The Google Pixel created quite a stir when it launched in 2016.
The phone was heavily promoted and ugly its claim with an advanced camera. Sales have been steady but haven’t posed a real threat to industry titans like Apple’s iPhone and Samsung Galaxy.
Some believe that the Pixel’s sales failed to challenge the bigger gamers due to an unremarkable design and rather high price tag of around $650.
Still many in the industry believe that Google’s attempt to take over the Android market was a good first step and have high expectations that the tech giant will release a new and improved version sometime this year.
Pundits point to Apple and the setbacks and improvements it has made with each and every new phone release. They expect no less from Google.
What to expect? First think about waterproofing. This is becoming an industry norm, found in Samsung’s iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7. Many believe that the next version of the Pixel will be waterproof and dustproof. The company didn’t include it on its first model, but it should be a feature when the “2” comes along.
Reports indicate that Google wants to improve the camera. Since it’s one of the best smartphone cameras available, the company may be focused on improving low-light performance and adding some new features.
Pixel fans may have to pay more. According to a report from 9to5Google, the price could be higher. Significant improvements would have to be required to justify a higher than market price.
Rather, the same report says that Google is testing lower-end Pixel devices as well, perhaps for a release to countries outside of North America. These would have fewer features and a lower price. However, it would make sense if a lower-end device was offered in the US that would allow Google to cover more of the market’s ends.
More power could be on the way. A higher power Snapdragon chip could be used. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 was used in the first model. The company is rumored to be testing a Snapdragon 830 and/or 835 processor. Some Intel chips can also be considered.
Pixel has become the staple of all things Android and the first phone had the full release version of Android Nougat. The new version could have Android 0 (8.0) to continue on that path.
The size of the phone matters and little has been said about a Pixel XL 2. While many may have trouble locating an original Pixel XL, it seems that Google would want to continue with the model, especially with the success of Apple’s larger iPhone 7 Plus. with all its extended features.
When can you count on seeing the Pixel 2? Many believe it will arrive this fall, about a year after the original version was released.
It will be interesting to see how Google plays the launch card, as the new Apple iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6 should be ready for the market around the same time.