If upcoming handsets like the iPhone 8 are getting their share of leaks and rumors, why not the Google Pixel 2 as well?
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL were only released in October last year but there are now rumors being floated about the new device especially with Google I/O 2017 already fast approaching.
The developer version of the new Android build could be announced in the event and the Pixel is, of course, expected to follow thereafter since it will likely serve as the launching platform to the Android 8.0 stable version also being called at this point as Android O.
Pixel 2 Rumor Roundup
It is important to note that phones are not magically produced overnight. Suppliers have to be contacted, materials have to be procured and, in Google's case, the process could become more complicated with the way it outsources its devices from third-party OEMs such as in the case of the Nexus and, some say, the Pixel handsets themselves despite their Made by Google tag.
So along the way, documents found their way to us and you may be sure that we dutifully report the most notable of the lot.
For example, inside sources revealed that the next-generation Pixel devices will now get waterproofing feature. This bit came with the intel that Google wants to further improve on the camera module, indicating that the company is not willing to yield any quarter in the area where many thought it has beaten the competition.
According to 9to5Google, Pixel 2's camera is now getting tested using chipsets sourced from two suppliers. This is the part that is going to be bad news for fans. Such improvement will purportedly pad the device's price by much as $50.
Anticipating consumer dismay since the Pixel itself has already been criticized for its eye-watering price tag, Google is said to be developing a budget variant. There is still very little information about this device, only that it could be significantly cheaper than the Pixel 2 flagships and could be shipped to emerging markets.
Nexus Revival?
Some sources are also now floating that the Nexus could stage a comeback this year. PC Advisor cited a previous statement made by Android top honcho Hiroshi Lockheimer, who said that Google is not closing its door on the Nexus, citing that the Nexus 5 has been its most successful device yet.
Pixel 2 Prototypes
Again, Google is at the early stage of the Pixel 2's development so it seems to be experimenting with partners, chips, and other components. To demonstrate this, the company is said to be working on several handsets equipped with different chipsets. Qualcomm and Intel have been reported to be collaborating with Google. Mediatek was also said to have taken part initially but was now booted out.
Information hovering toward speculations includes the possibility of a 4K screen and at least 6 GB of RAM. If Pixel 2 ships with the Snapdragon 835 processor, then you can also expect that the device will sport the Quick Charge 4.0.
As for the Pixel 2's release date, Google has been rolling out its devices since the Nexus 5 between September and October. We don't expect it to deviate significantly from that schedule.
