What do we want from the Google Pixel 2?
A new, delicious version of Android is here, so now we're looking to the next big Google announcement: new phone hardware.
Up until recently, we thought this year's crop was to be a fairly predictable update to last year's — two devices built by HTC with improved specs and a newer version of Android. But things change.
Here's what we do know: two phones, with an unveiling on October 4, 2017 in San Francisco. The rest? Read on for more.
Google Pixel 2 — HTC 'walleye'
The first rumors around next-gen Pixels suggested that HTC would once again be the manufacturer of two Pixel phones in 2017, and that perhaps the company had signed a multi-year contract with Google for the privilege. Previous Nexus and Pixel devices have been named after various kinds of aquatic life, and so when references to devices named "walleye" and "muskie", appeared, they fitted the bill. Both "walleye" and "muskie" were expected to be from HTC, with updated designs similar to that of the original Pixels.
In June 2017 the news broke that "muskie," the larger of the two HTC phones, had been canceled by Google in favor of a new Pixel — this time produced by LG.
Specs in the Pixel 2, according to rumors, would unsurprisingly include Qualcomm's very latest processor — likely a Snapdragon 835. Recently those rumors have been corroborated by a report on XDA suggesting the smaller Pixel 2 would feature 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. The screen size would purportedly stay around 5 inches, with a 1920x1080 display resolution.
In August 2017, the leaks really began: we saw the first "live" photo of the Pixel 2, which greatly resembles the original smaller 5-inch Pixel with a few small alterations, including a much larger camera module and less glass on the top of the phone. Later on, we got to see a set of official renders that leaked, corroborating the design and confirming 64GB of internal storage. Pricing was also rumored at $649, or $749 for 128GB of storage.
We also learned the smaller Pixel will do away with the 3.5mm headphone jack of the original and instead opt for dual front-facing stereo speakers, a compromise that we're sure won't be to everyone's taste.
In another leak, we saw the front and back of the Pixel 2 in slightly more detail, festooned as they were in barcodes and stickers, all the while confirming the familiar design language.
And in the most definitive of non-photo leaks we've received so far, the Pixel 2 passed through the U.S. telecom regulator, the FCC, telling us a few new things about it, including a confirmation that it's being manufactured by HTC. First, the phone is definitely going to be running the Snapdragon 835, and it will include HTC's Edge Sense "squeeze-the-sides" technology, though for what purpose remains to be seen.
Google Pixel 2 XL — LG 'taimen'
In March, it emerged that a another potential Pixel device was being produced, codenamed "taimen", likely bigger than both "walleye" and "muskie." Now we know that "muskie" is no more, leaving us with just one big-screened Pixel — "taimen."
Leaked specs for the device from benchmarking sites include a Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM, like the HTC-made Pixel 2. Multiple reports later confirmed that LG would be the manufacturer of the new, larger phone.
In July, we got our first look at the Google Pixel 2 XL in all its glory, thanks to a render produced in-house by Android Police based on information seen by them. As well as revealing many key design features, like a slightly curved glass front (though with a flat OLED screen, apparently), the render shows just one rear camera, and the return of the fingerprint scanner around the back. It bears a passing resemblance to LG's own V30 handset in terms of proportions and edge curvature.
The renders were backed up by later leaked versions, this time in both black and white, from the folks over at Droid-Life (shown above). Once again we see a shrunken glass back portion, and smooth metal all the way down. A power button sits above the volume keys on the right side (when viewed from the front), and the fingerprint sensor sits on the back roughly where it did on the original. It also shows a larger camera cutout, once again with just a single lens.
According to AP's report, "taimen" would have a 6-inch, 18:9 aspect ratio display (again, like the V30), and will also include the Edge Sense-like squeeze feature, where users can squeeze the phone to make certain things happen. Google Assistant was once again suggested as a likely contender for squeeze-activated functionality.
Ultra Pixel — a third Pixel? (Probably not)
An odd leak only days before the Pixel 2 event suggests that Google may release a third Pixel, dubbed Ultra Pixel, at the October 4 event.
While this is extremely unlikely, the source claims that Google will release a phone with dual cameras, a completely bezelless screen, and an interface that does away completely with Android's on-screen navigation buttons. Some of this information is reportedly corroborated by photos that show the term 'Ultra pixel' on what appears to be marketing materials. Others have (probably correctly) suggested that if they're anything at all, they may merely be marketing materials for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
Google, LG Electronics and LG Display
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Google wants to spend nearly a billion dollars with LG Display to secure OLED panels for its upcoming Pixel phones. LG Display is a separate company from LG Electronics, which creates phones, but the two are connected (LGE is the largest shareholder in LG Display), and it stands to reason that Google would give the latter a manufacturing contract to ensure the success of the former.
