It’s been a year since Google’s first handsets Pixel and Pixel XL released and the hype is still alive. Manufactured by HTC, they both are great devices featuring great build quality, terrific cameras, and stock Android software. They also showed us the true capabilities of Google Assistant and what Google can achieve by having control over hardware and software.
In the recent months, Google has been rumored to launch the upcoming Pixel 2 lineup, which will also feature Pixel 2 XL. It was initially rumored that Google would release two Pixel devices this year. The smaller of the two is codenamed Walleye, while the XL variant goes under the Muskie moniker. Then, again came the reports that the company is also working on a third device, dubbed Taimen, which is expected to be even larger than the Pixel XL. However, according to rumors, it now looks like the tech giant will in fact only release two smartphones this year. Google has decided to cancel the Muskie variant. This means, only Walleye and Taimen will be announced, with the Walleye being the successor to the Pixel, while the Taimen will be a larger version of the Pixel XL.
These upcoming flagships phones – Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are among the most awaited phones this year. Ahead of its release, many rumors have started ramping up about the devices. So here we are going to discuss what features of Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are to be expected, release date, price, specifications, design, etc, to give you a better idea of what to expect from the upcoming Pixel series.
Google recently released a teaser video which shows some interesting google searches regarding smartphones. These staged searches likely hint at some of the upcoming features and improvements we can expect from the new Pixel devices. Those questions are:
- What’s wrong with my phone’s battery?
- Why is my phone always out of storage?
- Why does my phone take so many blurry photos?
- Why doesn’t my phone understand me?
- Why can’t my phone update itself?
- Why is my smartphone so slow.. hot.. fragile.. annoying… broken… cruel… impersonal… dumb??
Who will make the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL?
The first rumors claimed that Google has teamed up with HTC for manufacturing the upcoming Pixel generation. New rumors have popped up suggesting that the company will actually be working with LG, at least for the larger of the two devices. This means that the most likely scenario at this point is that the Pixel 2 will be made by HTC, while its larger variant will be manufactured by LG.
Specifications
Just like their predecessors, Walleye (Pixel 2) and Taimen (Pixel XL 2) will offer high-end specs.
Processor
There has been speculated that Google would be using a Qualcomm processor known as the Snapdragon 836. Lately, though, there has been some doubt as to whether the 836 is a real processor. According to a recent FCC listing, the devices will be powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset and not the Snapdragon 836, as noted leaker ‘Evan Blass’ claims.
Google's second-generation Pixel handsets, powered by Snapdragon 836 SoC's, will be unveiled on October 5th.
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) August 24, 2017
Display
In June, XDA Developers claimed to have obtained details about specifications for both of the upcoming Pixel phones. For Pixel 2, XDA mentions a 5-inch, 1080p display in a chassis that is very similar to the previous model. However, the latest rumors suggest that the Pixel 2 is expected to sport a 4.97-inch display with Full HD resolution.
The Pixel XL 2 is expected to sport one of LG’s OLED panels, measuring 6 inches in size, with a 1,440p resolution.
According to XDA-Developers, the Pixel XL 2 (and presumably the regular Pixel 2 as well) might come with an ‘Always On’ Ambient Display mode.
Memory
It’s rumored that Pixel 2 comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage space, keeping in line with earlier expectations. The Pixel XL 2 will have 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage space.
OS
According to a recent FCC listing, Pixel 2 will run Android 8.0.1 Oreo and come with an “Active Edge” feature. This means you will be able to perform various tasks such as opening a certain app just by squeezing the sides of the smartphone.
The Pixel XL 2 will also ship with Android Oreo on board.
Camera
Both variants are said to include a single-lens, dual-flash rear camera. Rumours suggest that the Pixel 2 won’t have a dual-camera setup on the back.
More Features:
Reports suggest Google will ditch its predecessor’s 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of stereo speakers. It is rumored that both Pixel devices will rely on the USB Type-C port for audio streaming through earphones.
- Water and Dust Resistant
The Pixel XL 2 is also rumored to be water and dust resistant. It is expected to be either IP67 or IP68 rated, meaning it will survive being submerged in 1 to 1.5 meters of water for a period of 30 minutes (The current Pixel generation is only IP53 rated). For comparison, the iPhone 8 is IP67 certified, while Samsung Galaxy S8 is IP68 certified.
- Google will likely improve its virtual assistant, Google Assistant, ready for its latest hardware. The talkative artificial assistant was first introduced with the original Pixel and Pixel XL.
- Google Lens will likely be the key feature introduced with the release of Pixel 2. Google Lens uses Google’s machine learning algorithms to provide a detailed analysis of images in real time. It may come integrated with Google Assistant and Google Photos app.
Release Date and Price:
To tease the Google Pixel 2 launch, Google has shared a new teaser web page. It hints that the dissatisfied phone users should wait for October 4, which is, of course, Google Pixel 2 release date.
There may be a price increase for the flagship Pixel 2. According to sources, Google is expecting “at least” a $50 price jump for the device. According to a leak from Droid Life, the Pixel 2 (64GB) will be priced at $649, while Pixel 2 (128GB) at $749. Meanwhile, the Pixel 2 XL (64GB) will be priced at $849, while Pixel 2 XL (128GB) at $949.
Just like last year, they will likely go up for pre-order right after their announcement, with sales officially kicking off a few weeks later.
Conclusion:
These are all the rumors we have come across so far regarding the Google Pixel lineup devices. Keep in mind that nothing has been confirmed yet at this point, so things can still go either way. We will likely have to wait until the official reveal of the two devices to find out exact features.
What are your expected new Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL features? Comment below!
