Google Pixel 2 loaded with Snapdragon 836 first

The Google Pixel 2, the next gen version of Google’s own phone is expected to land with the latest Snapdragon processor.

Word on the street is that the upcoming Google Pixel 2 will be the first smartphone to be powered by the Snapdragon 836.

As you may have already figuered out, this is Qualcomm’s rumored revision of the high-end Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip (SoC).

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

This news comes by way of shadowy, unnamed industry insiders. However, these whisperers of secrets failed to hint as to which version the 836 will appear in. So, Pixel 2, or Pixel 2 XL, or both? Your guess is as good as mine right now.

The thing is, other rumours have stated that Google’s upcoming devices will be less similar to each other than the last iteration.

According to other reports, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will have pressure-sensitive frames. As seen with the Edge Sense technology supported by the recently introduced HTC U11.

Both devices should launch in early Autumn, matching the roadmap set by their predecessors last year.

Snapdragon 836

The Snapdragon 836 will be relatively similar to its predecessor in terms of hardware but will feature higher peak GPU and CPU clock speeds.

Qualcomm’s first 10nm SoC was equipped with eight Kryo 280 cores clocked at a maximum frequency of 2.45GHz. It also featured the Adreno 540 GPU.

So, if it’s successor boasts the same hardware with identical base clocks, it should be just as energy-efficient as the Snapdragon 835 in everyday use. However, there should be a boost in performance under heavy loads.

I wouldn’t expect earth-shattering differences though. This is going to be little more than an incremental step, much like how the Snapdragon 821 improved on the Snapdragon 820 last year.

Funny thing is, that particular chipset arrived first in the Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe last September before the Google’s own Pixel phones were even announced.

Could they pip Google to the post again?