Pixel 2/2 XL: What to expect

Google seems to be opposing the trend by going for a conventional design with noticeable bezels, which is in line to the recent leaks on the internet right now

After Apple launched the new iPhones for this year, the world of technology is looking at the next big announcement from Google. The Redmond giant is expected to unveil the successor to its last year flagship smartphones, allegedly referred as the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Of course, this being a flagship from Google means that leaks are bound to happen and we already have a fair idea about what the new Pixel smartphones could shape up to be.

Conventional design: Renowned names in the world of smartphones are jumping to the bezel-less display bandwagon. Google seems to be opposing the trend by going for a conventional design with noticeable bezels according to the recent leaks. The Pixel 2, which is rumoured to be made by HTC, is expected to retain bezels similar to the HTC U11. The Pixel 2 XL, rumoured to be made by LG, could possibly be having thinner bezels like the LG G6. However, we don’t expect curved displays on the new Pixel smartphones. Expect both of the models to feature a rear panel consisting of glass and metal, just like last year’s Pixel smartphones.

Flagship specifications: That’s a no-brainer! Both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL will be built on the Snapdragon’s 835 SoCs. However, the Pixel 2 could come with 4GB RAM whereas the Pixel 2 XL could come with 6GB RAM. Moving with the latest trends, we can expect Google to offer two storage variants on these: 64GB and 128GB. Rumours are even suggesting the presence of HTC’s Edge Sense on both the new Pixel smartphones.

Best camera: The smaller Pixel 2 made by HTC is expected to sport an improved version of the U11’s single lens sensor, which might trump the iPhone 8’s 94 DxOMark camera. The LG-made Pixel 2 XL is expected to sport a dual camera at the back — we might see the sensor form the LG V30. However, rumours suggest both the Pixel 2 smartphones to feature a single-lens rear camera. Both the smartphones could record 4K videos at 60fps.

Android 8.1 Oreo: Google makes it a point to roll out the latest software with its flagship smartphones. The second generation Pixel smartphones could be unveiled with the first major update to Android Oreo. As with any midlife update of an Android version, we can expect it to have efficient power management algorithms and possible better CPU management.

Note that all of these are just expectations as Google hasn’t teased anything officially about the new Pixel 2 duo. Google has announced October 4 as the launch date for its new flagships and it remains to be seen how the search giant’s latest offerings will compare to the likes of Apple or Samsung.