Google Pixel 2: Everything You Need To Know


On October 4, Google is expected to release its next flagship smartphone range, dubbed Pixel 2. Here’s everything you need to know about these first-party Android handsets, including price, release date and the best features based on the most credible leaks thus far.

It’s been a crazy year for smartphone leaks. Over the past few months, technophiles have been gifted with comprehensive spec teardowns of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 and Apple iPhone X – well ahead of their official reveals. In both cases, all of the leaked details turned out to be 100% true.

Are smartphone vendors getting sloppy with their security or good at their sneaky marketing? Either way, now it’s Google’s turn.

Earlier in the week, Droid Life received a treasure trove of inside intel on Google’s upcoming products, including the hotly-anticipated Pixel 2 range. Much like the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S8, there will be two size options to choose from: the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

What makes the Pixel range so exciting is the company’s ambition to bring a personalised Google experience to the handsets’ users. This is done through the integration of Google Assistant which brings all the advancements the company has made in machine learning and AI.

Because they are first-party Google devices, they are also guaranteed to receive instant OS updates ahead of other devices. If you want to be one of the first Android users to test new features, Pixel 2 is the way to go.

Let’s take a look at some of the credible rumours.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL design

Here are the leaked renders of both Pixel 2 models. (We’re already in love with the Pixel 2 XL’s piano-esque finish.)

As you can see, Google is really embracing curves with these things, unlike the tighter angles of the Galaxy Note8.

Interestingly, Google has partnered with two smartphone manufacturers for the hardware duties: the standard Pixel is made by HTC (which Google recently snapped up for a cool $1.1 billion), while the Pixel 2 XL is the handiwork of LG. According to Droid Life’s sources, the Pixel 2 will be available in blue, black or white, whereas the XL comes in a choice of basic black or the arresting two-tone finish depicted above.

Compared to the bezel-heavy 2016 Pixel range, we think these devices look fantastic.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL pricing

The Pixel 2 is expected to ship in two storage options — 64GB and 128GB. These will set you back $US649 and $US749, respectively. The XL, meanwhile, is rumoured to cost $US849 or $US949 for the same capacities.

Once the exchange rate and GST are added, you unfortunately won’t be looking at much change from $1000. Even the entry level option will hover around $900. Make no mistake, the days of mid-range Nexus handsets are basically over.

With that said, the original Google Pixel range started at $1079 with the top-end 128GB XL model selling for $1419. So things might be slightly cheaper this time around.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL specifications

There have been no concrete leaks regarding the Pixel 2’s specifications, but we still have some very credible rumours. According to Android Police you can expect the Pixel 2 range to pack AMOLED displays (which boast an ultra-wide 18:9 aspect ratio), Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processors and 4GB of RAM. Apparently, we’ll also be getting pressure-sensitive “squeezable” sides which will add an additional layer of functionality to the tangible user interface (TUI).

On the downside, the Pixel and Pixel XL are not expected to come with SD cards which means you’re stuck with the onboard storage. This is something the original Pixel range also suffered from. Boo-urns. If Droid Life’s renders are accurate, it looks like dual-lens cameras are also off the menu, which is a bit of a bummer.

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL release date

As mentioned above, Google is expected to officially revealed the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL on October 4. You can expect the devices to ship by the end of the same month.


Naturally, we’ll be back with an official rundown of Pixel 2 specs, pricing and availability as soon as Google makes the announcement. See you all then!

[Via Droidlife]


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