The iPhone 8 is already getting its fair share of rumors and leaks and so does the Google Pixel 2. The Google Pixel and Pixel XL were just released last October but there's already a lot of talk surrounding its successor especially since the Google I/O 2017 event is just around the corner.
The Android developer version will likely be announced in the event too so the Google Pixel 2 is expected to come with Android 8.0 also known as Android O. Not only that, a Pixel 2 budget version which is significantly cheaper than the flagship phones could be available to emerging markets as well.
Other rumors include a Nexus comeback. According to Android top honcho Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google's doors are still open for the Nexus, adding that the Nexus 5 has been its most successful device so far.
According to reports, Google is focusing intensely on its camera and CPU. The Pixel 2 is said to be in the testing stage with two processor choices from different manufacturers. Several models were tested with the Snapdragon 835 while others were tested with Intel chips. MediaTek was also said to be working with Google at one point, but not anymore. Google developed a custom chipset for Pixel 2 which could come with a 4K display, 6 GB of RAM and Quick Charge 4.0 as well.
The Google Pixel has been criticized for its lack of any microSD card slot for memory expansion but it comes with a unique free photo and video storage option. Everything that the user captures gets automatically backed up to Google Photos for free.
It is a cloud-based photo management software which offers unlimited storage of photos up to 16 MP and videos up to 1080p free of charge. It automatically clears out content that have been backed up at full quality. Another big advantage is its 24/7 support where a Google expert can provide solutions via video or text chat right then and there.
In terms of Google Pixel 2 camera, it is speculated to improve its performance in low-light conditions. The camera will not have a large MP size but will come with other features, just like the HTC 4 MP UltraPixel camera which stirred mixed reactions from users. Waterproofing, on the other hand, could be a certification in water and dust resistance. The current-gen Pixel is dust and water-resistant but will still be damaged when submerged in water. The Google Pixel 2 may be at least 50 USD more expensive than the current-gen Pixel and be released between September and October.
The current-gen Google Pixel features a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with 2,560 x 1,440 pixels resolution. It comes with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box and is capable of split-screen windows and a battery-saving Doze mode.
The phone is compatible with the Daydream View VR headset and comes with a 3,450 mAh battery source. When it comes to performance, according to a Geekbench test, the Google Pixel achieved a score of 1,648 and 4,121 for the single-core and multi-core tests, respectively.
The Pixel has an intelligent personal assistant which functions similar to Apple iPhone's Siri. Google's Assistant helps users book dinner reservations and find easier traffic routes with just the use of voice commands. Other specs include a 5-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad HD screen and 32 GB or 128 GB of internal storage options. It also comes with a 2,770 mAh battery unit with USB Type-C charging.