Google has confirmed there will be a 2017 refresh of the Pixel smartphones but the release is unlikely to happen within the I/O Developers Conference or anytime soon. The actual rollout for the device will be around October this year with the nearly the same high-end features and specifications, including the premium pricing.
AndroidPit reported that the Pixel 2 will come out around the same time that first version debuted in 2016, and that would be October 2017 or later. "You can count on a successor this year, even if you don't hear a date from me now," Google hardware chief Rick Osterloh was quoted by the same report as saying.
"There is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it," the senior Google executive added.
While not disclosing on the specific details, Osterloh hinted too that from the original Pixel the sequel will remain premium in design and specifications. It's likely that Google will pick Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 as the new Pixel's main engine but according to 9to5Google, multiple chipsets are in consideration with the likelihood of the 2017 edition ending up with a custom solution.
"Multiple test devices with different chipsets are being used now," the report added, somehow indicating that Pixel prototypes are now being tested.
As mentioned, Osterloh did not provide the juicy details on the next Pixel flagship devices that likely will also include the Pixel XL 2, but one concept designer already has an idea of what the handsets will be. Picked by WCCFTech, concept creator Benjamin Geskin offered his vision of the Pixel 2 that essentially was inspired by the Samsung Galaxy S8 or what so far have been leaked about the later device.
As noted in the report, the Pixel 2 render is nearly the untouched version of the 2016 models save for the slimmer bezels on all sides. The concept also adopted the GS8's supposed 18:9 screen ratio that WCCFTech said "will make it on a lot of premium devices," this 2017.
As for the Pixel 2 pricing on release date, Osterloh told AndroidPit the handset will remain premium, meaning the asking price for Google's Pure Android flagship will be in the same league with Apple's iPhone 8 and Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus.