Google is getting ready to launch new flagship smartphones in 2016, and everyone is curious what the company that rolled out the highly commendable Nexus 6P will bring up next.
Rumors are rich about Google's upcoming Nexus devices, which have one edge over their rivals as they come packing the pure version of the Android OS.
Insiders familiar with the matter report that Google re-branded the gadgets, taking away the traditional "Nexus" names, but we might be looking at a new design approach as well.
By looking at surfaced codenames for the handsets, we can say that two more Google smartphones will be landing in 2016. The codenames, T50 and T55, can be hints to the screen sizes of the two devices. The first should therefore sport a 5-inch display, while the larger model is expected to bring a 5.5-inch screen framed by extremely thin bezels.
Multiple media outlets reported that Google pulled the plug on the "Nexus" moniker and instead chose to call its upcoming handsets Pixel. Just as a reminder, the OEM previously used Pixel to name its proprietary tablet and Chromebooks. The 5-inch smartphone will be called Pixel, while the phablet will be dubbed Pixel XL.
Google will not build the Pixel variants itself but will outsource the manufacturing process to other companies, with Huawei purported as the main candidate. Other speculations claim that HTC will craft the Pixel or the Pixel XL, but it is yet unclear which model will be manufactured by HTC and which from Huawei.
Android Authority reports that the tinier Pixel will feature a chassis of aluminum and glass. Both models will probably have a glass back, with an extra metal frame protecting the Pixel XL.
Both the Pixel and Pixel XL are purportedly packing the Snapdragon 820 processor, which is already deployed in a number of top-shelf smartphones. Other sources hint that Qualcomm's recently announced Snapdragon 821 processors will equip the upcoming Google smartphones.
LlabTooFeR says that the new Pixel smartphones will holster 12-megapixel back-facing snappers and 8-megapixel selfie-ready cameras. Insiders familiar with the matter note that the Pixel XL could have a 2K screen, while the smaller Pixel will make use of a standard 1080p screen. While both models will pack 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of default storage space, the Pixel XL is said to carry a mighty 3,450 mAh power source.
Those who are worried that Google will take a leaf out of Apple's book on the headphone jack can rest assured. The Pixel phones will come with the 3.5 mm traditional headphone plug-in slot, so users can use their favorite headsets for years to come.
Speaking of connectivity, Google does make some steps toward the future by ditching the microUSB and relying on the all-rounded USB-C on its future Pixel handsets.
It is to be expected that Google will embed its latest operating system, Android 7.0 Nougat, in its future Pixel smartphones.
People close to the matter touts that Google will make the official announcement of the Pixel handsets on Oct. 4, with the devices hitting the stores as early as Oct. 20.
Are you excited about the prospect of having two novel Google flagship smartphones up for grabs? Let us know in the comments section below.
