14 DAY TRIAL // It comes as no surprise that Google's next flagship smartphone will be a consistent upgrade over the current model. Obviously, we don't know whether or not it will be called Pixel 2, but we do know a couple of things that Google hasn't yet announced (nor confirmed).
We've reported earlier today that the Pixel 2 is likely to feature a waterproof design, but new information has just emerged that points out to even more changes Google plans to make.
A new report coming from 9to5Google claims Google, once again, will focus on the camera. The Pixel XL has one of the best cameras on a smartphone, but Google wants to go beyond that by making major improvements to the low light photography features.
In addition, sources familiar with Google's plans say the Mountain View company won't be increasing the number of megapixels in the camera, instead it will focus on “extra features.”
Hardware-wise, Google is now collaborating with two chipset makers, testing various prototypes. At some point, MediaTek was among Google's partners, but it is said that it's no longer going to lend its chipset to the Pixel phones.
Due to the improved chipset, the price of the Pixel 2 will be slightly higher than the current model. Sources say the upcoming flagship will cost around $50 more than the Pixel smartphone.
The cheaper Pixel phone could replace Android One program?
Nevertheless, Google has a second Pixel 2 smartphone in the works with lower specs, which will probably be launched alongside the flagship.
This budget variant is referred to as Pixel 2B and will be “aimed at different markets.” The reason Google will launch a much cheaper Pixel phone this year is to expand its audience and offer “Google experience and Google Phone to emerging markets,” something that it is now trying to do with the Android One program.
The budget-friendly Pixel 2 smartphone will be significantly cheaper than the regular model, but Google hasn't yet decided whether it will bring it to the market or not.
One last piece of information provided by the source is the fact that Google has already developed “a custom chipset for a test device,” but it isn't decided if it will be packed inside the Pixel 2 since “multiple test devices with different chipsets are being used now.”