Google's next major announcement will be the Pixel 2 flagship phones. The search giant is rumoured to announce the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 on October 5, which means we're just less than one month from seeing the Pixel 2 lineup. Before the launch event itself, both the phones are making rounds on the internet.
And the latest piece of information from 9to5Google reveals more details of these smartphones. Firstly, the Pixel 2 devices will be IP68 certified, meaning they will be dust and water resistant. Finally, Google is making a waterproof smartphone. Secondly, the devices will have the Always-On display, which, however, will look a lot different from the current Always-On display.
Further, Google is looking to make the 64GB on-board storage variant as the base model. And the storage will go up to 128GB for more storage lookers. Sadly, Google is not yet looking at 256GB and 512GB variants like Apple. Yes, the Apple iPhone 8 is expected to come in 512GB storage option, which is expected to cost close to $1400 (approx. Rs. 90,000).
Since Google is omitting the 3.5mm headphone jack in both the phones, the company is adding front-facing stereo speakers, which the company earlier used in the Nexus 6P. Additionally, Google will be providing a USB Type-C to 3.5mm converter in the retail box.
The primary highlight of the first generation Pixel phones was the rear camera setup. And with the Pixel 2 smartphones, Google is looking to use an all-new sensor. However, the only let down for now is that the company is not looking at adding Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) to the smartphones. Google will add Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) in the phones though, same as the first generation Pixels.
Lastly, HTC is nearly confirmed as the manufacturer of the smaller Pixel 2, while LG is making the bigger Pixel XL 2. The difference between both the smartphones from outside will be the design. HTC-made Pixel 2 will feature bezels on top and bottom. The leaked renders suggest that the Pixel 2 will have a similar design of the Nexus 6P with two front-facing speakers placed above and below the display.
The LG-made Pixel XL 2 will follow the current trend of bezel-less smartphones. It is expected to sport a 6-inch 18:9 QHD+ display, but there will be small bezels on top and bottom like the LG V30. The Pixel XL 2 will surely look like the LG's flagship V30 smartphone.
Finally, rumours say that Google is adding much-asked features such as stereo speakers, water and dust resistant properties, and Always-On Display. The only feature which is yet to be confirmed is the wireless charging support. Google should wireless charging feature to the upcoming Pixels to stay in contention with other brands such as Samsung and LG who're using the wireless charging setup for ages now. The Apple iPhone 8 releasing on September 12 also rumoured to feature wireless charging.
