Trio of Google Pixel phones spotted loaded with Snapdragon 835

It will come as no surprise that there will be new Google Pixel phones landing later in the year. Both the Pixel and Pixel XL were well received. But there may be a third version joining them.

We are all used to the usual annual upgrade cycle. Last year Google launched their new Pixel range, dropping the Nexus line.

Apart from the shock of their mainstream consumer price point, the Pixel and Pixel XL seem to have ticked most boxes.

Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2B?

The latest news comes way of German site, WinFuture.

This site has been busy and discovered three devices in Google’s AOSP (Android Open Source Platform) code. These handsets have the codenames ‘Muskie’, ‘Walleye’ and ‘Taimen’.

It’s widely thought that the first two refer to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, but Taimen may refer to something completely new.

Chips

More interestingly is that all three devices appear to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. More specifically, the Qualcomm MSM8998 chip, which is the full name for the 835.

There has been rumblings that Google might release a Pixel 2B at a more entry-level price. The thing is, would Google use the top-of-the-range Snapdragon 835 processor for such a device?

In this case, I am tempted to start contemplating a Pixel Tablet or even a wearable.

The 835 can be found in Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. Sony will use it in the XZ Premium, and Xiaomi has used it in the Mi 6.

Power

However, if you were Google it would be tempting to use the latest and most powerful chip currently available for Android devices in your new products, wouldn’t it?

HTC is once again expected to be cobbling the Pixels this year.

Expectations

There is not much else doing the rounds regarding the next-gen Pixel phones. Word is that they’ll focus on improving low-light photography and will have a “decent water and dust proof rating”.