The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are not so far away. Details of the two have been all over the internet, although none of them is coming directly from Google for obvious reasons.
It’s normal for such details to leak out in the build up to a phone’s release. In fact, it is from these leaks that today’s article is based, putting together all the speculations and rumors we’ve heard about the two Google Pixel 2 phones. Some will leave you more than happy to wait for the phone, but others will give you more reasons to hang on to your current handset.
Massive design differences
Unlike the Google Pixel and Pixel XL that share the same design language, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will have different designs. Apparently, rumors are rife that the smaller model will keep the same design as the 2016 models while the Pixel 2 XL will receive a major design overhaul that should put it in the same category as the Galaxy S8 and LG G6.
Where the Google Pixel 2 XL will have no bezels, the Pixel 2 will stick to this aging design. The changed design will also mean the phone gets a bigger 6-inch display screen on a body that is about the same size as the Pixel XL. Why Google is choosing to go with different designs for the Pixel 2 is still unknown, but perhaps the company has the affordability of the smaller model in mind.
3.5mm audio jack
Still on the design aspect of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, the latest word on the streets has it that the phones will ditch the 3.5mm audio jack in favor of a universal USB Type-C port. This has been witnessed from HTC, Apple and Motorola, among others, and as such, it shouldn’t be anything strange that Google might also be taking the same direction.
However, this is the one thing that might turn out to be a deal breaker. After heavy reliance on the 3.5mm audio jack on their Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and even the current Pixel phones, many will find it hard adapting to life without this feature.
Android 8.0.1 O
It’s rumored that this year’s OS will be known as Android 8.0 Oreo, but it won’t be long before we can confirm this. Until then, all we know is that the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be powered by this new OS out of the box. Similar to previous occasions, the two phones will come with a slightly upgraded version than what other handsets will be getting.
Recent leaks have suggested that the Pixel 2 phones will be powered by Android 8.0.1 O and not v8.0.0. The difference between these two should be minor, but it could mean the newer version will come with a bunch of features exclusive to the Pixel 2 – features that will perhaps make their way to other Google phones through an update. This happened with the Pixel’s Android 7.1 Nougat compared to v7.0 that first rolled out to Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X users.
Some leaks have also pointed out that the base models of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be equipped with 64GB of internal storage. However, it seems Android 8.0.1 O will take up a whopping 14GB of this storage, leaving users with a usable package of about 40GB, which is still not bad.
Squeezable edges
HTC U11 took the world by storm with a new feature in the smartphone industry – a squeezable frame. This is a frame that responds to pressure at different levels, thus triggering different functions when invoked. We’ve seen screens that respond to pressure, but this feature appearing on the edges of a phone is totally something new.
And since Google loves new things, the search giant has reportedly hired HTC to make the Pixel 2 phone and ensure that this feature is also available. It has been claimed that the squeezable edges will let users summon the Google Assistant, but this shouldn’t be the only function of the innovative frame.
Even though the bigger Google Pixel 2 XL is reportedly a project of LG, the phone is also expected to come with squeezable edges as well. It’s possible that the two OEMs will work together on this feature.
Hardware specs
Since the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be two premium phones here to compete with the likes of Samsung Galaxy S8, Sony Xperia XZ Premium, OnePlus 5, Moto Z2 Force, HTC U11, LG V30, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and a myriad of other phones, only the best hardware specs will be used.
Like last year, there are rumors that the Snapdragon 835 SoC could get a superior counterpart dubbed Snapdragon 836. If this does happen, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be powered by this processor alongside 4GB of RAM. If otherwise, the Snapdragon 835 SoC should be the one to be used.
Leaked images have confirmed that there’s no dual-lens camera, but Google seems to be working on an updated sensor that will be housed in a bigger camera hole. This should allow more light to enter the lens, thus ensuring even better performance in low-light conditions – an area that Google has excelled over the recent past.
Price and release date
There’s no confirmed date for the release of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. But many believe the company will stick to last year’s dates (not necessarily the exact dates), which means October could be when to expect the phones.
Due to the redesign and addition of new features, it is rumored that the Google Pixel 2 XL will get an even higher price tag than the $770 slammed on the 2016 model. Despite the subtle changes to the Pixel 2, there will also be a $50 price increment, pushing it to about $700 for the base model. None of these is confirmed, though.