Google is set to announce Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, the second-generation Pixel smartphones on October 4. The renders and pricing of Google's next generation Pixel phones have already leaked and now Android Authority has obtained more information about these smartphones.
Android Authority reports that Pixel 2 XL, the larger of the two devices, will feature a curved QHD display. The flagship smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 chipset and will be available with either 64GB or 128GB storage. The size of the display is not known but sources familiar with the device claim that the Pixel 2 XL will have a screen-to-body ratio between 80 and 85 percent.
The report also confirms that Google will be opting for dual stereo speaker setup and ditching the headphone jack with the launch of Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. The second-generation Pixel smartphones will not join the likes of the iPhone 8 Plus and Galaxy Note 8 by offering a dual camera setup. Both the Pixels are said to offer one front and one rear camera. Google will call them "Pixel Cameras." The Pixel 2 XL, in particular, is said to support wide colour gamut and Google imaging chip along with optical image stabilisation.
The Pixel 2 XL is also likely to include an E-SIM like Apple Watch Series 3, which will allow the smartphone to connect to any network without the need to replace the SIM card. The smartphone will sport a smaller glass window at the back and fingerprint sensor will be placed below the glass back. The Pixel 2 XL will be IP67 certified and will be powered by a 3520mAh battery.
The Pixel 2, on the other hand, is said to sport a design similar to its predecessor with prominent top and bottom bezels. It will feature a smaller display with a Full HD resolution and might miss out wide colour gamut support. The Pixel 2 will support dual stereo speakers but miss out on the headphone jack. The smaller footprint also means that Pixel 2 will feature a 2700mAh battery.
Google confirmed last week that it has hired HTC's engineers who were behind the development of the original Pixel smartphone. While previous reports said both the models will support Active Edge feature, Android Authority says only Pixel 2 XL will come with Active Edge feature on the left side of the device. The squeeze function will launch Google Assistant or can be used to mute incoming calls and alarms.
Google is adopting a dual OEM strategy this year with HTC getting Pixel 2 and LG designing the Pixel 2 XL. Droid Life had reported that Pixel 2 XL will launch in "Just Black" and "Black and White" colour options and will be priced at $849 for the 64GB variant and $949 for the 128GB version. The smaller Pixel 2 will be priced at $649 for the 64GB variant and $749 for the 128GB storage model. HTC-made Pixel 2 will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black and Clearly White colour.