Google announced its first smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL in October last year. Google’s Senior Vice President for Hardware, Rick Osterloh has revealed some information on the upcoming Google Pixel 2 flagship in an interview with AndroidPit.
In the previous month, rumors started swirling that the Google Pixel 2 would be arriving with an enhanced camera that will bring improvements like dim light photography along with some new features. The report also revealed that it would be coming with an improved processor, which is pretty much expected from a successor phone.
The report also claimed that Google will be targeting emerging markets by releasing Google Pixel 2B smartphone. It would be carrying significantly cheaper pricing than the Pixel 2 to bring Google experience to the developing markets.
In an interview, Osterloh has said “Pixel stays premium” which means Google will not be releasing a budget friendly phone that is allegedly called Pixel 2B. He added that Google will let other smartphone manufactures to target the lower price segments.
Related: Google Pixel 2 Renders Leaked
As far as the release date of Google Pixel 2 is concerned, Osterloh stated, “”There is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it.” He further added, “You can count on a successor this year, even if you don’t hear a date from me now.” Since the Google Pixel and Pixel XL were announced in October 2016, it is likely that the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will be launched in October this year.
Since flagship phones of 2017 are expected to mainly feature Snapdragon 835 chipset, it is likely that the rumored Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 would come with the same chipset. Since they are pegged to release in the last quarter of 2016, it may feature an upgraded version of SD 835.
Even though Google Pixel and Pixel XL are manufactured by HTC, these smartphones are tagged as “Made by Google” and they do not carry HTC logos. This year too, the search engine giant is expected to build Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 in collaboration with a popular smartphone maker. As of this writing, there is no news on which company Google will partner with for its upcoming phones.
(source)
