Android Authority claims to have exclusive new information about the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL specs that has been confirmed by a trusted source. The devices are expected to be officially revealed by Google next week during their big launch event and would be the successors to the popular Pixel and Pixel XL devices from last year.
So, what can we expect in these two new, much anticipated devices?
First, let’s start with similarities between the Google Pixel 2 and Google PIxel 2 XL specs. Both devices are rumored to be launching with a Snapdragon 835 chipset. This has long been expected after it was reported that the Snapdragon 836 has either been delayed or discontinued completely; it’s just nice to have some confirmation about those rumors. Also, both devices will ship with either 64 or 128GB of internal storage. And, if you’re a little clumsy then you will be happy to know that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are both IP67 certified. One interesting part of the leak is that both devices will have the active edge feature, similar to what we see in the HTC U11. It has long been reported that the Pixel 2 would have the active edge feature but we likely wouldn’t see it on the Pixel 2 XL. This is mainly because, according to certification documents, two different manufacturers are working on the devices and a lot of people suspected that only the HTC-built Pixel 2 would have the active edge feature. If this new leak is accurate then it would mean you will be able to squeeze the frame on both devices in order to launch Google Assistant. I have never had a chance to test this feature on an HTC U11 so I’m excited to see how well it works with the Pixel 2 devices.
Not all of the features are good, however. The source confirms that both devices will lose the 3.5mm headphone port. So many sources have claimed this that you can pretty much call it a fact at this point. If Google shows off smartphones with 3.5mm headphone ports next week I will genuinely be shocked. Instead, I would expect to see a lot of information about the Google Assistant enabled headphones and whether or not a pair will be bundled with the devices. Also, it is said that both of the devices Google shows off next with will have dual front-facing speakers. This is obviously little comfort for those of you who love a good pair of analog headphones but it is a nice feature have.
Now for the differences. The display looks like it will be the biggest difference when comparing the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL specs. The Pixel 2 XL is going to have a very flagship-like display that will put it in direct competition with the incredible displays on the market now like the one we see in the Galaxy Note 8. According to this tipster, the Pixel 2 XL will have a QHD curved display with an 80% screen to body ratio. That’s pretty much the same ratio as the Galaxy Note 8 which means that the bezels have obviously been greatly reduced from last year’s model. The PIxel 2 display will still be a nice display but a definite step down from the Pixel 2 XL. We are expecting a full HD display with no curved glass. A lot of leaks have suggested the design for the Pixel 2 will be very similar to last year’s model.
The leak from Android Authority also confirms a single rear camera sensor and a single front camera sensor. The leak also mentions OIS but doesn’t seem to confirm if the optical image stabilization will be included in both devices or just the Pixel 2 XL. I guess we will have to wait for confirmation about that. If both cameras have OIS I would mark this as a win for the smaller, less expensive Pixel 2 and a loss for the Pixel 2 XL which will be competing with several devices that sport amazing dual camera sensors like the iPhone X and Galaxy Note 8.
Of course, both devices will launch with Android Oreo and you can expect a few years of updates and support for Pixel devices. This is the major reason to choose a Pixel device over other great Android devices like the Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, or LG V30. Pixel devices will get the newest software as soon as it’s ready to go which means you get the newest features on your device right away instead of waiting months for an update to become available, if it ever does.
The new smartphones from Google are starting to become more and more clear as launch nears. If you’re excited for the devices then you don’t need any other reason to check out Google’s launch event. However, if you aren’t feeling inspired by the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL then there will still be some other stuff to see during the big launch event. There is going to be a smaller, more compact Google Home device that looks like a smushed version of the current Google Home. We will also get to see the Pixelbook which is Google’s premium Chromebook. From leaked images it looks sexy and sleek but the price tag will surely turn a lot of people away unless Google has some big Chromebook surprises up their sleeve.
What do you think about these new leaked Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL specs? Are you getting excited for the new devices or will you hold off and wait for the iPhone X release date or possibly even stick with your current smartphone? Let us know your thoughts!
