The highly anticipated Google Pixel, expected to debut early next month, could have a hefty starting price of $649, but at least financing options will reportedly be available.
Each year around this time, the rumor mill is going into overdrive trying to anticipate what Google will unveil next. The company has so far launched Nexus handsets in collaboration with various OEMs, but this year it's reportedly shifting away from the Nexus branding and going for the Pixel moniker instead.
Just like last year, Google is expected to introduce two handsets — we had the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P in 2015 and we're waiting for the Google Pixel and the Pixel XL this year.
Google Pixel Pricing
According to a new report from Android Police, however, the new HTC-made Pixel smartphones from Google may be substantially more expensive than previously thought. The publication learned from a trusted source that the smaller Pixel will start at $649, which suggests that the larger Pixel XL could be even more expensive.
Although Android Police says the source is trustworthy, it rates the credibility of this information at a 6 out of 10 because no other sources can corroborate the purported pricing scheme at this point.
This new information doesn't fall in line with previously leaked details, which pegged the larger Pixel XL with a $649 starting price. If the smaller, 5-inch Pixel has that price point, likely for the 32 GB base model, the Pixel XL could have a starting price of at least $50 more.
The two Pixel smartphones will support Google's Daydream View headset, which could be priced at $80.
Financing Options For The Google Pixel Phones
Android Police's source also revealed that Google will offer financing options for the two Pixel handsets, which will be welcome if the handsets will be so expensive. At $649 and up, it's top-end flagship territory along the lines of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Note 7.
The financing options will reportedly not require Google Fi, but it remains to be seen in which markets they will be available. Google will also offer accidental coverage and an extra year of coverage for the Pixel and Pixel XL, at $99 and $119, respectively.
At the same time, the company will reportedly offer a range of colored and clear Google-branded cases for the two Pixel smartphones — more than what it offered for the Nexus handsets.
Android Police further notes that the two Pixel smartphones will go on sale on the Google Store, which would trump rumors of a Verizon exclusivity. Instead, Verizon will simply be Google's exclusive retail partner, selling the Pixels in-store.
Google is expected to announce the Pixel smartphones on Oct. 4 and based on recent benchmark scores, the handsets will be quite exciting.
Specs - What We Know So Far
The two Pixel handsets could go on sale as soon as Oct. 20, rocking Android Nougat out of the box and high-end specs and features all around, if leaks that have surfaced so far turn out to be accurate.
Speaking of specs, here's what we know so far about the Google Pixel lineup. The Pixel will reportedly have a 5-inch full HD display, while the Pixel XL will sport a 5.5-inch 2K screen. Both smartphones are expected to pack the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, although some rumors suggested they might rock the newer Snapdragon 821.
The upcoming Pixels are further expected to feature 12-megapixel main cameras, 8-megapixel front shooters, 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB of native storage for the base model, and USB Type-C, among the highlights. The Pixel XL could pack a large 3,450 mAh battery.
With no official word from Google just yet, however, take all rumors and leaks with a grain of salt. We'll let you know as soon as it's official, so stay tuned.
