Google Pixel 2 already looking good

The Google Pixel left many Nexus fans scratching their heads. Well, this one at least. But three months is a long time in tech and rumors are already rife about the Pixel 2.

The latest reports come from the usual “reliable source” who has whispered in to the ear of 9to5Google.

The shadowy figure says Google is testing several versions of the Pixel 2 (none of which are guaranteed to make the cut come launch time).

Word is that at least one of the prototypes, called “Pixel 2B” internally, is a cheaper, less powerful version designed for emerging markets.

Chips

According to the report, Google’s got prototypes powered by some kind of Qualcomm “Snapdragon 83X” chip. Best guess is that this is probably the 835 chip or an enhanced version of it. The others are powered by Intel chips.

No specs were given regarding screen size(s) or battery life. However, waterproofing is reportedly still on the table. This was something that Google must’ve benched due to time constraints on the first Pixel.

Camera

The camera on the next gen Pixel is still the focus (arf!) with Google said to be putting more work into improving low-light photography.

This will not simply be a exercise in adding more megapixels though. It seems likely Google will once again apply machine learning to enhance photos, as it did with the Pixel’s camera. This is in favour of simply improving the camera hardware with a better image sensor and faster lens.

Cheaper but more expensive

The premium smartphone could also come with a small price hike of $50. Which is annoying.

The Pixel currently starts at $650 for a 32GB model. Meanwhile, the cheaper Pixel 2B could be priced much lower. It is unclear if that lower price will be in the budget range or simply back to where the Nexus sat.

Naturally, at this point, it is way too early to start worrying about such things.

Also, since Google is still reportedly testing multiple versions of the device, even they don’t know where they’ll end up just yet.