Google has a media event planned for October 4, and many people thought it was going to be a chance for the company to introduce its Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.
However it looks like the introduction has already been made by UK retailer Carphone Warehouse. In an extensive information leak on the company website, we now appear to have found out a lot about the highly-anticipated smartphones.
Detailed webpages reveal Google Pixel specs
A number of product shots and renders were published online, leaving Google to reveal the in-depth specifications of the new handsets. However the Carphone Warehouse leak lets us get a great insight into Google’s latest handsets.
The published images show two new smartphones, and include the tagline for the hardware: “Introducing Pixel. Phone by Google.” A “Meet Pixel” banner can also be seem showing the rear of the hardware, and there is accompanying text that reads: “The power of Google at your fingertips. Every touch, every interaction, every moment – made easy. Available in 2 sizes.”
One reading of this text is that the devices will have similar technical specifications, with size being their only major difference. Another leaked image shows an app interface for the Pixel and Pixel XL that relies on Google Assistant.
Google Assistant a major part of user experience
To start the process, Pixel owners will have to say “OK Google” before providing further voice commands. The text suggests that the feature will get better with time and use, as is the case with digital assistants that use artificial intelligence.
It is said that it will become “your own personal Google” that is “always ready to help.” Further information refers to a new functionality known as Smart Storage, which helps maintain storage capacity by storing high resolution images in Google Photos.
The Carphone Warehouse leak also suggest that the smaller phone will have a 5-inch Full HD display, while the larger model will have a 5.5-inch Quad HD display. It is thought that the smartphones will come in both 32 GB and 128 GB versions, with a Snapdragon 821 processor and 4 GB RAM under the hood.
Largely similar specs on both handsets
Pixel smartphones will also ship with Android 7.1 out of the box. The majority of this information has been mentioned in previous rumors, so it will be interesting to see if it is consistent with what we hear from Google on October 4.
The Carphone Warehouse was not the only stockist to leak details of the Pixel smartphones. Bell Canada revealed that white and black versions of the smartphones would be available.
The Pixel will have a 2,770 mAh fast-charging battery, compared to a 3,450 mAh battery for the Pixel XL. The smaller version measures 143.8 x 69.5 x 8.6mm and tips the scales at 143 grams, and the Pixel CL is understandably larger and heavier. The latter measures 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.6mm and 168 grams.
There will be a 12.3 megapixel camera and an 8 megapixel front camera. The Pixel phones will also boast a fingerprint scanner, USB-C support and NFC.
The listing on the Carphone Warehouse site also said that the smartphones will have microSD card support. That could be a bonus for users that want to expand storage at a later date.
Bell also revealed that pre-orders could open on October 4. Both the Bell page and the Carphone Warehouse page have since been removed.
It’s impossible to be sure whether the webpages leaked the correct details, but it certainly looks likely given the identity of the companies involved.
