With the launch of the Pixel and Pixel XL last year, Google entered the hardware space where it controls everything from the design, specifications and features to the software, just like Apple does with iPhones. A year later, Google is all set to launch the successors of these smartphones – the Pixel 2, and the Pixel 2 XL. The event is set to take place in San Francisco on October 4. Google will also live stream the event on YouTube, which will kick off at 9:30PM IST.
This year, in particular, has been pretty interesting with flagship smartphones featuring bezel-less displays and dual camera setups. The recently launched iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus do not bring much to the table in terms of design, but Apple has been talking all about performance boost compared to earlier generation iPhones. With that being said, a lot has already been leaked about the new Pixels, right from the design to specifications and more. Let’s go ahead and take a closer look at what to expect.

Design

To compete with the current flagship smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, LG G6, LG V30 and Xiaomi Mi MIX to name a few, Google is also set to join the bezel-less revolution. As we can see in the leaked renders, the Pixel 2 XL is set to get taller displays, but unlike last year where both Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones shared same design with difference in screen size, this time, there will likely be some difference. 
To begin with, let’s talk about the Pixel 2 first. Based on the leaked renders, the front will be dominated with the display, with thick bezels along the top and bottom. Just above the display, there is a front camera module, followed by the earpiece, which is also expected to double as a stereo speaker. Below the display, we can see a slit for speaker grill, just as we have already seen on the Nexus 6P. From the look of it, the Pixel 2 is unlikely to come with a taller display.
Pixel-2-lineup
Turn to the back, and you have the two-tone combination with the top half housing the LED flash and the camera module. While the top half seems to retain the glass casing, the second half is likely to be made from metal. It also houses a circular fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. In terms of buttons placement, the power / sleep button and volume rocker is placed on the right, whereas the USB Type-C port is expected to be at the bottom. Rumors also hint that the Pixel 2 will ditch the 3.5mm audio port. 
Moving on to the Pixel 2 XL, renders hint at a tall display with 18:9 aspect ratio, and thin bezels along the top and bottom. Just like the Pixel 2, the Pixel 2 XL renders also show off the earpiece and front camera module on the top, whereas a slit for speaker grill at the bottom. Turn to the back, and while it retains the dual tone finish with fingerprint sensor placed in the bottom half, the placement of camera module and LED flash is a bit different in this case. The right edge still houses the power / sleep button (orange color) with volume rocker below it.

Specifications and features

According to details obtained by Android Authority, the Pixel 2 will bring under the hood upgrades compared to last year’s Pixel smartphone. It is expected to feature a full HD display, but there is no word on the screen size. Based on previous leaks, it is expected to be 5-inch or 5.1-inch panel. With Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core SoC, 64GB and 128GB onboard storage and 2,700mAh battery. The smartphone is also expected to come with an e-SIM slot in the US and other supported markets. Google is likely to offer three color options – Just Black, Clearly White and Kinda Blue.
The Pixel 2 XL, on the other hand, is expected to come with a larger QHD display with an aspect ratio of 18:9. It is likely to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core SoC paired with 64GB and 128GB storage options. The Pixel 2 XL is also expected to be armed with a 3,520mAh battery with support for fast charging.
Both smartphones are expected to come with improved IP67 certification for water and dust resistance. The Squeeze feature that we saw on HTC U11 is also expected to be present on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones. Also, both smartphones could pack the same resolution front and back cameras, but unlike the competition, Google is set to miss out on the dual camera setup. We really hope Google adds some neat software tricks to compensate for the same. 

Pricing

Leaked information hints that the Pixel 2 64GB variant will cost $649, which is approximately Rs 42,700, whereas the 128GB storage variant will cost about $749, which is approximately Rs 49,200. The Pixel 2 XL, on the other hand, could set you back by $849, which is roughly Rs 55,800 for the 64GB storage variant, whereas the 128GB storage variant is likely to be priced at $949, which is approximately Rs 62,300. Indian pricing is likely to be higher after the taxes and import duties.

Additional announcements

Rumors also hint that Google might announce new and improved Google Home speakers. Recently, Amazon announced a bunch of Echo devices across multiple price points, and Google is also expected to do the same, with Google Home Mini rumored to be one of them. It is expected to come with same features as the Google Home, but without the premium speaker experience.
Google could also announce a new Pixel branded Chromebook, called Pixelbook. If Google does end up announcing this one, it could be the company’s third Chromebook, focused on highlighting the upcoming changes in the Chrome OS. Lastly, rumors also hint at new and improved Daydream VR headset announcement too.
Now, what all Google ends up announcing remains to be seen. We are excited about the Pixel event tomorrow, and if you are looking forward to it too, let us know about your expectations in the comments section below.

{BGR, AndroidAuthority}