Early Pixel 2 rumors hint at improvements

Depending on the model, Google's Pixel phones are some of the toughest devices for buyers to get their hands on at the moment. Even with that high demand and long waits, work is certainly underway on the next version which should be launched later this year. Sources are indicating Google is indeed working on both a Pixel 2 set of devices as well as possible budget versions meant to expand the portfolio and these new devices will see improvements in several areas.

One item that seems to be on-again/off-again when it comes to whether Google is going to make a change is the level of water resistance for the Pixel 2. Initial reports said Google was definitely going to add a decent rating to the next round of the device. However, a new source suggests Google may be pulling back just a bit from that commitment and now describes it as merely “on the table.” Water resistance is a feature that seems to be one that buyers are either really interested in or do not care about at all, but with much of the competition at the high-end listing it on their spec sheets, Google may feel they need to add it to be competitive.

The Pixel phones were released with what was rated at the time as the best smartphone camera available. Not content to rest on those laurels, Google is supposedly working to make even more improvements to the camera. Much of the focus will be on low-light photography although Google supposedly is also looking at adding other features and capabilities instead of just bumping up the MP count.

Another interesting bit of information that anonymous sources are sharing is that Google is testing several different chipsets. Although a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 might seem like a natural selection for a top-end phone in 2017, reports indicate Google is also testing Intel chips and may have been testing MediaTek as well.

Sources also say Google has a Pixel 2B device that is being explored. Apparently the Pixel 2B is meant to be targeted at a lower level of the market by reducing the price by scaling back the hardware used to something a bit less powerful. This would enable Google to expand their portfolio and start looking at sales in emerging markets.

Do not think all of these changes won't come without a cost though. Early indications are that base prices for the Pixel 2 will bump up by $50 compared to the Pixel.

source: 9to5Google