Yesterday we posted a new video outlining our wish list for the new Google Pixel smartphones coming to market in early October. Although it does not look like we have much more clarity regarding the items we are hoping for, several new pieces of data about the devices have surfaced over the past day as entries from various stops a device makes on the way to market have surfaced. The new Google devices showed up on Geekbench, in the Global Certification Forum, and even a leak of some case designs showed up online.
As far as the Geekbench entry goes, one nice piece of information to be gleaned from that is the presence of 4 GB of RAM. It seemed unlikely Google would try to present a phone to compete in the flagship market with less than 4 GB of RAM, but this is really the first time we have seen any kind of confirmation that they did make that move. However, the device was tested with a Snapdragon 820 chip and many are hoping the devices will get the Snapdragon 821. Sources also noted that the tested device was running Android 7.1 Nougat, so the minor update appears to be close to ready and should make its appearance on the new Google Pixel smartphones.
The Global Certification Forum entry does confirm HTC as the manufacturer of the devices, although that is not really surprising or new. One nice piece of information we did get is model numbers for what will be four variants of the devices, with two meant for the U.S. market and two meant for international markets. The models are:
- G-2PW2100 – Pixel, U.S. version
- G-2PW2200 – Pixel, international version
- G-2PW4100 – Pixel XL, U.S. version
- G-2PW4200 – Pixel XL, international version
Finally, a listing on AliExpress appears to be for bulk orders of TPU cases for the Pixel and Pixel XL. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether the production of the cases is based on specifications provided by Google or HTC or whether the producer is taking a stab in the dark based on leaked images. Assuming they are accurate, the images reveal the Google Pixel will get a 5.2-inch display while the Google Pixel XL will get a 5.5-inch display. That does not seem like much variation in size. If the 5.2-inch is accurate for the Pixel, that will likely be a disappointment to many who are hoping for a smaller device in the 5-inch range.
Some of the other details to be gleaned from the images of the cases is the location of the camera in the top corner of the back of the devices and a cutout in the upper middle of the back of the devices for a fingerprint sensor. There is also a cutout available for a traditional audio jack on the top edge of the device. Also of note is that the designs for the two cases are the same except for the size, so odds seem good that both devices will be getting essentially the same hardware.
Who is ready to see what Google announces for their new lineup of Pixel devices on October 4th?
sources: Geekbench, Android Headlines, Android Headlines
via: GSMArena
Gah 5.5″ is the biggest really hoping for a 5.7 / 6″ proper phablet, i think i’ll wait these pixel phones out
Same here. I love my Nexus 6, and hate the idea that eventually, I’ll have to go to a smaller screen. Between the lack of front facing speakers and the smaller than hoped for screen, I’ll most likely be skipping the first official “google phone”.
I want one but I realllly hope it has an 821 and not an 820
i love jeff’s bio
Cannot wait till Oct 4 to see the new pixels ,they are going to be awesome.Hope they come to Canada soon will be putting my name on soon has they come to us.!