Google Pixel 2 Rumors: What We Know

Exciting news today as another leak of the upcoming Pixel 2 phone has been leaked. The next flagship phone from Google will likely not arrive til late 2017. Rumor has it that the Pixel 2 will be more expensive than the original Pixel, so expect to be paying over $649 for the new phone. We hope that this is not true, but either way it should be a beautiful phone.

OLED screen

Earlier in the year Google revealed that it will spend close to a billion dollars with LG Display to secure OLED panels for the upcoming Pixel 2 phones. Short for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes, OLED displays are the future of mobile screens. Their color display and and power efficiency are unrivaled when it comes to screens. OLED screens do not need to be back-lit like LCD screens and as a result the color contrast is amazing, the blacks are actually black and the ability to power individual pixels gives a phenomenal range of colors. The Pixel 2 will have a 5-inch 1080p OLED screen while the Pixel 2 XL will have a 6-inch Quad HD, or 2K, (18:9) screen.

Google securing a partnership with LG to produce OLED panels is notable in that it will ensure that there is a reliable supply of panels for the phones. The OLED manufacturing process is notoriously difficult, which is why the technology is not common in TVs - yet - and with this investment, Google believes the future of mobile displays is OLED. Supply chain logistics impacted the release of the original Pixel and the evidence pointed towards a OLED screen shortage - a frustrating mishap that will be, hopefully, avoided with this LG Display partnership.

Bezel design

Like it or not, it is confirmed that the large bezels of the original Google Pixel will be returning. Going against current bezel-less designs like those of Apple iPhones, LG G series and Samsung Galaxy phones, the Google Pixel 2, and presumably the Pixel XL.

The more rectangular shape is accentuated by slightly sharper corners. Yes, the corners are still rounded but the look of the phone is slightly different than the original, likely in order to distinguish it from the predecessor.

Software OS

It is expected that, like last year, the Pixel 2 will launch with a version of Android that will remain exclusive to the phones for the first three months or so. With the final version of Android 8.0 excted to debut in August, it is likely that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL series will launch with Android 8.1.

Nothing more is known about Android 8.1 at the moment but updates will be posted when we know more.

Hardware

The leaked photos confirm the Pixel 2 will have stereo speakers, one on bottom and top. This will give the new model much better audio as the original Pixel only had a speaker on top. We know that the Pixel 2 will have either a Snapdragon 835 or 836 processor, 4GB RAM, and a rear fingerprint scanner.

The trend in flagship phones the last year has been towards water resistance if not outright waterproofing, but it is currently unknown if the Pixel 2 will have any such features.

Rumor has it that, like the iPhone 7, there may be no 3.5mm headphone jack - this is supported by mockups that have leaked. Unfortunately you might need to invest in a quality pair of wireless headphones.

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