, there's been a few hassles sorting out compatible fast charging via USB-C power delivery. Would be nice to get the Australian ones with the compatible charger.
  
  
• No brick and mortar store with a display model anywhere, especially considering the early controversy around the screen. I'd really like to be able to go and look at one in person before I decide to drop that much cash.
  
  
• Uncertainty around shipping times due to the toll as noted above. Having no actual NZ stock is a pain, especially if you need to claim warranty (LG doesn't have the best reputation for reliability) and are left without a device for indeterminate amounts of time. 

If PB Tech pick them up like I've heard they're trying to, might at least alleviate one of those concerns. Still on the fence about whether I should grab one through Dick Smith now or not. 

 

@toxicbubble - your thoughts are very similar to mine :)

I'd love to see one first (it's a chunk of change!) and I still don't really consider the Disk Smith route to be local...... I tweeted PB Tech a couple of weeks ago and (supposedly) it wasn't that they couldn't get stock but that they were waiting for the screen issues to settle down - fair enough.  C'mon PB Tech! ;)