Another smartphone contender is looming into view, and here ValueWalk provides a Google Pixel 2 rumors roundup.
Squeezable feature
Perhaps the most notable whisper regarding this forthcoming Google handset is the suggestion that the device will benefit from squeezable edges. This has already been implemented in the HTC U11, and with the developer of that device also involved with the Google Pixel handset, it is extremely likely that it will now be implemented in the Google Pixel 2.
And keen fans of the Google device located an FCC filing this week that indeed indicates the squeezable edge design is looming in the Pixel 2 release. Android Police can be credited with this particular find, although it is notable that it only seems to be applicable to the smaller of the Pixel 2 models.
HTC has also been confirmed as the manufacturer for this device, but the picture painted is one of a contrast between the larger Google Pixel XL 2 and the smaller handset. Specifically, the filing contains a reference to “Active Edge on, squeeze for your Assistant”.
Google Assistant
It is still too early to precisely understand how the squeezable edges will be implemented, and indeed what functionality will be accessible. But the Google Pixel 2 rumors roundup mill suggests that Google Assistant can be activated via the squeezable edge feature. It is also highly possible that the feature will ultimately be customizable, meaning that individual users can assign the most useful features to this new aspect of the Google Pixel series.
Android O
Android O will also be used in the Google Pixel 2, according to the same leak, with the text including “Android 8.0.1,” which refers to the forthcoming operating system. Google has yet to officially announce the branding for the latest version of its flagship operating system, but it has been roundly suggested in the media that Android Oreo is a distinct possibility.
Google will also deliver a continual search bar located at the top of the settings of the Pixel 2, while leaks have also indicated that a 64GB storage option is imminent. There is still some debate over whether the next generation Google Pixel release will feature a Snapdragon 835 or Snapdragon 836 processor, though. Of course, those intending to purchase the device would almost certainly favour the latter, more up-to-date unit.
Headphone jack
One of the most popular whispers in this Google Pixel 2 rumors roundup is the suggestion that the mega-corporation will remove the headphone jack from the Pixel 2 generation. This would, of course, follow on from what Apple did previously with the iPhone 7, indicating a general direction of the smartphone industry in this department.
While the removal of the 3.5mm port on the iPhone 7 was certainly not universally popular, it did not impact significantly on the sales of that device. Apple clearly believes that delivering wireless music playback is beneficial to the iPhone range logistically, and we now may see Google make the same decision with the Google Pixel 2.
We can also tell from the leaked images of the Google Pixel 2 that the operating system takes up 14GB of storage. this can certainly be considered rather significant, considering that it represents around 20 per cent of the overall memory capacity in the 64GB version of the smartphone.
Pixel 2 divergence
Aside from the feature set of the two smartphones, the latest Google Pixel 2 rumors roundup strongly suggests that the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will differ quite significantly in design terms. Renders instructed from leaked data indicate that the Google Pixel XL 2 will feature bezels rather similar to that of the LG G6, with the smaller device instead benefiting from a front panel akin to the Nexus 6P.
This means that the larger device will benefit from a display with rounded corners, and an 18:9 aspect ratio, but that the Pixel 2 may appear somewhat more updated in design. It is certainly surprising that Google has opted against a slimmed down bezel concept for the Pixel 2, if indeed this does come to fruition, but perhaps affordability is a major consideration.
Price debate
If Google is to establish the Pixel as a mainstream market competitor, it must surely create a demarcation between this device and the likes of the iPhone 8 and Galaxy Note 8. One of the obvious ways to achieve this is simply pricing the handset at a much lower RRP than either of its major rivals, which has indeed been the case with previous Google Pixel units.
It is thus largely anticipated that the Google Pixel 2 will retail in the $699 ballpark, perhaps meaning that it is impossible to deliver the sort of revolutionary wraparound design that would be deemed desirable. It is still none the less surprising that Google has gone in for this approach with the smaller and more mainstream of the two devices, considering that numerous phones this year have already displayed shrinking basils.
Nonetheless, the latest Google Pixel 2 rumors roundup suggests that Google is determined to deliver a Pixel 2 generation at affordable price points. This is particularly indicated by the recent decision to slash the price of the existing Google Pixel units by $200 in the United States. It is believed that this is indicative of a wider Google policy to deliver mid-range units in the forthcoming Pixel 2 generation, meaning that the price point shouldn’t be too much higher than the previous iteration of the series.
Another area where the Google Pixel 2 may impress is with the screen resolution delivered, with the larger of the two handsets in particular linked with Quad HD resolution. This would exceed any smartphone previously released by the market-leading Apple. However, it is thought that dual-camera unit has proven to be impossible for Google this time round, with the manufacturer instead concentrating on other photographic improvements.
Nonetheless, it will be intriguing to see what Google delivers in October when the Pixel 2 is expected.
