Ahead of the release of its next smartphone, many people are wondering what Google Pixel 2 XL specs will be delivered by the mega-corporation. The Google Pixel 2 generation will compete against the market leading devices from the likes of Apple and Samsung, but will also be pitted against recent releases such as the OnePlus 5.
New render
And a clue to the Google Pixel 2 XL specs is provided by a new render published by Android Police. The website can be considered as something of an authority on Google news, and it is thus interesting to look at the latest item from the publication.
The render in question certainly looks pretty official, and it is claimed that it provides an accurate representation of the design of the forthcoming smartphone. This second generation Google Pixel release is intended to build on what was a well-received first generation.
And it seems that the Google Pixel 2 XL will follow the trend of the smartphone marketplace by slimming down the bezels included in the unit and rounding off corners. This is becoming a very prominent design trend in the smartphone marketplace, and it seems that the LG-constructed device will strongly resemble its own G6 and the Galaxy S8.
One of the Google Pixel 2 XL specs that has also emerged from this leak is the suggestion that the display of the device will be 6-inches. This is larger than the first generation Google Pixel XL, and also more sizeable than the display being linked with the Apple iPhone 8. LG will seemingly also arm the screen with the same 2:1 aspect ratio as it already included in the LG G6.
It seems from the render that the screen of the device will also sit snugly within a metal chassis. This is a rather similar design to the previous Pixel XL, although the render does show some slight physical differences. The fingerprint scanner will now be located beneath the glass window at the top of the phone. While there is also a smaller glass portion placed on the rear of the device, with a silver ring surrounding the camera sensor.
Unique frame
Among on the other Google Pixel 2 XL specs revealed by Android Police is the apparently squeezable frame that will be included in the smartphone. This resembles a feature previously introduced in the HTC U11. The new functionality will seemingly enable the Google handset to interact with the Google Assistant software in a variety of different ways.
Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of hardware at Google, had already confirmed that the Google Pixel 2 is intended to be a premium smartphone in 2017. There had previously been a lot of debate about the involvement of HTC in the manufacturing of Google devices over the next three years. And it is still possible that this manufacturer could be the hardware partner for the Pixel XL generation.
Reports have also emerged pointing at codenames contained within the files of the HTC U11, which suggest that the developer will be involved with the Google Pixel 2 range. Sources from close to Google have also suggested that the larger device in the Google Pixel XL range will retain the two-tone glass and metal design introduced last year.
Another of the key Google Pixel 2 XL specs is the processor to be included in the handset. It is largely anticipated that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 will be used, meaning that this will be a powerful smartphone. This process was already resident in the Galaxy S8 earlier this year, and its inclusion in the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL should ensure excellent performance.
Memory and storage
It is believed that the Google Pixel XL 2 could offer 6GB of RAM memory, but perhaps a more likely suggestion is that Google will stick with the 4GB. This was already a specification of the Galaxy S8. Meanwhile, storage options for the smartphone should begin at 32GB, while Google is not likely to embrace Micro SD in this generation.
Battery
With Samsung having experienced such massive problems with the Galaxy Note 7 in this department, there is no doubt that the battery included will be one of the key Google Pixel 2 XL specs. And it is believed that the search engine giant will cram a 3,500 mAh cell into its flagship smartphone, delivering a more than decent life cycle with this device.
Audio and speakers
Another intriguing piece of information suggests that the Pixel 2 XL may feature dual-front speakers, while eliminating the 3.5mm headphone socket. This latter suggestion has, of course, already been carried out by Apple, and it will not be hugely surprising if Google chooses to follow suit. This would probably lead to USB Type-C audio for the Pixel 2, which could be considered contentious, even though it is certainly the direction that the industry is heading in.
Camera
Undoubtedly one of the most important Google Pixel 2 XL specs is the camera to be included in the device. And it is thus perhaps slightly surprising and disappointing that the Pixel 2 may not feature a dual-lens. It is instead claimed that Google will concentrate on the megapixel rating of the smartphone, while other new features will be included in the hardware. But the most recent reports suggest that this mobile will not include dual-cameras in order to keep production costs down.
Price
We can reasonably expect the Google Pixel XL 2 to be offered at a mid-range price tag. This will provide the device with an advantage over the market leading Apple and Samsung. Thus, a recommended retail price in the region of $750 can be anticipated; significantly more affordable than the $1,000 plus price tag being linked with the Apple iPhone 8.
Release date
In this crowded smartphone marketplace, Google is expected to hold back the second generation Pixel release for an October window.
