When the Google Pixel and Pixel XL were released last year, the devices received mixed reactions from critics and users as well. Many were complaining about the devices’ steep price tag and lack of water resistance. Moreover, its generic design didn’t exactly impress a lot of people. Critics say that people could purchase a phone with the same power as the Pixel’s but for a much lower price range.
Google is expected to change all of that when it releases its second-generation of Pixel – Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2. Although the company has not released any official information about the new devices, rumors are already circulating around the internet in anticipation of the latest flagship smartphones.
Initial reports say that Google was planning to release three devices this year codenamed Walleye (Pixel 2), Muskie and Taimen (Pixel XL 2). However, the search giant reportedly changed its mind and decided to cancel the Muskie.
Here are some of the rumors that we were able to gather about the device but should be taken with a grain of salt.
The design
As mentioned before, a lot of people were not impressed with the generic design of the Pixel and Pixel XL.
Unfortunately, rumors say that the next generation device will have a similar design with its predecessor. In other words, the Google Pixel 2 will have the same metal body with large bezels and glass panel on the back.
However, the Taimen will reportedly have a different design.
Rumors say that the device will sport a much smaller bezel around the screen, much like on the samsung galaxy S8 and LG G6.
What’s under the hood of the Google Pixel 2?
The Pixel devices may have had boring designs, but they still remain one of the most powerful smartphones released and Google is looking to do the same with the Pixel 2.
According to reports, both the Walleye and Taimen will be powered by the Snapdragon 835 chip with 4 GB or of RAM. The devices will have storage options of 64 GB and 128 GB and expected to have a great camera set up just like its predecessors although it won’t have dual cameras just like LG and Huawei are sporting with their flagships.
The Pixel 2 will have a 4.97-inch Full HD display while the Pixel XL 2 will sport a much larger 5.99-inch QHD display.
A nice addition is the rumored front-facing speakers for the Walleye. However, the Taimen won’t be having the same speaker set up due to its different design. In addition, the Pixel XL 2 will now have water and resistance.
The price range
Google's flagship phones were priced at $749 and $869 respectively for the 128 GB variant last year.
This year, the Walleye and Taimen are expected to have the same price range and possibly even more, unfortunately. This could be a big mistake for the tech giant for a number of reasons.
The original Pixel phones only had one million units sold so far from the time of its release compared to five million units sold by Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus after just 26 days.
Google should rethink its price range in able to compete with other phone manufacturers.
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