Google Pixel XL vs Pixel 2 XL: all major differences to expect

While the Pixel XL starts you off at 32 GB for $769, the Pixel 2 XL is said to boost that initial amount to 64 GB, while the higher storage model is to remain at 128 GB. Given that the larger Pixel is reported to start at an $849 price, it would be weird not to blast off at 64 GB anyway. The rumored $949 for the 128 GB version will put the 2 XL in the $1000 phone category that is all the rage this season.

The LG V30 Pixel 2 XL (up top) is said to be made by LG, rather than HTC, and follows the rounded corners and shrunk bezel trend of the G6 or the V30. In fact, the rumored 5.99-inch 1440p OLED display may be exactly what LG uses for the V30, meaning a taller, narrower, easier for one-handed usage phone, when compared to the Pixel XL. Expect some record screen-to-body ratio for the Pixel line, and a record price, too.

Needless to say, the new Pixel 2 XL is expected to be unveiled with the latest Snapdragon 835 chipset, which, built on 10nm, is the standard bearer for US-bound Android flagships, as not only is it frugal and powerful, but also comes packaged with an LTE modem that covers all US carriers, and then some.

Unfortunately, both new Pixels may get rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack of the original for good, and instead opt for dual front-facing stereo speakers, which some user may balk at, but is a sign of the times. Moreover, Google will be including an adapter in the box, as is customary these days with missing headphone jacks.

According to an alleged Verizon source, the Pixel 2 and 2 XL that is coming this week will sport always-on song recognition, similar to a feature offered by Shazam, and it will automatically display titles and albums on the lock screen. This will undoubtedly be a boon for music lovers, or simply for those who constantly miss recognizing random songs they hear on the car radio. The source also claims that Google will have the brand new Pixel launcher installed on the new phones that includes a redesigned home screen, and a search bar that has gone beneath the dock - no more stretching out for simple searches. We used said launcher a bit during the Google I/O, and can attest that it is a much better use of space than the current edition.

With the purchase of HTC's engineering assets that are making the Pixel phones, Google hints at its intentions to bring both software and hardware in house for its own line of Android phones, taking on the likes of Apple and, to some extent, Samsung. These two have had waterproof flagships for a while now, that is why it's only logical that the Pixel 2 XL would sport IP68-certified, watertight chassis.