If rumors end up being true, the Google Pixel 2 could become the first phone to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 836 chip, which means it'll have the fastest, most battery-efficient chip out there.
Speculations about Google's follow-up to its critically acclaimed Pixel handsets are rampant. Some say the phones will disappointingly not feature a bezel-less display design, or that it won't have a headphone jack. We're in speculation territory, of course, which means there's nothing set in stone.
But Evan Blass, a trusted tech tipster and insider whose pre-release leaks and renders are almost always accurate, has now claimed that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be unveiled on Oct 5, one year after the first Pixel phones were announced. He added that both phones will have the latest Snapdragon SoC, as mentioned. Beyond those things, all bets are off.
Exactly what specific improvements and power or efficiency gains the Snapdragon 836 has over the 835 remain uncertain, but shifting to a newer chip makes sense. Google has done the same thing in the past when the Pixel phones came with 821 chips instead of the 820. This is pure guesswork, but perhaps it's safe to expect higher clock speeds and more efficient battery usage.
Google Pixel 2 Might Not Have A Headphone Jack
One Twitter user asked Blass if the Pixel 2 will feature a headphone jack, as the original Pixel phones do. He replied with a link to Aerosmith's "Dream On" music video, which pretty much means "no."
Since Apple decided to eliminate the port from the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, there has been somewhat of an outrage. Both sides of the headphone jack debate have great points: those for it argue a USB Type-C port is better for the future, while those against it argue that they shouldn't pay a premium for a phone that does not have one of the most basic features found on a mobile device. What do you think? We'll let you weigh in on this one.
Pixel 2 And Pixel 2 XL Rumors
Rumors say Google, like last time, will still depend on OEMs to create both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. LG is allegedly making the larger Pixel 2 XL, while HTC is managing the smaller model. Both reportedly will have squeezable frames, or displays that trigger a certain function when you squeeze them to a certain extent. The camera is one of the most interesting talking points, though, since Google will most definitely find a way to make the cameras even better. For the record, the Pixel and Pixel XL of yesteryear were dubbed for some time as having the best cameras.
