Rumor Roundup: Google Pixel Smartphones

Google has already sent out invitations to an event this coming October 4 and while they haven’t disclosed what will be released, we already have a slight idea as to what it will be based on information being churned out of the rumor mill. Here’s our roundup of the things that we could expect to see on the company’s upcoming big event.

Although still not official, many reports point to Google ditching the Nexus line and are going for the Pixel line. Just like the Nexus 5X and 6P, there will be two variants allegedly named as the Pixel and Pixel XL which will be HTC-made.

Google Pixel rumored specs:
5-inch Full HD display @ 1920 x 1080 resolution
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor
4GB RAM
32GB/128GB internal storage
13MP rear camera
8MP front camera
Fingerprint sensor
2770mAh battery
Android 7.1 Nougat

Google Pixel XL rumored specs:
5.5-inch Quad HD display @ 2560 x 1440 resolution
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor
4GB RAM
32GB/128GB internal storage
13MP rear camera
8MP front camera
Fingerprint sensor
2770mAh battery
Android 7.0 Nougat

Leaked photos show similarities to the iPhone 7 in terms of aesthetics up front and combine glass, plastic, and metal for the form factor. As for colors, blue, aluminum, and black are the possible options.

Android Police reported of a possible reboot button which is a first for Google’s phones. While this could be an answered plea for its users, it could also be just a temporary feature to be used by the developers, and will not make it to the final software version of Android 7.1.

Additionally, this OS version will reportedly have a number of special features dedicated to Pixel smartphones.

In addition, it’s said that it will only get an IP53 certification meaning it won’t be like the IP67-certified iPhone 7 that you can submerge in water. The “3” in IP53 means that it has water resistance but only very minimal (very light rains and such). On the other hand, the “5” rating on IP53 means the handset is safe against dust.

Sources mentioned that it could have a feature like iPhone’s 3D Touch with its app shortcuts and previews – but not through a pressure-sensitive display. It’s still unclear at this point how Google is going to implement this feature but this is a pretty convenient tool for a more efficient navigation, if it pushes.

Pricing could start at $649 (approx. Php31K) for the smaller variant, plus possible financing options could go with the deal. This is a good thing since $649 is a pretty high asking price compared to the Nexus phones — maybe the significant price difference is another reason behind the introduction of a new series.

These, so far, are what we can expect from Google’s Pixel smartphones. Do take note that the features listed here are from leaks and rumors so nothing is official until the launch this October.

{Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5}