Google Pixel vs Pixel 2: all major differences to expect

Given that two-tone glass/metal body of the original Pixel us such a signature look of the brand, Google may have decided to simply twist it a bit, enhancing the look with Just Black, Clearly White, and Kinda Blue models that have glossy and matte versions of the same color on their backs, as their predecessors.

Needless to say, the new Pixel 2 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, the smaller Pixel 2 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.

While the Pixel starts you off at 32 GB, the Pixel 2 is said to boost that initial amount to 64 GB, while the higher storage models is to remain at 128 GB. Given that the next Pixel is reported to start at the same $649 price, this is a welcome change.

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 might sport IP68-certified, watertight chassis.

Since the news that Google snatched the Made by HTC team kind of confirmed that HTC has been making its Pixel phone last year, it is not far fetched to believe the rumor that Pixel 2 will have pressure-sensitive sides to squeeze when you are bored when you need to invoke an action, instead of hitting buttons, just like the Edge sense option on the HTC U11.

According to an alleged Verizon source, the Pixel 2 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.