# Bigger and Better In Texas - BBQ, Trucks, and The Pixel 2 XL *By James Hills — Updated June 2018* A few weeks ago, our friends at Chevrolet invited us down to Texas to drive some trucks and eat BBQ. A day later, Verizon asked me if I wanted to check out the Pixel 2 on an upcoming trip. This was a match made in heaven, since even though Chevy always offers their built-in wifi, it's nice to have a great phone connection wherever you go too. Plus, the Pixel 2 XL has one of the best cameras out there so I was excited to check it out. Let's take a look at what we experienced. Generally when I travel for press events, I take a couple different cameras. On my own though, I often just rely on my phone to be "good enough". Right now, that phone is an LG V30 and it's been a fantastic traveling companion since I got it last fall. However, I'd always been curious about the [Pixel 2 XL](https://www.verizonwireless.com/wireless-devices/smartphones/google/) and how it compared. All of the photos in this article were taken with the Pixel 2 XL and are un-retouched (two exceptions noted below) some compression did occur to resize the photos for the web though. ## Pixel 2 XL Specs: - Snapdragon 835 - 4 GB of Ram - 64/128 GB of Storage - 12.2 MP rear and 8 MP front selfie camera - IP67 rated dust and water resistance - 6" P-OLED display at 538 ppi resolution (2,880 x 1,440 p) For those of you who want the non-tech summary - it's a big phone that's fast and has a great screen that is perfect for reviewing and editing photos or getting work done on the road. It is also water and dust resistant, so there's no need to freak out if you drop it in some mud or have it out in the rain. ### Norwegian Encore Is The World's Best Ship For A Guys Getaway Norwegian Encore cruise ship is our top pick for the ultimate guys weekend getaway at sea. 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Similarly, the rest of the camera is VERY quick as well.  Probably the biggest advantage of the Pixel line of products is that it's pure Android. This contributes to both the exceptional speed and stability. Also, because it's direct from Google, you will to get updates first. Unlike Android phones from other manufactures, you don't have to worry about bloatware in it that takes an otherwise awesome piece of software and makes it sluggish or unstable. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. 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This is doubly great since it was on Verizon and the network was fast and reliable - even while rolling down some Texas backroads! ## Unfortunately, the Camera Was a Mixed Bag; Doesn't Handle Shadows Well Frankly, I wasn't that impressed with the camera's ability to cope with shadows, even though it does skin tones perfectly. Additionally, it seemed to lack vibrancy and saturation. However, the colors were probably more realistic vs aesthetically appealing. For instance, Samsung tends to boost saturation on their cameras to make the images more eye catching. In a world where virtually all the phones have cameras that are more than "good enough", I'd rather have the photos be "natural" looking and let me tweak the images to meet my aesthetic preferences. Making BBQ Sauce - edited in Snapseed to bring out detail and vibrancy vs original However, as I found in photo after photo with hard shadows, the detail is actually there. With a few quick adjustments in Snapseed, I was able to almost always bring out both color and detail.  Unlike some phones that now have two (or three - looking at you Huawei P20) lenses, Google has decided to stick with one REALLY GOOD one. Instead of more sensors they take multiple images and the AI then tries to create the best image possible. Frankly, it general does a good job with it too, but not perfect (yet). Personally though, as a photographer I'd rather have underexposed areas that I can easily fix than overexposed areas that I can't. I suspect this is something that will also improve dramatically as the software and AI becomes more advanced. BBQ Pitmaster Holding Brisket - edited in Snapseed ## Overall Thoughts On the Pixel 2 For Travel Photography For anyone looking for a fast and reliable phone with a great camera that has the flexibility of working on a network like Verizon domestically, as well as roaming on International networks, the Pixel 2 XL is a great option.  While it isn't perfect, no phone really is. However we were generally impressed with how it performed and even though I probably still love my LG V30 (which you can also get on Verizon) the Pixel 2 would make a great upgrade for most people. ## More Pixel 2 XL Photos From our Texas BBQ Adventure with Chevy ... Texas BBQ Adventure with Chevy Photo Gallery Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/Mh4mn4qW3QrOhyd-GGp-2Q.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 25 June 2018 Last Updated: 25 June 2018 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? 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