We’re only three months into the life of the Pixel and Pixel XL, Phones by Google, and already we’ve gotten our first leak/ rumour regarding its expected successor, dubbed the Pixel 2 for now. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Google is working on a successor to the Pixel, in fact, several Google Execs have even commented on seeing prototypes, so what does the rumour mill have for us?
Waterproofing, for one. One of the biggest criticisms of the Pixel phones was the lack of waterproofing, I personally wasn’t so upset by that until I dropped my phone into very shallow water. The Pixel survived but it did kind of make me want Note 7 style waterproofing, apparently waterproofing is “Still on the table” but not a definite feature at this stage.
Apparently, Google is also looking at improving the cameras, really that’s like stating they-they are intended on including a battery, of course, they intend to improve the cameras, apparently they intend to focus their efforts to improve low-light performance. It’s unclear if this means new sensors or maybe just new software as the rumours point to Google maintaining the same pixel size and density as the original.
With the current Pixels being at or near the top of the mobile camera space, Google can’t afford to drop behind. It will be interesting to see if the intend on adding in a second sensor like the iPhone 7 or LG G5?
On the chipset side of things, there is a very interesting rumour, naturally, we’d expect the Pixel 2 to run the Snapdragon 835, or a successor to it if Qualcomm has a mid-year refresh again. However, apparently, Intel is also being considered as a potential provider. There’s another rumour that Google may have designed their own chipset for the device, this builds on rumours from 2016 that Google would start using custom SOC’s. Perhaps Intel is providing the fabrication for these chips now they are an ARM licensee?
With Intel not having a lot of “skin in the game”, it would be a massive coup if they could secure the contract as the chipset provider for the Pixel. However, if I had to bet, I’d put money on a Snapdragon processor being in the final build.
Now for the bad news, the source has suggested that Google will somehow be charging even more for the Pixel 2! For a device that currently tops out at $1419, I would consider any increase in price to be a complete outrage. The existing Pixel is already overpriced, however, I do admit that the ongoing security and feature updates do have some value.
I hope Google don’t intend on gouging consumers any more than they have with the original Pixels. If they do there may be some good news as well. Google is apparently testing a second tier Pixel device with lower specs and a commerce rate drop in cost.
I would be very happy to see Google end up with two or three tiers of devices to provide great hardware and updates to all levels of consumers.
