New Processor, Big Screens Planned for Google Pixel 2 Smartphone

In 2016 Google surprised the mobile market by introducing the first Android smartphone it both designed and engineered. That handset, called the Google Pixel, is now just months away from being replaced by an updated model, to be known logically as the Google Pixel 2. Google has remained tight-lipped on its plans, of course, but the rumor mill has been churning out a flurry of reports that suggest the device could come in three sizes and offer top-of-the-line performance. It might also take some design cues from its chief Android rival, the Samsung Galaxy S8. This slide show will discuss all of the rumors surrounding the Google Pixel 2 and what users might find when the new models reach the market this fall.

To be clear, Google isn’t designing, engineering and manufacturing the Pixel 2 smartphone entirely on its own. The company reportedly signed a contract with LG Electronics to develop and manufacture its smartphone. While the Google Pixel 2 will have Google branding and input, it also will have some design inspiration from LG.

According to several leaks, Google is using three code names with the Pixel 2. Each code name represents a device of different size and different features. Google last year announced two Pixel models, but this year wants a broader range of handsets to appeal to customers on different budgets, according to reports.

At the top of the Pixel 2 food chain could be a handset with a screen size in excess of 6 inches. There’s some debate over how big the largest Pixel 2 might be, but most reports suggest it could be as big as 6.4 inches. But regardless of the size, the screens should deliver high resolution and likely use OLED technology.

Google’s Pixel 2’s screen will cover nearly its entire face, according to rumors, and the smartphone’s fingerprint sensor will move to the back of the device, with a virtual home button bundled into the handset’s Android operating system. Those are all features currently seen in the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Google has reportedly partnered with Qualcomm to bundle the chipmaker’s Snapdragon processor in the Google Pixel 2. But whether it will use the Snapdragon 835 or the Snapdragon 836 is unknown. Reports say the Snapdragon 836 will offer a bit more power and battery efficiency than the market-leading Snapdragon 835.

Google uses its Pixel line as quasi-official Android handsets. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise when Google brings Android O to the Pixel 2. The operating system is slated to launch later this year, and the Google Pixel 2 likely will be the first to offer it.

Google last year said its Pixel included the finest smartphone camera in the world, but it has since been surpassed. Rumors say Google is planning a camera update in the Pixel 2 and will likely deliver a dual-lens design, at least in the larger versions.

Battery life is another important metric in differentiating the Pixel 2 from other Android handsets. There’s a good chance Google will offer a larger battery in at least the biggest of its Pixel 2 handsets and deliver better battery life overall. There’s no word on how long the Pixel 2’s battery might last, but its biggest pack could top out at 3,500mAh.

Critics roundly criticized the original Google’s Pixel for what they said was sub-par audio. Some reports say Google is responding by bundling more powerful and higher-end speakers and a better earpiece for voice calls. And yes, it’s expected to retain the 3.5mm headphone jack Apple ditched in last year’s iPhone 7.

Google is expected to announce and release the Pixel 2 in October. The company hasn’t announced pricing, of course, but according to some rumors, the smartphone will have the same price as last year’s models—$650 and $770, depending on the size customers want. The largest model could be an additional $50, bringing its total cost to $820, reports say.