Google Pixel 2 Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

With its superb camera and elegant design, the Google Pixel (and its larger counterpart, the Pixel XL) hit it out of the park last year. So it’s no surprise that Google wants to keep the good times rolling with its pair of premium flagship phones. The company’s hardware chief, Rick Osterloh, already confirmed that a follow-up is coming in 2017. While he didn’t say exactly when, we’d guess it’ll launch some time in October, a year after the Pixel was born. (If you want something more specific, there’s speculation it’ll launch on Oct. 5.)

We don’t know much about the next Pixel (unofficially known as the Pixel 2), but rumors say that it’ll have a slimmer design and an even better camera. Until its unveiling, however, we’ve gathered all the facts and rumors we know about the phone so far. Be sure to check back as more information rolls out; we’ll keep the updates coming.

The Pixel 2 will have improvements all around

As new camera tech and improved chipsets become available, the next generation of phones will likely be better than the last. Some specific rumors about an improved Pixel 2 speculate that the phone will be water-resistant and that the camera will be packed with more features. Google will also likely outfit it with a faster processor (more on that below).

It might have Snapdragon 836… or not

Various rumors have been floating around regarding the phone’s processor. At first, it was believed the company was testing out chips from Qualcomm, Intel and possibly the Taiwanese chipset maker MediaTek. If Google does go with Qualcomm, the new Pixel might be equipped with Qualcomm’s as yet unannounced Snapdragon 836 chipset — at least according to blogger and notable leak reporter Evan Blass. Different pubs dispute this claim, however, believing instead that the phone will feature the Snapdragon 835, the chip that powers high-end Android phones such as the Galaxy Note 8.

The phone could have squeezable edges

There is talk about the Pixel 2 coming with a squeezable frame, similar to the HTC U11‘s. This means the frame is pressure-sensitive, and when you hold it tightly you can do things like launch the camera, turn on the flashlight or open an app of your choice. (Check out this video of how it works on the HTC U11.) In the Pixel’s case, there’s been speculation that squeezing the phone could launch Google Assistant.

It could have a slimmer design

Recently, a rendering of the next Pixel XL made its rounds, giving us more detail about what the next pair of phones could look like. It showed the XL with a larger, 6-inch display and thinner bezels. It also looks more rectangular with sharper corners and the signature glass shade on the back is shorter, vertically.

Another rendering (this time in video form), considers different possible colors like red and teal. Blue, which is one of the original colors of the Pixel, is also included.

HTC may help build the Pixel (again)

Just like the original Pixel, Google may partner up with HTC again to help build the phone (though Google will likely keep credit about the design). This is according to reputable phone leaker Evan Blass, who also leaked two pictures of what the upcoming phone may look like. It’s also expected to have a pair of front-facing stereo speakers and the aforementioned squeezable frame.

The Pixel 2 might lose the headphone jack

Like the Apple iPhone 7s and Motorola’s Moto Z lineup, the Pixel 2 may be ditching the headphone jack, according to renderings from OnLeaks and My Smart Price. The unverified mage also shows the phone with a slimmer top and bottom bezel, but keeping the rear fingerprint reader and glass panel on the back.

It’ll likely be more expensive…

Though Google recently discounted the original Pixel’s price (likely in preparation for the new Pixel), at launch it costed $650, £599 and AU$1,079 unlocked. It also doesn’t look like the new one will be any cheaper., especially since Google’s Osterloh said that the Pixel will stay premium. Rumors anticipate a $50 increase, but no exact pricing has been mentioned.

…but there may be a cheaper option

If the Pixel 2 sounds too expensive for you, Google may be considering a more budget-friendly Pixel. Known internally as the Pixel 2B, this phone is rumored to have lower-tiered hardware to go with its cheaper price tag.

The Pixel 2 will launch with Android Oreo

Last year’s Pixel ran Android 7.0 Nougat. But now that the next software update, Android Oreo, is already rolling out to some Android phones, it’s likely that the next Pixel will have Oreo. This means the phone may natively feature picture-in-picture apps for multitasking, new app notifications and improved copy-and-paste built in.

By its purported launch in October, the Pixel 2 will face stiff competition from Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S8, the OnePlus 5 and the LG G6. It’ll also go against the next Apple iPhone, which is rumored to feature wireless charging and an edge-to-edge display (neither of which the Pixel has). Though the Pixel will get a boost from Google’s branding and ecosystem, as well as its timely software updates, it’ll need extra additions — like the possibility of water resistance and a better camera — to be even more competitive.