The Google Pixel 3 launch event is set for Oct. 9, where the tech giant will unveil successors to Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Rumors flooding the web have hinted at the launch of a third Pixel phone often referred to as the “Pixel Ultra,” which would supposedly compete with Apple’s iPhone XS Max.
However, 9to5Google has now cleared out the popular rumors, saying this so-called “Pixel Ultra” doesn’t exist. The blog pointed to the vast number of fake leaks about this supposed third Google phone and explained why it’s extremely unlikely that the phone even exists. The rumor actually started last year just before the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were launched. At that time, the third phone would have taken on last year’s iPhone X, but as we all know, that didn’t happen.
Where did the rumor start?
In September 2017, YouTuber Mrwhosetheboss uploaded a video which included images of a slideshow containing the phrase “Ultra Pixel: Powered by Google.” He claimed to have received that slideshow from someone close to the company who had access to the slides and marketing material Google used in its Pixel campaigns.
However, it wasn’t long before we saw that there was no such phone called the Pixel Ultra, since only the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL were launched. Of course that doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t appear at this year’s Google Pixel 3 launch event.
This year’s rumors
In May 2018, Twitter user, concept creator and reputable leaker Ben Geskin posted a photo on Twitter showing a bezel-less smartphone that doesn’t have a notch. It looked like the perfect Pixel phone without the crazy notch many manufacturers have copied from the iPhone X. At that time, it was highly suggested that the rendering showed the alleged Pixel Ultra Phone, but later, it turned out that the image was based on a rendering Google included in its Android Pie update, according to 9to5Google.
Google Pixel 3 Possible Design? ? pic.twitter.com/r1mWoTIvCt
— Ben Geskin (@VenyaGeskin1) May 22, 2018
Another rumor which hinted at the Google Pixel Ultra came from an official Google advertisement on YouTube. Nevertheless, it turned out later that the phone was actually the Pixel 2 XL. Those who want to see the ad for themselves can find it on Google’s UK YouTube channel:
So it looks like only two phones will debut at the Google Pixel 3 launch event scheduled for Oct. 9. With how the rumors have been put to rest, it’s unlikely we will see “Ultra Pixel” smartphone. The company has already sent out press invitations for the Google Pixel 3 launch event.
Price
It’s still unclear how much the two phones will cost. According to Russian publication Mobile Review, the Pixel 3 will start out at $649, while its larger sibling, the Pixel 3 XL, will start at $749. Still, it’s recommended that this information is taken with a grain of salt until Google discloses all the details about its upcoming smartphones.
