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Google's Pixel 2 To Feature Improved Camera, CPU and Higher Price, Says Report (9to5google.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the what-to-expect dept.

Google's Pixel smartphone was released in October last year, but we're already starting to hear about the "Pixel 2" successor. The "reliable" source told 9to5Google that the next Google flagship will feature an improved camera, faster CPU and higher price tag. Interestingly, the source notes a "budget" Pixel is in the works. 9to5Google reports: We're also now being told, however, that Google is once again focusing intensely on the camera with Pixel 2, that the device is currently being tested with improved chipsets from two different manufacturers, and that it will bring a higher price. Finally, the same source says Google has lately been testing lower-end Pixel devices which would bring lesser specs and a much lower price tag. As for waterproofing, this is a slight change in tone today from this same source that before told us the feature would "definitely" be coming with the next Pixel. Now we're told that the feature is "still on the table," which would suggest a less firm position from Google on the feature. More interestingly, we're now told that -- just like with last year's model -- the Pixel 2's camera will be a major focus for the Mountain View company. Our source says that, specifically, Google is aiming to master low light photography with the next-generation device. We're further told that the phone's camera will "not have large MP size," but will rather "compensate in extra features." Our source says that multiple Pixel 2 models are being tested now with improved chipsets: "some with Snapdragon 83X chips, others with Intel chips." We're also told that MediaTek was at one point collaborating with Google on the Pixel 2, but isn't any longer. Finally, our source has indicated to us that Google is internally testing a "few" prototypes of a device they referred to as "Pixel 2B" which would purportedly be released either "alongside or shortly after Pixel 2." This phone would bring with it a lower-price point and less powerful hardware, and would be "aimed at different markets," our source says. As for the price of the next Pixel, we're told that -- as of the time of this writing at least -- Google is expecting that there will be "eat least" a $50 USD increase in price.

6 of 105 comments (clear)

  1. Why? by frovingslosh · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can understanding wanting a better camera and an improved CPU, but why do we want a higher price?

    --
    I'm an American. I love this country and the freedoms that we used to have.
    1. Re:Why? by squiggleslash · · Score: 5, Funny

      Well, with respect, you're a nerd, you're not really in touch with what ordinary people want. I'm more with it, and I've been saying for a long time that I'd like to spend more than $600 on a phone. Despite this very few manufacturers are willing to sell phones costing more than that.

      Now, to be fair, most have at least started to add the features I want in a higher end phone - minus, alas, the higher price. I was glad to see Apple eliminate the headphone jack. Samsung's doing sterling work removing SD card slots, and soldering in the battery.

      ...but, I still feel, even these devices have battery lives that are just too high, their apps still too powerful, and they just don't cost enough.

      Does that make sense to you? I mean, would your rather pay $60 for a phone with lots of RAM, lots of storage, an SD card slot, and a couple of SIM card slots, with a battery that lasts all day when you could pay $800 for something that doesn't have all of those unnecessary features that'd just be confusing and are what nerds want anyway?

      --
      You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  2. Ignoring Customers by Luthair · · Score: 4, Insightful

    So the number one complaint about the pixel was the cost but ignore it for the next generation? I guess its hard to hear people with your head firmly planted in your anus.

    Anecdotally most people I know used to use Google devices, now after two expensive generations no one does.

    1. Re:Ignoring Customers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      This. I use to exclusively buy Nexus devices. In my house we still have two Nexus 7 (2012s), which I replaced with three Nexus 7 (2013s, three becauae we added one for my son). All my cell phones have been Nexus devices. I think my Nexus 5X will be my last. For my wifes rreplacement phone we are looking at OnePlus devices since Google clearly forgot what made their devices popular in the first place. They just want to be the next Apple. So my next reasonably priced device will be a OnePlus or Hauwei.

  3. No wireless charging, by Snufu · · Score: 4, Insightful

    no deal.

  4. They are not listening by markdavis · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What I want is seemingly what a lot of people want:

    1) Smaller phone: nope
    2) SD storage: nope
    3) Wireless charging: nope
    4) SD card: nope
    5) Larger battery instead of thinner phone: nope
    6) Lower price: nope
    7) Nexus with no bloatware or lockdown: nope
    8) Removable battery: nope

    Will the Pixel 2 fix any of that?

    But what generally keeps coming out is just larger yet thinner, resolutions ever increasing past what any human can ever see, cameras with more and more resolution that isn't really needed, less serviceable, never enough battery life, never enough storage, more locked down than ever stuff with features added many don't want or care about, but removing features that are useful.... with a huge price tag to boot.

    Pixel? Pass. Nexus 6P? Pass. Nexus 5X? Pass. Nexus 6? Pass. Still clinging to my Nexus 5 and hoping....