No Headphone Jack? Google Pixel 2 is Set to Compete with Other Premium Smartphones

Though Google Nexus smartphones were always ahead of the game when it came to Android software, but they were always behind in terms of hardware. Part of the main reasons why is that the hardware was designed by third party manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, and LG but not Google themselves.

Cherished by both critics and Android fans alike because of the pure Android experience, Google is determined to provide more with its next flagship smartphone - Google Pixel 2. The first Pixel is designed to represent Google's version of a perfect Android smartphone - with software and hardware seamlessly working together.

Google Pixel comes with incredible specifications and smart UI features such as full resolution photo and video backup, Google Assistant, and 24/7 customer support. However, problems such as LTE connectivity issues as well as weak microphone were detected and when compared to the available premium Android smartphones on the market, Google knew they have to step up their game way more.

What are the things to expect for the upcoming Google Pixel 2? Here is some info that we currently know.

More Polished

Google's head of hardware Rick Osterloh hinted that Pixel 2 will be a full upgrade from its predecessor. Osterloh said that users can count on them even if "you don't hear a date from me now".

Premium Device and Upgraded Internals.

Google Pixel 2 will remain as premium, and there will not be a budget version in the near future as the company leaving lower price points for other hardware manufacturers. The phone will be powered by Qualcomm's latest flagship processor - Snapdragon 835. The powerful processor will boost the performance and allows the phone to have a better battery life.

Water Resistance

This could be a no-brainer, considering Samsung and Apple have set up a higher bar for premium smartphones to at least be waterproof. Pixel 2 is expected to come with IP68, similar to Samsung Galaxy S7 - the highest standard of water/dust resistance currently available.

QuadHD display, Edge to Edge.

Google Pixel 2 is rumored to come with a display similar to the recently launched LG G6 - the edge to edge display. It will have a QuadHD display (1440 x 2560). Seems like smartphones nowadays will slowly ditch the bezels, a move which Samsung introduced on their 2016 flagship phones - Galaxy S7 lines. Even iPhone is rumored to have the similar design on their upcoming iPhone 8.

No Headphone Jack

The Pixel 2 is expected to ditch the headphone jack, similar to iPhone 7. Although still unconfirmed, the rumor which said to be based on "an internal Google Document" claims that Google Pixel 2 will come without a 3.5mm headphone jack. If it's true, it would be ironic since Google has made fun of Apple's move at the previous Pixel's launch event last year.

Android O

Google Pixel 2 will be the first device to come up with the new Android software, codenamed Android O. The latest Android software available today is Android Nougat, and many other smartphones manufacturers still rolling out the update to their devices. This will be the main advantage for Google Pixel 2 to compete with other available android smartphones.