In 2016, Google surprised the mobile market with its first Android smartphone, conceptualized, designed, engineered and tested in-house. Pixel chief Rick Osterloh earlier indicated that an annual release was in the offing, which means Google is coming up with a Pixel 2 line of smartphones, reportedly with enhanced specs and even better cameras.
The device will come with Android O preinstalled, the beta version of which is available for those to want to take a look at what to expect.
Unlike the original Pixel, Google isn’t designing, engineering and manufacturing its second generation Pixel 2 smartphones. The company has reportedly signed a contract with LG Electronics to design and manufacture one of the variants, retaining the Google branding and input, while the base model will again be manufactured by HTC with very little variation from the original Pixel design.
Though Google is tight-lipped, earlier rumors churning about suggest that the company is coming up with three smartphones in different sizes and features to appeal to customers with different budgets. More recent reports show that the mid-sized one is being scrapped in favor of the larger “Taimen” variant.
The debate is on how big the largest Pixel will be: while initial reports showed screen sizes as large as 6.4 inches, more recent information revealed a more modest 5.99 inches. Still large, but not monstrously so. The screen will cover nearly its entire face with its high screen to body ratio, leaving the fingerprint sensor pushed to the back of the device. In fact, those are the only design cues it will take from Samsung’s Galaxy S8 line-up.
More Specs for Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL
Google will try to retain its camera crown for sure. Accordingly to a 9to5 Google report, Google is coming up with an improved chipset and camera, especially for low-light photography. The concentration is on the “extra feature” instead of megapixels. XDA Developers report that the Pixel 2 will come with a single camera rather than a dual setup, and will be powered by Snapdragon 835 chip, along with 4GB of RAM.
Battery life will be another key differentiator from other Android smartphones. Though things are unclear on how long the battery would last, its biggest pack could top out at 3,500mAh, but more likely to be in the 3,300mAh range. It is also bundled with a powerful and higher end speaker with a better earpiece for voice calls.
When are Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Coming?
It is expected to launch in October, though pricing information has not yet leaked. A rumor indicates that the pricing will be similar to last year release – $650 and $ 770 expect the largest model which could cost an additional $50. The OLED version of Pixel 2, which will be made by LG Electronics, could be priced much higher considering the costlier components and a full redesign of the front and back.
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