What are Google Pixel and Pixel 2 XL going to look like? Until now, we have come across a plethora of leaks and concept renders. Many of them have been appreciated by Pixel fans. Now David Ruddock of Android Police has obtained an image that appears to be an “accurate representation” of Google Pixel 2 XL. This device is code-named Taimen, and is likely to be manufactured by LG Electronics.
The rear glass window has become smaller
Not only Android Police but the online rumor mill is almost certain that it’s Google Pixel 2 XL. Ruddock says there is 80% chance the photo accurately depicts Google’s upcoming flagship. Why only 80%? Well, because the device is still about three months away and Google could change the final design. While Pixel 2 XL will be a departure from its predecessor, the smaller Pixel 2 (Walleye) is rumored to look similar to its predecessor.
The first thing you notice on the back panel is a shrunken glass window. Google has shrunk it to the extent that the fingerprint scanner now sits outside the glass window. The rest of the rear panel is made of metal. The camera was one of the biggest highlights of the original Pixel, with critics and users praising Google’s HDR algorithms. The Pixel 2 XL has a relatively larger rear camera than Last year’s Pixel phones.
In fact, the camera lens looks almost as big as the fingerprint scanner. Google has decided to stick to a single lens on the back while almost all its competitors are opting for a dual camera system. It is unclear whether the rear camera will be flush with the glass window. The silver ring around the lens suggests that there would be a slight camera bump. The antenna lines have disappeared.
Pixel 2 XL to have a 6-inch display
On the front panel, the Google Pixel 2 XL sports a 6-inch OLED display made by LG. Google was reportedly investing $880 million in LG Display to have a dedicated OLED production line for Pixel phones. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL screens will have an aspect ratio of 2:1. The side bezels appear thinner than ever before, though it doesn’t have an edge-to-edge screen like Samsung Galaxy S8.
The top bezel houses the front camera and a wide speaker grille. Android Police said the smaller Pixel 2 would serve as an “entry-level option” with a design similar to the current Pixel. The Pixel 2 XL would feature Google’s cutting edge design efforts. Talking about the phone’s specs, Android Police noted that the specs leaked by XDA Developers last month were fairly accurate.
Pixel 2 specifications: What to expect
Inside sources told XDA Developers that the Pixel 2 would sport a 4.97-inch display while the bigger version would feature a 5.99-inch screen with 1440p resolution. Both devices would be powered by 4GB RAM and Snapdragon 835 processor with a clock speed of 2.45GHz. While the Pixel 2 would have 64GB of internal storage, the XL version would offer 128GB of storage.
The leaked image fairly accurately depicts the design of Google Pixel 2 XL, but it leaves many questions unanswered. It doesn’t reveal whether the device would have waterproofing and wireless charging capabilities. Last year’s Pixel phones lacked waterproofing because Google had run out of time to implement the feature. The new phones are expected to come with an IP68 waterproof rating.
Google Pixel 2 XL to get an Always-On display
Just a few days ago, XDA Developers discovered in the Android O source code that the upcoming Pixel phones could offer an Always-On display similar to the Galaxy S8. The Always-On Ambient display allows users to see important updates without having to touch the phone or waiting for a notification to flash. XDA Developers found “doze_always_on” in the SystemUIGoogle.apk file. They said “doze” in the file was a reference to the Ambient display.
The source code further revealed that there would be a toggle to enable the Always-On display. However, the toggle is still kept within “tuner_prefs.xml,” which means the feature is still in an experimental stage. Google may eventually decide to keep it, remove it, or place it somewhere else. The Always-On display technology has been around for years.
New Pixel phones to have a ‘squeezable’ frame
Android Police added that the Pixel 2 XL would have a “squeezable” frame similar to HTC’s latest flagship U11. It will allow users to squeeze their devices to interact with the Google Assistant in different ways. The HTC U11 has a series of sensors placed under the frame that detect a variety of squeezes. For instance, users could launch the camera app by squeezing the screen.
Google is expected to launch the new Pixel phones in October, ahead of the holiday shopping season. The search engine giant has already told media that Pixel 2 would launch later this year. The new devices would continue to cater to the premium segment. While LG Electronics will be responsible for the production of Taimen aka Pixel 2 XL, HTC will reportedly produce the smaller Pixel 2 (Walleye). HTC was also working on a second variant code-named Muskie, but Google has killed this device.
