A recent report said that Google is testing several versions of Pixel 2 smartphones, including a Pixel version codenamed Pixel 2B aimed at emerging markets. However Google’s SVP for hardware Rick Osterloh in a meeting at the MWC 2017 said that the Pixel 2 will be released this year, and will stay premium.
So this confirms that there will be no cheap Pixel as rumored earlier. Google will continue to leave lower price segments to other manufacturers.
He also took Twitter to confirm a recent report that said no new Pixel Chromebooks are in the works. He said that “Chromebooks aren’t dead, they will live on, we just have no plans to share at this time” So there are chances that Google’s own laptops might launch in a different name, possible running Google’s Andromeda OS.
According to earlier rumors, the Pixel 2 will be waterproof, a feature that is present on most flagships and was missing on the original Pixel. The Pixel 2 will likely be IP67- or IP68-rated, allowing for water submersion up to 1 to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
It is expected to be powered by Snapdragon 835 chip and the company is said to focus further on camera on the successor to improve low-light photography. The Pixel 2 is said to see at least $50 price increase, so it might start at $699.