Google Pixel 2 Specs,Release Date, News and Rumors

The Google Pixel 2 is coming in 2017, and a few leaks have started trickling through already. Here's what we want to see in Google’s flagship, including specs, features, camera, Android 8 and more.

Latest Google Pixel 2 news and leaks

A new blog post from ourblogcentre details a number of spec details for two Google Pixel phones said to be launching later this year.

The Google Pixel hit the shelves late last year, so it's still too early for serious leaks about a sequel to one of our favourite phones of 2016. One of the biggest rumour so far revolves around one of our most requested Pixel 2 features, and it seems the upcoming flagship will survive a dunk in the bath.

There's also some predictable bits that have come out regarding the phone. Sources claims it'll have a better camera, a price bump and possibly a lower-priced version too.

In any case, Google has at least confirmed that the phone will be coming later this year. Speaking to Android Pit, Rick Osterloh, who heads up Google's hardware division, admitted the Pixel series wasn't just an experiment, saying: "There is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it. You can count on a successor this year, even if you don't hear a date from us now."

 Sources also suggest that the phone will have squeezable sides like the HTC U11, and a screen that borrows from the Samsung Galaxy S8. The next flagship phone from Google likely won't arrive until late 2017, but we're already thinking about what the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL may have in store for us.

The search giant is done with the Nexus line and in its place the firm has created a slightly more premium, and far more mainstream range.We’re talking, of course, about the Google Pixel and the larger Google Pixel XL, two high-end handsets aimed at the same market as the iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S8.

They were a strong first try too, scoring high in our reviews, but they stumbled in some areas and arguably didn’t quite stack up to their rivals. But Google is sure to learn from its mistakes and make the Pixel 2 even better.Early rumors are promising, and you can read them all below, followed by a wish list of the things we want from the Pixel 2.

Google Pixel 2

It was first confirmed by Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of hardware at Google, that the Pixel 2 would be a premium offering in 2017, providing the first bit of information on the new phones. Prior to the launch of the Pixel, it was rumoured that HTC had signed up to manufacture multiple devices across the next 3 years, so they might be the hardware partner once again. We've also recently seen a report that claims that some codenames were lurking in the HTC U11's files which might point to HTC's involvement with the new Pixel devices.

However, getting to the specifics, reports coming from sources talking to XDA suggest that the Taimen, the larger device, will keep the two-tone glass and metal design of the 2016 Pixel. There is also talk of LG being involved, something that Android Police's sources are confident of.

• Taimen = Pixel XL 2; Walleye = Pixel 2
• HTC and LG rumoured to be manufacturing
• Waterproofing likely to be included

Google Pixel 2 screen

Based on benchmarks that have appeared on the web, one of the Pixel 2 phones could come with a 5.6-inch 18:9 screen and a 2,560 x 1,312 resolution. That 18:9 aspect ratio would make it super-widescreen, like the LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8, while the resolution would help with Google Daydream.
However, another source claims that the standard Pixel 2 will have a 4.97-inch screen, while a larger model will land with a 5.99-inch one. While another source says the Pixel 2 XL will have a 6-inch AMOLED screen, supplied by LG.

Elsewhere, we've heard that this screen might have an always-on function, so you can see the time and notifications at a glance, and that it will have customizable settings, including a new 'Vivid Colors' mode. Those features combined with the use of AMOLED would give it a lot in common with the Samsung Galaxy S8.
 QHD or above resolutions on all models are likely, to bring them in line with rivals. The screens may also grow.

• A curved screen
• A 5.6-inch 18:9 display
• A 2,560 x 1,312 resolution

Google Pixel 2: Cameras
Perhaps the biggest movement in cameras at the moment is dual-lens cameras. While LG, Huawei and Apple have all embraced this trend in 2016, we're yet to see if the likes of Samsung will adopt the format too. From a competitive point of view, Google may choose to use a dual-lens camera to add customer appeal.

It has been claimed the Pixel 2 will have a much improved camera, though it apparently won't be all about megapixels and more about extra features instead. The Pixel is coming from a strong place for photography, unlike the previous Nexus handsets, so we hope that continues.

The first render we've seen displays a conventional single rear camera.

• Single camera expected
• 12MP rear and 7MP front-facing cameras
• Improvements over the Pixel's camera

Google Pixel 2: Software

The Pixel launched with Android 7 Nougat and a selection of exclusive features, like Google Assistant, Pixel Launcher and the Pixel camera. That unique software position is being chipped away as features appear elsewhere, but we'd expect the Pixel 2 to debut Google's new software version with a few unique features again.

Android O is currently in development, it was launched as a dev beta, showcasing a number of new features. There's rumours that the current Pixel handsets will have Android O in August, suggesting that it's further ahead in development than in previous years. Android O looks to boost a lot in the background, increasing speed and security and add features like picture-in-picture

• Snapdragon 835 chipset
• 4GB of RAM
• 128GB of storage

A source revealed that the Pixel 2 will apparently feature an improved chipset, which we'd fully expect. The same source then got back in contact with 9to5Google to reveal that the search giant is currently testing a budget Pixel handset which will have down-graded specs, but a smaller price tag.

This rumor has since been refuted by a Google exec, so it's looking unlikely - though the exec refers specifically to Pixel, so it's always possible that a budget Google handset will land without Pixel branding. We've also heard that a true phablet might be landing, alongside the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, so we could see at least three Pixel handsets this year.

That phablet may have been benchmarked, as a phone going by 'Google taimen' has appeared on Geekbench with a 1.9GHz (likely Snapdragon 835) chipset, 4GB of RAM and strong benchmark scores.

Those specs are in line with other recent flagships, so they're believable, especially as the Snapdragon 835 has been rumored for all three Pixel 2 handsets - though it's a configuration that might not be quite so cutting-edge by the time the Pixel 2 launches. Very similar benchmark specs have appeared on the web more recently, and been rumored elsewhere, so it looks as though the internals of the Pixel 2 phones are coming into focus.

The benchmark also highlights its use of Android O, which we're fully expecting to see on the phone, and some of these sources also point to 128GB of storage being included. A Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4GB of RAM are looking likely, while Android O is a given.

Google Pixel 2: Release date

Google launches its phones towards the end of the year, so we wouldn't expect to see a new device from Google until around October 2017.

It has been claimed the Pixel 2 will see a price increase of $50 and be aimed at a different market to the cheaper Pixel 2B that is also being talked about. One thing is clear: Google has failed to meet demand with the Pixel, so needs to think bigger with the Pixel 2.

Rick Osterloh, SVP of hardware at Google also confirmed in an interview that "there is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it", suggesting that Pixel 2 will follow a similar cycle to the first device.

We will keep you posted.