Google Pixel and Pixel XL changed the way we use to look at Android smartphones. Google ditched its Nexus series to tap the premium smartphone segment in order to counter the likes of Apple and Samsung. However, the next Google Pixel is expected to continue the same price pattern. At the roundtable discussion during the Mobile World Congress, Google’s senior vice president of hardware – Rick Osterloh confirmed that the company is certainly working on the successor.
Rick said – “You can count on a successor this year, even if you don’t hear a date from me now.” Further, Rick added that this year’s Google Pixel will continue the premium price tag legacy. Contrary to this, Google is also reportedly working on a cheaper variant this time around, claimed some previous rumours, however, we are highly sceptical about it as of now. On the other hand, it will really help Google capture various other markets (including India) if they happen to release a cheaper variant in the Google Pixel range.
What’s interesting to note here is that the tipster who previously spilt out about the cheaper Pixel variant now claims that the cheaper device won’t come with the Pixel branding. Instead, it will come under the brand Android One. If you are not aware, Android One is Google’s own smartphone range for emerging markets and have done relatively good in these markets which also include India. Now, earlier Android One smartphones were built by third party OEMs such as Spice, Micromax etc. in India but with this rumours, Google is also expected to take the Pixel approach to Android One range. But will that result in an increase in price? Just like we saw with the Pixel smartphones? We hope not because Android One smartphone range is meant to come with a cheaper price tag which is also the USP of these devices.
Recollecting previous rumours from 9to5Google, the Pixel 2 is reported to come with an even better camera than the original, with Google ‘aiming to master low light photography with the next-generation device’. This makes sense, as Google has advertised the camera on the Google Pixel quite heavily and the company would try and make the camera even better for the upcoming device. The report further adds waterproofing for next device is “still on the table”, meaning that the company is still in doubts to add this feature or not.