Google is set to announce the second generation Pixel smartphones on October 4. The details about the imminent launch have been spotted in the form of billboards and via messages on Google Chrome and YouTube. Now, ahead of the official launch, the renders and final pricing of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have leaked.
According to Droid Life, the second-generation Pixel codenamed Taimen will be made by LG and officially called the Pixel 2 XL. The smartphone will come in "Just Black" and "Black and White" colour options and will be available in 64GB and 128GB storage capacities. The Pixel 2 XL with 64GB storage will be priced at $849 (around Rs 55,000) while the 128GB storage model will retail for $949 (around Rs 61,500).
HTC-made Pixel 2 codenamed Walleye is said to arrive in three different colour options: Kinda Blue, Just Black and Clearly White. The smartphone will be available in 64GB and 128GB storage options and will be priced at $649 (around Rs 42,000) and $749 (around Rs 48,500) respectively. The report further adds that Google is also planning to offer financing options similar to Apple with both Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones.
In terms of features, both Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will ditch the dual camera setup found on flagship smartphones this year. The Pixel 2 is said to be identical to the Pixel, while Pixel 2 XL will sport a larger display with thinner top and bottom bezels compared to its predecessor.
Both Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 chipset and are expected to feature frame-embedded sensors for squeeze actions similar to the HTC U11. The Pixel 2 XL, in particular, is expected to sport a 6-inch LG-made OLED display and offer an improved front-facing stereo speaker setup. The handsets are also rumoured to follow in the direction of Apple and HTC by ditching the 3.5mm audio jack.
Alongside the new Pixel phones, Google is also expected to showcase a new Chromebook laptop and Google Home Mini smart speaker. The search giant is expected to compete with Samsung's Galaxy S8, LG V30 and Apple iPhone 8 with its new smartphones.