The Pixel 2 is slated for release a few months down the line; and from information currently available, its makers are going all out in their efforts to ensure the handset is able to hold on to its own amidst a rejuvenated competition.
According to rumors currently doing the rounds, there is going to be three Pixel variants this time. Also as is the usual Google tradition, names of fish are used as codenames for devices under development. Accordingly, the three upcoming Pixel variant are being referred to as Walleye, Muskie, and Taimen.
The Taimen has also recently been spotted at the benchmarking site Geekbench. And the numbers revealed are impressive too. The Taimen returned scores of 1804 on a single core and 6284 in multi-core mode. Those compare favorably with the corresponding figures for Galaxy S8 which had a single core score of 1929 and multi-core score of 6084.
Further, specifications of the Taimen reveal an octa-core Qualcomm processor rated at 1.9 GHz mated to a 4 GB RAM. Perhaps it would be safe to assume it is the Snapdragon 835 chip that is being referred to here. This, unless Qualcomm comes up with a Snapdragon 836 chip for Google, similar to the Snapdragon 821 that was used in the first gen Pixel. That said, there is no information about a Snapdragon 826 in the making.
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- Google Pixel Buds 2a deliver lightweight comfort, crisp audio, Active Noise Cancellation, and a dependable battery, all for less[1]
- Hear only what you want to hear; Google Tensor A1 powers Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5 to help block external noise; or switch to Transparency mode to hear the world around you while you listen
- Immerse yourself in clear, crisp audio with the 11 mm dynamic speaker driver, or customize the levels of bass, treble, and more with the 5-band equalizer
- Pixel Buds 2a are built for lightweight comfort and an impeccable fit; secure them during workouts or commutes with the twist-to-adjust stabilizer, or twist the other direction for relaxed comfort
- Hear and be heard with Clear Calling; it helps block background noise, so wind, external chatter, or other distractions in your environment won’t interrupt your conversations[2]
So while butter smooth performance of the Pixel 2 is almost there for the taking, which again matches its flagship status, here are the other aspects expected of the Pixel 2 range. Those include an improved camera though new insights into this claim there might not be a huge improvement in the hardware.
Google instead could be more inclined to improve things on the software front. The first gen Pixel was already highly acclaimed for its camera and anything better than that will surely be welcome. However, while the Pixel featured a single 12-megapixel primary camera, it remains to be seen if there is going to be a dual lens camera this time as is the industry trend.
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- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Google is also expected to make the Pixel 2 IP68 certified for water and dust proofing. The same was sorely missed on the Pixel when the common trend has been to offer IP68 levels of protection on the flagship handsets. Needless to say, all the Pixel 2 variants will run Android O that is rumored to be named Android Oreo.
Also, while there is going to be three variants of the Pixel 2, those are believed to differ in terms of their battery and display size. So, all the three Pixel variants will essentially have the same internal build-up.
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In this respect, the Walleye will be smallest and would replace the Pixel. Up next is the Muskies that would slot in the same segment as the Pixel XL. However, the Taimen would be in a league of its own and could be positioned as a phablet, perhaps as a counter to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 8.
Quick Recap
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- 12.2 megapixel camera
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 835; 64-bit eight-core processor with 2.35 GHz and 1.9 GHz
- Fingerprint sensor on the back for quick access
- 64 GB memory
- 3,520 mAh battery
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- Fullscreen 6.0-inch (152.4mm) displayFHD+ (2160 x 1080) OLED at 402 ppi18:9 aspect ratio
- Camera 12.2 MP Front Camera 8 MP
- Battery 3700mAh
- Experience HD Voice, Video Calling and Simultaneous Voice & Data. Enable Wi-Fi Calling and make calls anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 2.0GHz + 1.7GHz, 64-bit Octa-Core
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