Google Pixel has been around for more than six months. Rumors about the next-gen Pixel phone are still in early stages, but Google has confirmed that it was already working on Google Pixel 2 (tentative name), which should arrive this holiday shopping season. The company has also revealed that the device would have a premium price tag. To justify its premium pricing, Google needs to pack the phone with high-end specs such as…maybe a dual camera system?
Will Google Pixel 2 feature a dual camera system?
Though the so-called Google Pixel 2 is still several months away, concept designers have started imaging what the device would look like. Designers at YouTube channel Concept Creator have posted a video to show their vision for the Pixel 2. There have been only limited leaks and rumors about the handset. So, the concept is largely based on the original Pixel and the design of competing smartphones from other vendors.
The render showcases a dual camera system both on the back and front. The rear dual camera system sits on the upper half in the center. The original Pixel already packs an impressive camera, but the dual cameras have become a trend since Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus. More and more smartphone vendors are opting for the dual camera. It would have become a standard feature in premium smartphones by the time Google Pixel 2 hits the store shelves. It will be a major surprise if Google doesn’t include the dual cameras at least on the back.
According to the rumor mill, the Google Pixel 2 could feature two 16-megapixel cameras on the back. We would love to see what Google does with the second camera. Would it offer wide-angle shots, iPhone 7 Plus-like Portrait mode, or faux optical zoom? While the last year’s Pixel used electric image stabilization (EIS), the Pixel 2 is widely expected to offer optical image stabilization.
Pixel 2 to feature a full-screen design
The concept also suggests that the device would feature an edge-to-edge OLED display similar to Samsung’s Galaxy S8. It will be a welcome change from the original Pixel’s dull and conventional design. The full-screen design has become a major trend this year for premium smartphones. Apple’s upcoming iPhone 8 is also expected to feature an edge-to-edge display.
Google is expected to launch at least two variants of Pixel 2. Previously, the code-names “muskie” and “walleye” were found in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). These code names were believed to be the Google Pixel 2 (walleye) and Pixel 2 XL (muskie). Google’s upcoming devices are code-named after aquatic animals. The size of muskies and walleyes reveals which device is Pixel 2 and which one is Pixel 2 XL.
Recently, a third device named “taimen” was also discovered in the AOSP. Since the taimen is much larger than a muskie or a walleye, it could either be a third variant in the Pixel 2 line or a tablet. The search engine giant has indicated previously that it had no intention to replace the Nexus 9 tablet.
Google Pixel 2: What to expect
A few days ago, SlashGear reported that a Google engineer named David Zeuthen was already testing the walleye (Pixel 2) prototype. It’s also possible that Zeuthen was simply using an older Pixel or Nexus device to test the same software that Google Pixel 2 will run. Pixel 2 and Android O development go hand in hand.
Google Pixel 2 is rumored to feature a 5.5-inch QHD display, 6GB RAM and 128GB/256GB of internal storage. It will almost certainly come with Google Assistant, Daydream VR, and Pixel Launcher. Just a few days ago, WinFuture found reference to Qualcomm’s MSM8998 processor in the AOSP. It means all the Pixel phones coming this year will use the same Snapdragon 835 chipset that powers Samsung’s Galaxy S8.
Last year’s Google Pixel surprisingly lacked water- and dust-resistance capabilities. It was one of those rare premium phones that were not waterproof. Google had reportedly dropped the feature because it had run out of time to implement it. This year’s Google Pixel 2 is expected to have IP68 waterproof rating. It means the device would be able to remain submerged in water up to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
The original Pixel and Pixel XL packed 2770mAh and 3450mAh batteries, respectively. The phones offered an impressive battery life, but a little longer lasting batteries wouldn’t harm users. We expect the Pixel 2 to offer a longer battery life. Google can achieve it through software optimization, even without increasing the size of the battery.
How much is it going to cost?
Google Pixel was launched in October last year, but the company is still trying to keep up with the demand. The devices aren’t flying off the shelves, but Google and its hardware partner HTC are not making enough units in stock. Google Pixel 2 is expected to hit the stores in October to capitalize on the holiday sales. Only time will tell whether Google succeeds in managing the inventory this time.
The search engine giant has confirmed that the upcoming Pixel phones would cater to the premium market. It means the device would cost no less than Google Pixel’s $649. The company charges an additional $120 for the XL version, meaning it could cost a minimum of $769.