OLED displays are the future of screens, and Google wants a piece of the market.
OLED displays are the future of mobile optics, and LG is ramping up production for its own devices and to compete with Samsung Display, which largely has the market cornered. The first Pixel phones were affected by enormous and frustrating manufacturing delays, and though Google never specifically pointed to a shortage in OLED displays, experts believe that may have been a factor. With its sequels, Google wants to ensure it has a reliable supply of panels, and giving LG the rights to manufacture one of its Pixels goes a long way to making sure that happens.
The move makes sense, since LG is ramping up production of phone-based OLED displays for its own LG V30. It's also worth noting that Google and LG have a long history of partnerships on Nexus, Android Wear and Google Play edition devices. LG has historically been keen to team up with its major partner in the mobile space.
Design and hardware features
The smaller Pixel 2, manufactured by HTC, is expected to share much of its design with its predecessor, though it will gain stereo speakers. Google and LG are clearly moving towards the "bezel-less" ideal of smartphones in 2017 for the larger Pixel 2 XL. Both phones look to be clad in the same smooth, almost-featureless metal body that we saw on the original Pixels.
Nevertheless, at least Pixel 2 XL's larger screen should address the main design criticism of the original Pixels: their large bezels, which look even sillier now that the Galaxy S8 and LG G6 are on the market. What could put off buyers is the fact that the Pixels may not offer a 3.5mm headphone jack.
It looks like the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will share a similar design aesthetic.
A more recent XDA report suggested that both Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will have a few more hardware goodies to look forward to, including an HTC U11-like "squeezable" frame that would launch Google Assistant. An all-new ambient display could make the Pixel series a bit more like Moto Display, allowing users to interact with what they see of their notifications without turning the screen on — a direct benefit of having an OLED panel. And that OLED panel could allow Google to offer a true sRGB color option in its display settings, something that has until now been relegated to the little-visited (for most people) Developer Options.
Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Specs
The specs for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are coming together, and we're getting a clear picture of what most high-end phones look like at the end of 2017 — with a couple interesting diversions.
| Category | Pixel 2 | Pixel 2 XL |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | HTC | LG |
| Operating System | Android 8.1 | Android 8.1 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 835 | Snapdragon 835 |
| Display | 5-inch, 1920x1080 (16:9) | 6-inch, 2880x1440 (18:9) |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64/128GB Non-expandable |
64/128GB Non-expandable |
| Camera | Single rear camera, single front-facing camera, EIS | Single rear camera, single front-facing camera, EIS |
| Security | Rear fingerprint sensor | Rear fingerprint sensor |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Price | $649 / $749 | $849 / $949 |
In early September, we learned that unlike earlier rumors, Qualcomm has no plans to launch a Snapdragon 836 processor to replace the Snapdragon 835 this year like it did with the Snapdragon 821 in 2016.
We also learned in a recent leak that Google will once again forgo optical image stabilization (OIS) in favor of electronic stabilization, which fared so well in the previous Pixel devices. That same leak also confirmed that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will both be IP68 water resistant.
Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL software — Android 8.1
Similar to last year, the Pixel 2 series may launch with Android 8.1, a version that may remain exclusive to the phones for a couple of months. Android 8.0 Oreo is finalized and released to current Pixels, so it'd make sense for the first maintenance release, version 8.1, to ship with the new Pixels.
That strategy allowed Google to roll out some great new features for all phones running Android 7.0 Nougat while keeping some exclusive features for the Pixels, which ran Android 7.1 when they launched a few months later. At the same time, Google's excellent Pixel Launcher remains unique to the lineup, as does Project Fi support, which should fall over to the phones, too.
We don't know anything specific about what we'll see on Android 8.1 right now, but we're keeping our ear to the ground and will update this as we know more.
More: What you need to know about Android 8.0 Oreo
Pricing and availability
When will the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 be announced? That's easy — the event is scheduled for October 4 in San Francisco, with satellite events in Toronto and London. Early leaks point to a price jump to $849/$949 for the Pixel 2 XL, while the smaller Pixel 2 will stay at the same $649/749 price as its predecessor.
If there's one silver lining to the prices, it's that the base storage on both phones has gone up to 64GB — more space for your stuff.
Other announcements
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL aren't the only things being announced at Google's October 4 event. We saw leaks of a smaller Google Home Mini, which should debut for $49 in three colors — with Google Assistant on board, of course.
And Chromebook fans will be excited to learn that Google plans to release a Pixelbook convertible with a detachable screen and touchscreen support starting at $1149, along with an optional powered pen for $99.
There's also going to be a slightly refreshed Daydream View VR headset, likely to accommodate the taller footprint of the Pixel 2 XL.
Update, September 20: This article was last updated with the latest information on all the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL leaks.
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