For some reason, Google did not mention that its new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL phones run a special image processor made by Intel.

The Intel chip was only discovered recently during a tear-down of the handset. Google quickly confirmed that, yes, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL do run image processing units made by Intel.

So why did it keep it a secret at launch? Good question – no one seems to know, though.

The chipset powers what Google refers to as the Pixel Visual Core and the reason Google used Intel is that no other chip-maker had anything close to what was required. Intel, therefore, beat out Qualcomm, Samsung, and NVIDIA in this regard.

And considering Intel’s sloppy record with mobile chips, the company will most likely be considering this a rather big deal.

Google has been getting quite a bit of flack for the Pixel 2 XL’s display. The OLED isn’t quite as good as Samsung’s, so quality isn’t up to standard, and reviewers aren’t happy about this.

Personally, my experience of the Pixel 2 XL has been nothing but positive. Yes, the screen isn’t quite as good as the Galaxy S8/Galaxy Note 8’s setup, but it is still very detailed and natural looking.

One thing everyone agrees on, though, is that the Pixel 2’s camera setup is BADASS.

And Intel’s chip is one of the things that has made this possible, so kudos to Intel for that.
Guess we’ll be seeing more of Intel’s chips in phones moving forwards, as phone makers look to up their respective camera games.