The first generation Google Pixel was one of the most exciting phones released in 2016. Its successor is expected to come off the wraps this autumn, so here is everything we know about the handset's price, specs, and Release Date.
Who's going to make it?
For those unfamiliar, for both its smartphone series Google hires a third-party to be in charge of hardware. Last year, the search engine giant assigned HTC to manufacture Google Pixel, and its larger sibling, the Google Pixel XL.
As far as the second installment is concerned, recently found code names in the Android Open Source Project of HTC U11, suggest that there will be three editions: Walleye, Muskie, and Taimen.
According to various sources, Walleye will be Google Pixel 2, while Taimen represents Google Pixel 2 XL. As of now, not much is known about Muskie's role in the series, though multiple reports have rejected the possibility of a third device.
Furthermore, LG is expected to be in charge of Google Pixel 2 XL hardware, while HTC will be making the Google Pixel 2. It is worth adding that HTC has a two-year contract with Google, hence it will definitely take part in manufacturing one of the devices. LG isn't much of a surprise either since it has already made two generations of Nexus smartphones, the Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X.
The South Korean tech giant's participation is further cemented by reports coming from Asia, claiming that Google is planning to invest $800 million in LG Display, thus securing the supply of OLED panels for the second generation of the series.
Specs and features: what we know
Starting off from the front, we expect the XL to size up from 5.5-inch to 6.2-inch, in order to compete with the likes of S8 Plus and the forthcoming Galaxy Note 8. The normal-sized version will be maintaining the 5-inch form factor. Both devices will be packing curved - possibly - AMOLED displays with 2K resolution.
Not much is know about the smartphones' cameras. Though, thanks to OnePlus 5 and the upcoming iPhone 8, a dual camera set-up is highly anticipated to be included.
To accommodate the high-res displays, the Google Pixel 2 will be backed by a non-removable 3,000mAh battery, while the XL variant will have a 3,600mAh one. Both devices will support quick-charging and feature Type-C port connectivity.
Underneath the hood, the devices will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 836 CPU, which will be making its debut with the Galaxy Note 8 in August. Two internal storage options will be available; 32GB and 128GB, both reportedly sporting 6GB of RAM.
Release date and price
Last year's offerings were released in October and we expect Google to stick to the same timeline for 2017 as well. Pricing wise, the Google Pixel line-up belongs to the high-end fragment of the market, so consumers should look for a $649 retail for Google Pixel 2 and $769 for the XL edition, with 32GB of storage. The 128GB flavor should set you back about $100 more.
What are your thoughts on the Google Pixel 2? Let us know in the comments below.
