Updated August 11th: article originally posted August 9th.
The Pixel family of devices are seen by many as Google’s view on the default of its implementation of Android. While features in these devices are not available to other manufacturers (such as Google’s use of its self-designed Tensor Mobile chipsets), the various phones, tablets, foldables, and wearables are the clearest implementation of the vision from atop Mountain View.
Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
This means that the various SKUs offered by Google should be of interest to all.
The latest details on the upcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro suggest that Google will offer the two new handsets with either 128 GB or 256 GB of storage; and a further 512 GB variant for the Pixel 8 Pro. These are the same configurations as the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, and the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Update: Thursday August 10th: The news that Google is planning to continue offering a 128 GB model of both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro has caught the attention of analysts and commentators, and questioning if Google is short-changing power users.
Of course, Google offers more storage on higher-priced models and no doubt would quite like customers to upgrade to those models or consider using its subscription-based cloud storage. Those making heavy use of the handsets for photography and filming will no doubt skip over the 128 GB models, but the importance of the smaller option to Google should not be discounted.
Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
Update: Friday August 11th: If you’re looking for more indications that Google is pushing into consumer markets, then look at the color choices expected for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Rik Henderson covers the latest leaked details on the fashionable options that will be provided for both of the smartphones.
The smaller Pixel 8 will come with three choices, Licorice, Peony, and Haze; while the Pixel 8 Pro will join it with the Licorice option but the secondary choices are Porcelain and Sky.
Apple puts a lot of trust in launching each new iPhone family with a different specialist color alongside the more traditional black and silver options. Looks like Google is taking the same bright path.
Brian Rakowski, Google Vice President of Product Management, speaks at the launch of the the Google … [+]
Offering the flagship with 512 GB of storage allows it to keep pace with other flagship handsets, although the rumoured 2 TB of storage on the iPhone 15 Pro will win out in a direct comparison. It’s the choice of 128 GB at the other end, which will have a larger effect on the perceptions of the Pixel phones.
Offering a 128 GB storage option isn’t unusual on mid-range devices such as the Pixel 8, and its inclusion in the Pixel 8 Pro is not unexpected. But these lower storage options will allow the entry-level price of both handsets to be as low as possible and more affordable in the current economic conditions squeezing consumer spending power.
The Pixel series is not just about showing manufacturers what Google’s expectations are; it’s also seeding the consumer base with what should be expected of any smartphone. In this case, affordability is very much in mind.
Now read the latest Pixel headlines in Android Circuit, Forbes’ weekly smartphone round-up…
