There is still some debate over how the Google Pixel 2 generation will turn out, but a new Google Pixel 2 XL concept gives us significant insight into the possible design of this smartphone. HTC and LG are rumored to be involved in the manufacturing of these devices, suggesting that there will be a significant divergence in approach.
New concept emerges
Google has been reluctant to reveal too much information about this forthcoming smartphone release, but YouTube channel Concept Creator has recently produced a Google Pixel 2 XL concept to whet the appetite. This channel has already created renders of other devices, with its latest effort related to the Google smartphone building on collected rumors.
Firstly, it is notable that this Google Pixel 2 XL concept features a large display, although not quite the wraparound screen that may have been anticipated. This technology has proven to be hugely popular in 2017, with Samsung introducing it in the Galaxy S8 generation, and OnePlus following suit with the OnePlus 5.
However, there is a definite design similarity between this Google Pixel 2 XL concept and the LG G6 release. This would suggest that Google will at least pay some heed to market trends when designing and developing its next flagship handset. This would make sense considering that LG is strongly expected to be involved in the manufacturing of this device.
Glass reduced
Concept Creator also suggests that the Google Pixel 2 XL may feature slightly less glass on its rear than in previous releases. It is also notable that the rear panel of the handset only houses the camera and flash, with the fingerprint sensor from the previous generation instead embedded within the aluminum frame. This again follows the trend of the smartphone industry, with integrated features becoming an increasingly popular theme.
The designer of this Google Pixel 2 XL concept has also delivered various color schemes, effectively providing consumers with significant choice. This would certainly be a wise policy for Google when it unveils the Pixel 2 generation, as Apple has certainly tended towards greater consumer choice with its products recently, particularly the Apple Watch range.
Early indication on the Google Pixel 2 indicates that this Google Pixel 2 XL concept may present merely one of three devices that Google will release before the year is out. There has been some debate over this, with reports from close to the Google supply chain even suggesting that the XL version of the Pixel 2 range has been scrapped completely. This was derived from development codes posted to the Android Open Source project, which indicated that development had ended on one device in the series.
But in an increasingly complicated and balkanized smartphone marketplace, all companies face challenges when attempting to decide on the number of models to release.
Large display
It is believed that the larger of the Google Pixel devices will feature a 5.99-inch display, so if this Google Pixel 2 XL concept design is correct, it means that the handset will ultimately be pretty large for the contemporary smartphone marketplace. Recent analysis has suggested that Apple will release an iPhone 8 with the smallest screen-to-body ratio in the history of the mobile marketplace before the calendar year is out. This effectively throws down the gauntlet to other manufacturers, who must look to match Apple’s revered design parameters.
It is possible that the larger Google Pixel 2 release will feature Quad HD technology, although there is still some discussion regarding this possibility. Again, Apple is expected to switch to Quad HD for the iPhone 8 OLED smartphone, and the last thing that Google wants is to trail behind the market leader in a critical aspect of the modern smartphone.
Specs
Regardless of this, the Google Pixel 2 generation should feature some more than decent specifications. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor has already been linked with this smartphone, a unit that was already included in the Galaxy S8 Flagship earlier this year. Google will also arm even the most affordable version of this smartphone with 4GB of memory, also equal to the quantity included in the Galaxy S8.
There will be 32GB and 128GB storage options made available to consumers, while Google has also been beavering away to ensure that a superior camera can be included in the Pixel 2. Thus, a dual-camera with 12-megapixel resolution, featuring 4K video recording, has been predicted. A pretty powerful eight-megapixel selfie capturer is also anticipated.
Reports have also stated that Google will include a 2,770 mAh battery in the Google Pixel 2 generation, while the smartphone will also feature significant connectivity. USB-C, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, 3G, nanoSIM, and NFC have all been linked with the Pixel 2, as Google attempts to ensure that it is as flexible a performer as possible.
With this Google Pixel 2 XL concept having given us an insight into the design of this device, one can hope that the smartphone will perform well in 2017.
