In April 2026, the short answer is as your primary smartphone . While it was a groundbreaking device at its launch in 2017, it is now nearly nine years old and significantly outdated for modern use. Why You Should Skip the Pixel 2 in 2026
If you are looking for a budget-friendly Google experience in 2026, consider these alternatives:
With only 4GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 835 processor, the device will struggle with 2026's resource-heavy social media apps and web browsing. Is There Any Reason to Still Own One? should i buy a google pixel 2
It can still identify music playing in the background on your lock screen without an internet connection.
The Pixel 2 reached its official "end-of-life" in October 2020 . It has not received a security patch or Android version update in over five years, leaving it highly vulnerable to modern malware and hacking. In April 2026, the short answer is as
Many essential apps, including banking, airline, and even some Google services like Sheets, no longer function properly on its final OS (Android 11). Hardware Degradation:
For tech-savvy users, the device is still supported by community software like LineageOS, which can bring newer versions of Android to the old hardware. What Should You Buy Instead? Is There Any Reason to Still Own One
After nearly a decade, most original Pixel 2 batteries will be severely degraded, offering only a few hours—or even minutes—of use.