Rumor Roundup: Pixel 2 To Gain Several Improvements

Google had announced the first generation of Pixel devices, the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL, in an event on October 4, 2016. We are not even one month into 2017 and the rumour mill concerning the second generation of the Pixel devices has already started off.

The first rumour that comes out of this mill is courtesy of tech journalist Stephen Hall, who claims that the 2017 Pixel devices will be waterproof. He stated the same in his tweet below.

Little tidbit we were told in October last year that I forgot about: “Waterproofing definitely coming with next Pixel device.”

— Stephen Hall (@hallstephenj) January 25, 2017

This is just a rumour since Google hasn't confirmed anything on this regard. Stephen Hall has however maintained that this information has come off the hands of a source who has proved to be reliable in the past. Flagship offerings from Sony (Xperia Z5) and Samsung (Galaxy S7 & S7 Edge) already have this feature. It would definitely be a plus if Google's next generation Pixel smartphones have this feature.

A source has also told 9to5Google that the 'Pixel 2' will come with a better camera as compared to the 2016 Pixel devices. According to the source, Pixel 2's camera will "not have large MP size" but the camera will still be a notch higher as compared to the first generation of Pixel devices which have a 12MP camera. Google is testing improved chipsets from two different manufacturers for ensuring the same. In fact, Google is aiming to "master low light photography" through the Pixel 2. Camera has been a major selling point for the Pixel and Pixel XL. Google intends to use the same marketing strategy for the Pixel 2, as it did for the 2016 Pixel duo (see the shot above).

As far as Pixel 2's CPU goes, 9to5Google claims that Google has been trying out chipsets from different makers such as Qualcomm and Intel. Google is said to be testing out different chipsets across multiple test devices. Astonishingly, Google is even have said to have been in talks with MediaTek for designing Pixel 2's CPU architecture, however the collaboration talks now seem to have reached an end which hints at an unsuccessful deal. 9to5Google also claims that Google is testing out a self-developed custom chipset for the Pixel 2. The fact that Google is developing it's own silicon chipsets is not a shocker at all since Android Engineering's head at Google, Dave Burke, had earlier confirmed to Bloomberg that Google is concentrating on developing the required hardware for it's products in-house. Burke had also mentioned that Google is trying to bring up it's hardware division so that the company can ship it's own custom silicon.

Owing to more features, the Pixel 2 will reportedly be priced at least $50 more than the Pixel. If this is indeed true, the Pixel 2 would go with a starting price of $699. The good news here is that Google is also working on a budget-level model of the Pixel 2, which is being internally referred to as 'Pixel 2B'. The 'B' just might stand for 'budget' after all. The Pixel 2B will have a lower price and lesser powerful hardware as compared to Pixel 2's higher level model. The Pixel 2B will be released either "alongside or after Pixel 2" and will be aimed at the emerging markets in developing countries.

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.