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Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL: Everything you need to know (photos)

Google is set to debut second-generation Pixel handsets at an event in October. Here's what Google might announce based off existing rumors and renders.
By Jake Smith, Contributor
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1 of 12 Image: Josh Miller/CNET

Time for two new Pixels

It's been close to a year since Google released the original Pixel and Pixel XL. Now it's time for a successor. The rumor mill indicates the second-generation Pixel is set to be manufactured by HTC, while the Pixel XL will be manufactured by LG.

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2 of 12 (Screenshot: Jason Cipriani/ZDNet)

October unveil

Google recently confirmed it will introduce the new Pixel lineup on Oct. 4 in San Francisco, Calif. The event will start at 9am PST/12pm EST at the SFJAZZ Center. Thanks to leaks, we have an idea of what Google and partners plan to announce. However, take rumors and leaks with a dose of salt until Google steps on stage with the big reveal.

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3 of 12 (Image: VentureBeat/EvLeaks)

FCC leaks

Two separate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filings for the second-generation Pixel and Pixel XL have revealed suspected details about the handsets. Separately, a notable leaker, EvLeaks, posted what is believed to be a render of the Pixel 2.

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4 of 12 Mockup (Image: Android Police)

Active Edge

The Pixel 2's FCC filing showed it's set to have an HTC U11-like feature of squeezable sides to perform different phone functions. Screenshots in the filing showed the Pixel 2's squeezing functionality is called "Active Edge," and it launches Google Assistant by default.

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5 of 12 Pixel 2 XL render based on leaks (Image: Concept Creator)

Key specs

The Pixel 2 is believed to have a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, and at least 64GB of storage. The Pixel XL 2 is rumored to have a Snapdragon 835 or 836 processor, 4GB of RAM, and at least 128GB of storage.

Several fan-made renders have been posted online, showing less bezel than the original Pixel.

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6 of 12 OnLeaks

Display

The second-generation Pixel is rumored to have a 5-inch 1080p (16:9) display, and the Pixel XL 2 is said to pack a bigger, 6-inch Quad HD (18:9) display provided by LG. (Image: OnLeaks)

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7 of 12 OnLeaks

Cameras

Unlike recent flagship launches from competitors, it looks like the Pixel will stick with a single-rear shooter. The Pixel 2 is rumored to have a 12.3 megapixel rear f/1.8 aperture camera and a 7-8 megapixel front-facing camera.

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8 of 12 (Image: Muhsin M. Belaal Auckburaully)

More renders

According to Android Police, the Pixel 2 is codenamed "Walleye," while Pixel XL 2 is referred to internally as "Taimen." Stunning fan-made renders have hit the web.

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9 of 12 OnLeaks

Android OS

Screenshots in the Pixel 2's filing showed the handset was running Android Oreo 8.0.1 and featured the navigation bar found on first-generation Pixel. Likely just a test build, Android 8.0.1 isn't available to the public yet.

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10 of 12 Mobile Fun

Fingerprint scanner

Like the previous Pixel lineup, the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will stick with the fingerprint scanner on the rear of the devices, rumors have indicated. Case maker Olixar released an image depicting a Pixel 2.

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11 of 12 (Image: Muhsin M. Belaal Auckburaully)

Price and release date

It's not known when Google will release the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2, or how it will be priced. We'll be tracking the latest rumors and announcements.

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12 of 12 Droid Life

Leaked render

Droid Life leaked a Pixel 2 XL with "Black & White" color.

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