While the iPhone 8 and Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 are stealing almost all the limelight in the rumor mill, people who enjoy the pure Android experience are desperately looking forward to the Google Pixel 2. Google’s SVP of hardware Rick Osterloh has confirmed that the Pixel 2 would hit the store shelves later this year. We at ValueWalk have created concept Google Pixel 2 renders showing what the second-generation Pixel phone would look like.
The concept Google Pixel 2 has a new design language
The renders give us a good idea of the phone’s design. The phone doesn’t have a Galaxy S8-like edge-to-edge Infinity display, and there are still thin bezels on the sides. The concept Google Pixel 2 has no bezels at the bottom. The top bezel houses the ear speaker, front camera, and other sensors. The original Pixel had ridiculously large bezels at the top and bottom.
The last year’s Pixel had a metal and glass cover on the back. Our render has an all metal back panel. The antenna lines are visible at the top and bottom of the rear panel. The smartphone appears thinner and sleeker than the original Pixel. The Pixel 2 concept has a 4.97-inch display, in line with a recent report from XDA Developers. The bigger Pixel 2 XL is rumored to sport a 5.99-inch screen.
It has an in-display fingerprint sensor and dual-camera system
The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the display. It will allow users to unlock the device simply by touching the screen. The original Pixel had a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Google’s biggest rivals in the premium segment, Apple and Samsung, have also been working to integrate the fingerprint sensor into the display in their upcoming flagship phones. Samsung has finally decided to drop the feature from the Galaxy Note 8, but Apple’s efforts are likely to lead to a delay in iPhone 8 launch.
The concept Google Pixel 2 has a dual-camera system on the back. Dual cameras have become a rage since the iPhone 7 Plus. Almost all major flagship phones including LG G6 and OnePlus 5 have a dual camera setup. The upcoming iPhone 8 and Galaxy Note 8 are also rumored to feature dual cameras. Of course, Google can offer a great photography experience with a single camera lens. But a dual camera setup consisting of a wide-angle and a telephoto lens would further enhance image quality.
The two cameras are arranged horizontally. A large LED flash is also part of the camera cutout. The colorful Google logo sits in the center of the rear panel. The volume rockers are positioned on the left side while the power button sits on the right. The renders also feature a second button on the lower right side. It is dedicated to the Google Assistant, similar to the Bixby button on the Galaxy S8.
Google Pixel 2 in four colors
The concept Google Pixel 2 is water- and dust-proof with an IP68 rating. The original Pixel lacked waterproofing because Google didn’t have sufficient time to implement the technology. It merely had an IP53 rating for splash-resistance. The IP68 rating for the Pixel 2 would help it survive even if it remains submerged in five feet deep water for up to 30 minutes.
The original Pixel was available in three different colors: Quite Black, Very Silver, and Really Blue. Our concept imagines the Pixel 2 in four different colors: Gold, Jet While, Jet Black, and Silver. As we have seen with the iPhone 7 Plus, the Jet Black model could be prone to fingerprints and scratching.
Will it be the first phone to run Snapdragon 836?
Recent reports claim the Pixel 2 will be the first flagship smartphone to run Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 836 SoC. The Snapdragon 835 is the most powerful chip currently available to Android vendors. The Snapdragon 836 will be a minor upgrade over the SD835, just like last year’s SD821 was an incremental upgrade over the SD820. The report does not reveal whether only one or both models of the Pixel 2 would feature Snapdragon 836.
The Google Pixel 2 is expected to see a major improvement in battery life due to software optimization. Last year’s Google Pixel packed a 2770mAh battery, and the Pixel XL came with a 3450mAh battery. While the bigger version offered a decent battery, the standard Pixel left users wanting for more. We expect the Pixel 2 to feature at least 3000mAh battery.
We expect wireless charging, dual SIM slot
The Pixel 2 is also expected to offer wireless charging capabilities. There is no reason to believe otherwise. Charging pads have undergone a major improvement in the last few years. The search engine giant previously offered the feature with Nexus 5 and Nexus 6. We hope Google brings back wireless charging, in a better, faster, and more innovative way.
Another feature that users would love to see in the Google Pixel 2 is dual SIM card slots. Millions of people today have more than one SIM card. A dual SIM support would mean Pixel 2 users won’t have to carry two smartphones all the time. Recent reports suggest that the Pixel 2 will be manufactured by HTC, while the bigger Pixel 2 XL will be made by LG Electronics.
