We already know that Google Pixel 2 is in the pipeline and we are pretty sure that the company will roll out the new Pixel 2 lineup sometime in second half of 2017. To quickly recall, Google is expected to launch three Pixel devices this year codenamed, Muskie, Walleye and Taimen. While Muskie and Walleye appear to be the successors to Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL, we are still not sure about Taimen. Some reports suggest that it might be Google’s new Pixel tablet based on the company’s habit to design its devices based on the aquatic names and sizes.
Further, all the three Pixel devices are expected to sport Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 chipset, as revealed by AOSP (Android Open Source Project). But, is it enough? For instance, Google Pixel and Pixel XL came with top of the line specifications but didn’t quite shook up the market so is putting SD 835 alone will be enough for the company to grab some more sales this year? Well, the latest Chipset will surely earn some points but Google will need to do more than just specs this year.
To start with, Google needs to pull off a fresh and premium design. No doubt, Google Pixel and Pixel XL felt sturdy but they were not the best-looking smartphones at that time. Even OnePlus 3T, which also has a fairly simple design, looked better than the Pixel and Pixel XL. So Google really needs to put some fuel in its Research and Development and come with a design which should at least out power last year’s piece of hardware.
Another important aspect where Google needs to really work on its stability of both hardware and software. It might sound shocking, but the software on Google Pixel devices is not the most stable. The device has run into various issues including the latest one which involved with backing up data. Further, from LTE connectivity issues to Bluetooth connectivity issues to fingerprint scanner issues, Google Pixel has been haunted on various occasions.
This might be specific to the Indian market, but Google has to price its upcoming devices a little more aggressively. It’s always better to launch a product at a good price rather than pushing cashback offers later on. We loved how the Nexus lineup would offer flagship specifications at a price which no other competitor could offer till OnePlus came in. It is interesting to note that a lot of Google’s mid-range market has been snatched off by OnePlus after it launched its OnePlus 3 and 3T last year. And, given the reputation what OnePlus has created of itself in India, Google really has a threat here.