Later this year, Google is going to introduce followups to both the Pixel and Pixel XL, with plenty of changes already rumored for the larger Pixel XL 2.
For fans of the smaller handset, though, it is beginning to look like Google will be taking a more iterative approach to the handset. VentureBeat has a brand new image of the Pixel 2, which it published recently, and also a few interesting bits regarding the planned features for the smaller handset. Specifically, what Google will be keeping away from the upcoming handset.
First and foremost, the report reiterates what we’ve heard quite a bit recently: Neither the Pixel 2 nor the Pixel XL 2 will have a 3.5mm headphone jack on board. While the first Pixel smartphones were quick to point out that they featured the port, it looks like Google is ready to ditch it altogether, just one year later.
The Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will also not be coming to market with dual rear camera setups. As we’ve seen in previous leaks and renders, neither handset features a dual camera design, so it looks like Google will be keeping the single camera going a bit longer. And finally, the Pixel 2 will be keeping the bezels around for at least one more year, too. While previous leaks have shown that the Pixel XL 2 will boast minimized bezels, the smaller Pixel won’t be sharing the same fate.
As noted by the report, this appears to be because the Pixel 2 will be manufactured by HTC, a company that has not embraced minimized bezels just yet. So while the Pixel 2 will have bigger bezels, similar to last year’s model, it will have one new addition: Squeezable sides. HTC introduced Edge Sense with the U11 earlier this year, which enables users to squeeze the phone to interact with the software, and apparently that feature (probably without the name) will be arriving on the Pixel 2.
The Pixel XL 2 will reportedly be built by LG, and, as a result, boast thinner bezels. So it sounds like Google will be putting a few more changes and elements into the Pixel XL 2, while the Pixel 2 will be a more iterative update.
Which one do you plan on buying this year?
[via VentureBeat]