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This is our best look yet at the upcoming successor to Google's Pixel smartphones

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Based on information from sources it deems "extremely reliable," Android Police has come up with a rendered image of Google's upcoming successor to the Google Pixel, known so far as the Pixel 2.

I should make it clear that the image below is not a leak. It's simply Android Police's best guess at what the Pixel 2, specifically the larger Pixel 2 XL model, will look like based on the information it's gathered. Check it out:

pixel 2 android police
Android Police

Android Police's render lines up with some of the Pixel 2's rumors, including the rumor that the glass panel on the phone's back will be smaller. The device will also have a more premium overall design than the original Pixel, pictured below:

Google Pixel
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

According to Android Police, the Pixel 2 XL will have a large 6-inch AMOLED display with a taller – not wider – screen than most traditional phone screens. So far, the LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8 both have taller displays than most other devices, so it wouldn't be outlandish to think that taller screens is the new trend, at least for Android devices.

Like recent Android flagship devices, the Pixel 2 XL will also supposedly sport refined and narrowed borders around its display, as well as rounded corners on the display itself. Indeed, one of the main complaints with the original Pixel was its large bezels compared to other premium smartphones, which gave it a dated look. Check it out for yourself:

Google Pixel
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Android Police also claims the new Pixel 2 XL will have a similar squeeze feature that you'll find on the HTC U11, which opens your choice of apps when you squeeze its sides.

Rumor has it the smaller Pixel 2 model won't go through much of a change over the original Pixel design.

We'd expect Google to announce its new Pixel smartphones in October, the same month Google announced its original Pixel smartphones in 2016. Yet, there's no consensus on an announcement date so far. Additionally, any and all rumors about the Pixel 2 are just that: rumors. Nothing is certain until Google itself announces its new devices.

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Antonio Villas-Boas was a consumer tech expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and phone carriers.ExperienceAntonio joined the Business Insider team in 2015 as a tech reporter on the news desk and moved to the service journalism team in 2020. During his time as Business Insider’s senior tech reporter, Antonio developed industry-leading battery-life tests for smartphones and tablets, and covered and reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of products from major brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus since as far back as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the original Apple Watch, and the very first Google Pixel. This decade-plus of experience has given him tremendous insights into what consumer tech truly stands the test of time and what will be irrelevant in just a few years' time (RIP The Pebble).Antonio is also an experienced deal hunter, surfacing the best discounts on phones, laptops, and smartwatches for readers during sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Previously, Antonio was a consumer-electronics analyst at PCMag and ran his own blog. Why you can trust AntonioAntonio approaches all his reviews not only as a tech expert but as a consumer himself. He reads every word of fine print in the phone carrier plans he reviews, and is deeply skeptical of deals that promise you the latest iPhone model for free. (Spoiler: it might be “free,” but you could be stuck with it for three years.)He largely recommends less expensive and small-scale fixes to upgrade your existing tech before considering buying the latest and flashiest in new tech. Antonio believes his role as the go-to “tech guy” for his family and friends extends to his readers as well; he only recommends products that have stood up to the testing process.Scripps News, NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, NBC LX, and Rich DeMuro’s “Rich On Tech” radio show have requested his commentary and expertise. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
  • Phones, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models
  • Phone accessories, including charging cables, phone cases, and protection plans
  • Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch
  • Mobile carrier plans, including major carriers and MVNOs
  • Tablets, including iPads and Galaxy Tabs
  • Laptops and computers, including MacBooks and Windows models
  • Computer accessories, including mice, keyboards, and monitors
EducationAntonio graduated from Colgate University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history.Outside of workBesides testing tech products, Antonio is also a full time dad to two young kids. His ideal day would be spent on a lake in the Adirondacks.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.