Google is getting ready to release the sequel to its critically acclaimed flagships in 2016. The Pixel phones represented the very best of Android, and it officially marked Google as a worthy rival to Apple and Samsung in the heated smartphone race.
Naturally, there's a lot of impassioned hype for the follow-up. There have been several rumors about the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2, but 9to5Google has obtained some new images of the smaller Pixel alongside key information that hasn't been reported previously.
Pixel 2 And Pixel XL 2: Laser Detect Autofocus
Based on the images, the device seems to have "a slate gray-looking glass window and a dark silver back." The alleged leaks don't give a clear view of the device since the images were intentionally blurred to protect the source. However, they do hint that there will be two small black dots below the flash that are presumably sensors to aid the camera's laser to detect autofocus.
Pixel 2 And Pixel XL 2: Storage Options
It's possible that the new Pixel phones will have up to 128 GB of onboard storage, with 64 GB reportedly being the base storage option. There seem to be no models with less than 64 GB of storage, according to the report. By contrast, the original Pixel is available in a 32 GB variant.
Pixel 2 And Pixel XL 2: Water And Dust Resistance
The new Pixel devices will reportedly feature IP68 certification for water and dust resistance. With this rating, the Pixel 2 can survive up to 1.5 m underwater for half an hour, according to ValueWalk. If true, accidentally dropping it into a pool won't be such a huge tragedy. For perspective, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus also both have IP68 certification.
Pixel 2 And Pixel XL 2: Always-On Display
Both phones will feature Always-on Display function, which implies Google will opt for OLED screens yet again. OLED displays are perfect for Always-on features since its screen technology involves only lighting up certain pixels instead of requiring a backlight, as with LCDs.
An Always-on display allows users to see certain information without turning the phone's screen on. The time, date, and many other visual elements may be displayed without taxing the battery much.
Pixel 2 And Pixel XL 2: No Headphone Jack
Google will apparently bid goodbye to the headphone jack, but the report claims Google is doing heavy damage control with regard to this tidbit. One source claims Google will give out "nuanced answers" in the coming weeks, but what that means remains vague. Perhaps Google will bundle the new Pixel phones with the rumored Assistant-powered wireless headphones as a compromise.
Expect due coverage as Tech Times learns more. Thoughts about the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
