The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are nearly here, and they are going to be expensive. But thanks to a massive new leak, we also know that at least one of
The historically reliable Android Authority has the scoop and it both verifies significant details we have heard before as well as throwing in some major surprises which may well win new customers. Here’s the break down.
Qualcomm 835 Snapdragon - despite rumours of a tweaked Snapdragon 836, both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will have Qualcomm’s long running 2017 flagship chip.
64GB or 128GB Storage - Google is doubling base storage with its new Pixels, but the top tier remains 128GB which might make it a tougher sell.
Minimal Bezels - A Pixel 2 XL exclusive (the Pixel 2 retains the original Pixel’s boxy form factor) will see a high body-to-screen ratio of 80-85%. By comparison the iPhone X has 82.9%, the Galaxy S8 Plus 84%.
Dual Stereo Speakers - Both new Pixels will have dual front facing stereo speakers. A welcome return to a key feature of Google’s previous Nexus range.
No Headphone Jack - Given Google’s mockery of Apple for removing the headphone jack in its own Pixel advertising last year, this seems a ridiculous decision but may be mitigated by the simultaneous launch of Google Assistant equipped wireless earbuds (which should be bundled for doing this!).
Dual Camera OIS - both the Pixel and Pixel XL delivered benchmark cameras last year and Google achieved that without optical image stabilisation. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL add now add OIS to both front and rear cameras which will be dubbed ‘Pixel Cameras’. They will also feature Google’s own “Imaging Chip” (presumably ‘image signal processor’). Game on.
USB-C Earphone Roulette - USB-C will be the only port on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL and Android Authority says not every region where these phones sell will receive a pair of USB-C earphones in the box.
Upgraded OLED Display - Pixel 2 XL will support the Wide Color Gamut for more accurate colour reproduction but the Pixel 2 is expected to miss out (WCG has been part of Apple’s iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxies for some time). Resolutions will remain FHD on the Pixel 2 and QHD on the Pixel 2 XL.
IP67 Certification - Adding this water and dust resistance rating brings the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL into line with Apple and Samsung rivals and addresses a big omission from the original Pixels.
E-SIM Slot - A potential game changer. Both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are said to have an ‘E-SIM slot’ which can be switched from network to network. This already exists in the Apple Watch Series 3, but would be a coup if Google has convinced carriers around the world to make the new Pixels the first smartphones to have this.
Battery Bump - The Pixel 2 XL will have a 3520 mAh battery (100 mAh) larger than the Pixel XL, but the Pixel 2 will stick with the circa 2700 mAh capacity battery of the original Pixel.
New Fingerprint Readers - They’re still on the back of the new Pixels, but will improve upon the already superb fingerprint readers in the Pixel and Pixel XL.
Gorilla Glass 5 - Google will upgrade the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL to Gorilla’s latest and toughest glass (technically it’s more scratch resistant with minor drop improvements).
Active Edge - Taken from HTC’s U11, both the HTC-made Pixel 2 and LG-made Pixel 2 XL will have squeezable sides called ‘Active Edge’ which can launch Google Assistant and mute alarms and incoming calls.
Unlimited Google Drive Space - Technically not a feature, but potentially a major selling point. Buy a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL and Android Authority claims owners will get unlimited Google Drive storage space for five years (all file types). Currently Google Drive paid plans cost $1.99pm (100GB), $9.99pm (1TB) and $99.99pm (10TB) so it’s a massive saving over time.
Ultimately there are some downsides to Android Authority’s specs splash (headphone jack, minor battery bump, thick bezels on the Pixel 2) but overall there are a lot more reasons to be excited.
Yes some areas are catch-ups (Snapdragon 835, IP67 certification, dual stereo speakers, minimal bezels on the Pixel 2 XL), but combined with elements like dual OIS, the E-SIM and unlimited storage these phones (and the Pixel 2 XL in particular) may stand out from the pack. Especially if Google again wows us with its camera prowess.
Of course if users do respond well (and that’s no slam dunk with the price rises), Google’s biggest challenge will be keeping the new Pixels in stock - something it has failed miserably to do for past generations of Nexus and even the original Pixel and Pixel XL.
Time to step Google, time to step up…
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