Google Pixel 2: An Early Look at Rumors

Google Pixel created quite a buzz when it was released in 2016.

The phone was highly promoted and laid its claim with an advanced camera. Sales have been steady but have posed no real threat to industry titans like Apple’s iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy.

Some believe Pixel’s sales failed to challenge the larger players due to a design that was nothing special and the price rather large at around $650.

Still many in the industry believe Google’s attempt to chip away at the Android market was a nice first step and have high expectations that the tech giant will release a new, improved version sometime this year.

Experts point to Apple and the mishaps and improvements it has made with each and every new phone release. They expect nothing less from Google.

Google Pixel 2 Camera: What Rumors Suggest

Reports indicate Google wants to improve the camera on the Google Pixel 2. Already one of the top smartphone cameras available, the company may focus on low-light performance and new software features to stay ahead of the iPhone and Galaxy.

The first model won praise for HDR+ processing that stacked multiple exposures into one clean shot, plus fast shutter response with zero lag. Rumors suggest larger pixels for better light capture, optical stabilization for video, and smarter portrait mode without a second lens. If even half of this ships, mobile photography moves forward again.

What to expect? First think waterproofing. This is becoming an industry norm, found in iPhone 7 and Samsung’s Galaxy S7. Many believe the next version of Pixel will be both water and dust resistant. The company did not in include it in its first model but it should be a feature when “2” roles out.

Reports indicate Google wants to improve the camera. Already one of the top smartphone cameras available, the company may be focused on improving low light performance and adding a few new features.

Google Pixel 2 Price: Will It Cost More?

Pixel fans may have to pay more. According to a report at 9to5Google the price could be higher. Major improvements would have to be necessary to justify a top of the market price tag.

Conversely the same report said Google is testing lower end Pixel devices as well, perhaps for a release to countries outside North America. These would have fewer features and a smaller price. Yet it would make sense if a lower end device was offered in the U.S. enabling Google to cover more ends of the market.

Waterproofing, Chip and Release Window

Leaks point to a Snapdragon 830 or 835 for the Google Pixel 2, plus water and dust resistance that the first model lacked. Compare platforms in our Android vs iPhone comparison to see where the Google Pixel 2 must win.

A newer chip also means longer battery life and faster on-device processing for the assistant and camera features. Combined with timely software updates straight from the maker, the package could age better than skinned rivals that wait months for new versions. That update advantage is why enthusiasts track this line so closely.

More power could be on the way. A higher-powered Snapdragon chip could be employed. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 was used in the first model. Rumors are the company is testing a Snapdragon 830 and/or 835 processor. Some Intel chips may also be considered.

Pixel has become the staple of all things Android and the first phone had the full release version of Android Nougat. The new version could have Android 0 (8.0) to continue on that path.

Phone size matters and little has been said about a Pixel XL 2. While many may have trouble locating an original Pixel XL, it would seem Google would want to continue the model, especially with the success of Apple’s larger iPhone 7 Plus with all of its extended features.

When can you count on seeing the Pixel 2? Many believe it will come this fall, about one year following the release of the original version.

How Google plays the release card will be interesting to watch as the new Apple iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy S8, and LG G6, should all be ready for market about the same time. A fall event keeps the holiday quarter in play, while early carrier partnerships decide shelf space against entrenched rivals.

If the Google Pixel 2 nails camera, waterproofing and price at once, it finally challenges the two giants. That is the bar every Google Pixel 2 rumor points to.

A budget variant for markets outside North America could widen reach, with fewer premium touches but the same clean software. Covering both ends would mirror what rivals do with standard and plus-sized models each year. Pricing discipline matters most: one overpriced launch can erase two years of goodwill.

The larger XL variant deserves its own mention. Big-screen buyers expect more than a stretched display: longer battery, louder speakers and split-screen multitasking that actually helps. The first XL sold out repeatedly, which signals real demand for a follow-up with narrower bezels and a brighter panel for outdoor use.

Software remains the quiet advantage. Day-one updates, unlimited photo backup at full quality and a clean interface keep owners loyal long after the hardware feels familiar. That loyalty is exactly what the original earned despite its plain looks and premium tag. Sustaining it takes restraint on pricing and real courage on design choices. Readers who lived through that era remember both vividly.

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