We’re exactly one week away from the official announcement of Google’s next generation Pixel phones, but an exclusive source has provided new info on both of Google’s upcoming devices, which we’ve verified independently using an internal document.
Pixel 2 XL specs
The Pixel 2 XL will feature a curved QHD screen and will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 mobile processor with either 64 GB or 128 GB of internal storage. Although we’re not sure what size the display will be, our source tells us that the screen-to-body ratio will be between 80 and 85%, which lends credence to a previous rumor of slim bezels similar to the Galaxy Note 8.
Previous leaks have suggested that the Pixel 2 XL would not have dual stereo speakers but would have a headphone jack. Our source tells us that the opposite is true, with Google opting for dual stereo speakers but no headphone jack on its latest flagship. We’re also hearing that only certain markets will receive USB-C headphones in the box, although we have not been able to verify this.
We’ve been told that the Pixel 2 XL will come equipped with a Wide Color Gamut and Google Imaging Chip, as well as Optical Image Stabilization. It’s unclear whether OIS is present in both, or just one of the sensors.
The Pixel 2 XL will likely feature a specs list worthy of a 2017 flagship. Our source suggests it will include an E-SIM card slot, which would allow it to connect to different networks without needing to replace a SIM card, like the Apple Watch Series 3. The phone will also likely sport the second generation of Google’s fingerprint scanner. IP67 dust and water resistance and Gorilla Glass 5 should offer some durability to these devices. The whole package will be powered by a 3,520 mAh battery, which is larger than other flagships released so far this year.
Last week, Google confirmed it had acquired part of HTC’s R&D team that had worked on Pixel devices and it looks like the fruits of this acquisition may be shown next week. Our source suggests that the Pixel 2 XL will come with an Active Edge feature on the left side of the device that lets you squeeze the phone to launch Google Assistant or to mute incoming calls and alarms.
Pixel 2
The Pixel will feature most of the same specs as the Pixel 2 XL, but has a few key differences.
The Pixel 2 should feature essentially the same design as last year’s Pixel. The difference here is that it will be removing the 3.5mm headphone jack and adding dual stereo speakers – likely in the larger bezels present on this design.
Other differences include an FHD screen instead of the curved QHD screen in the Pixel 2 XL, which also will not likely feature the new Wide Color Gamut present in the larger model.
Since this screen is also smaller and lower resolution, it will only feature a 2700 mAh battery vs the larger 3520 mAh option in the Pixel 2 XL.
Interestingly, our source claims that purchasing one of these devices should give you unlimited Google Cloud storage until 2023, which is pretty massive if it includes any file – not just photos.
Check out the table below for a faster view of these specs:
| Google Pixel 2 | Google Pixel 2 XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| Screen | FHD with Gorilla Glass 5 | QHD Curved Gorilla Glass 5 Wide Color Gamut |
| Cameras | Pixel Cameras with OIS and Google Imaging Chip | Pixel Cameras with OIS and Google Imaging Chip |
| Battery | 2700 | 3520 mAh |
| Storage | 64 and 128 GB | 64 and 128 GB |
| Dust/Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Audio | No 3.5mm Headphone Jack Dual Stereo Front-Facing Speakers | No 3.5mm Headphone Jack Dual Stereo Front-Facing Speakers |
| OS | Android O | Android O |
| SIM | E-Sim | E-Sim |
| RAM | N/A | N/A |
| Extra features | Active Edge | Active Edge |
We’ll find out in a week if these phones have been worth the wait, but in the mean time, do these specs make you want to buy the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL
