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Google's Pixel 2 could be the next major smartphone to ditch the headphone jack

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Google's upcoming Pixel 2 smartphones might not come with a headphone jack if the latest unofficial render of the device is accurate.

Indeed, it just so happens that the latest render, made by tech site MySmartPrice.com, was a collaboration with one of the most prolific and accurate gadget leakers, Steve Hemmerstoffer, who's better known on Twitter as @onleaks. That's a powerful backup behind the rumor that the Pixel 2 smartphones won't come with a headphone jack. 

You can check out the render below:

If true, it'll be interesting to see if Google also announces some value proposition to removing the headphone jack, like tech that's designed to make it easier to connect to wireless headphones. When Apple ditched the headphone jack on the iPhone 7, it at least offered wireless headphones with its W1 chip that truly make them less of a hassle to pair and connect to your Apple devices. 

Otherwise, for those who want to hang on to their wired headphones, you might have to use a dongle like you do with the iPhone 7.

pixel 2xl render
YouTube/MySmartPrice

The render also seemingly confirms that the larger Pixel 2 XL will have a more premium design with thinner borders around the display than the original Pixel, as well as a refined glass back plate on the back of both models. From the renders, it looks like the Pixel 2 will be thick enough to accommodate a headphone jack.

Still, no matter how prolific the gadgets leaker, any information pertaining to an unreleased device should be considered rumor and not fact. 

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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.