Apart from the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, Google is reportedly also working on a “mobile” device with a Snapdragon 710 chipset. This device is currently scheduled for launch in the 1st half of 2019.
Given that the Snapdragon 710 is a premium mid-range chipset, its possible that Google is working on a mid-range Pixel handset — a successor to the massively popular Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X from a few years ago. The Snapdragon 710 chipset along with a slightly inferior camera setup in comparison to the Pixel 3 would translate into a great premium mid-range handset.
Off to Taiwan for @computex_taipei today, but here's a tidbit for ya: Google is working on a "mobile" device based on the Snapdragon 710 currently scheduled for launch in the 1st half of 2019. Sounds like this might be the (or one of them) upcoming mid-range Pixel phone.
— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) June 2, 2018
However, the timeline in the leak points to the handset being released in the 1st half of 2019. That’s definitely an odd timeline as Google usually releases its new hardware at an event in October. Maybe this time around, the company will unveil this mid-range handset at MWC 2019. Alternatively, it is entirely possible that Google unveils this mid-range handset alongside the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL in October.
A mid-range Pixel smartphone would please a lot of Android users who have been longing for a $500 smartphone with a great camera and a stock Android experience. While the OnePlus 6 definitely fits that bill, its camera still lacks that Google touch. The Snapdragon 710 chipset was unveiled by Qualcomm just last month, with Xiaomi unveiling the Mi 8 SE late last month featuring the chip. Other OEMs are also expected to launch their premium mid-range handsets later this year featuring the chip. The Snapdragon 710 is a more premium and powerful mid-range chip from Qualcomm that offers almost the same set of features and power as the Snapdragon 845.