As a new alleged render suggests, Google, in designing the Pixel 2, might not follow recent smartphone trends, which include dual cameras and nearly bezel-less displays.
Google might unveil the sequel to last year's Pixel and Pixel this coming October, around the same time it launched the original flagships. Thus far, however, the leaks have been somewhat varied and confusing.
Some mockups and fan renders of the devices show nearly bezel-less displays, akin to the Samsung Galaxy S8's Infinity Display. However, trusted smartphone insider Evan Blass has received an alleged render that suggests otherwise.
Google Pixel 2: Sorry, No Bezel-Less Display
Though the picture looks grainy, one can clearly see thick bezels on the device, quite a significant rejection of the bezel-less trend Apple will reportedly adopt for the iPhone 8. Perhaps Google thinks it doesn't need to jump into that bandwagon to make a nicer phone compared with its offerings last year. That said, it's quite a bold move not to at least make the bezels a bit thinner than those pictured. Keep in mind that this is just a leaked image, though, and Google might end up not using the design at all when it launches the device possibly later this year.
Google Pixel 2: No Dual Camera Setup
On the back of the phone, not much has changed: it still features a partially glass panel at the top, albeit with less footprint this time around. The circular fingerprint scanner is still in the same place and so is the camera — and only one camera, at that.
Perhaps like with the bezel-less display, Google thinks dual cameras aren't necessary to make a great phone. That's a point of contention, of course, especially with so many OEMs adapting dual camera setups. Still, last year's Pixel sported one of the best cameras on a smartphone ever, and it's easy to imagine Google would fight to have that accolade remain tied to its next flagship.
Google Pixel 2: No Headphone Jack
Pixel fans might forgive Google for thinking a bezel-less display or dual cameras don't matter, but they might not be as forgiving should the company also get rid of the headphone jack, a trend Apple started with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Though several sources give confirmation to this, it still seems odd that Google has chosen to forego the headphone jack this time around after making fun of Apple for doing the same thing.
There's still hope all these details turn out to be false because we're still pretty much in rumor and speculation territory. However, Google better have good reasons if all that's stated above turn out to be accurate.
