Everything we know about Google's upcoming smartphone, the Pixel 2

Just as there were two models of the original Pixel smartphones, there will be two models of Google's upcoming Pixel phones, according to Android Police. Assuming there will be a smaller and larger model, we'll call the devices Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL for now. 

The original Pixels both had the same design, but that won't be the case for the Pixel 2 smartphones. The Pixel 2 XL is said to be a more premium device, with a higher-end design and thinner borders around the display, according to XDA. Supposedly, Google will keep the original Pixel's glass panel on the back of the device but make it smaller on the larger Pixel 2 XL.

The differing designs line up nicely with the rumors that two manufacturers will be producing the new Pixel smartphones. Similarly, the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P smartphones that came out before the original Pixels were also made by two manufacturers: The 5X, made by LG, had a decidedly different design than the 6P, made by Huawei.

Google news blog 9to5Google found a bug report that suggests that LG will manufacture Google's larger Pixel 2 XL model.

According to XDA, a mobile-developer website, the Pixel 2 XL will have a 5.99-inch display with a 1440p (2K) resolution.

Android Police reinforced the rumor with a report that the larger Pixel 2 XL will have a 6-inch display. Android Police also mentioned that the Pixel 2 XL will have an 18:9 aspect ratio that's similar to the LG G6 and Galaxy S8, which is taller than the more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio. 

The idea is novel, but it currently exists in the the HTC U11. Android Police first reported that the Pixel 2 XL will have the squeeze feature, and it thinks it'll be primarily used for pulling up the Google's smart AI assistant, Google Assistant. That seems plausible, as squeezing the HTC U11 can also be used to summon Google Assistant.

XDA claims that Google may add a second speaker to the larger Pixel 2 XL, making for a stereo audio setup. However, adding that second speaker may cost the Pixel 2 XL its headphone jack.

Venture Beat's Evan Blass threw fuel to the missing headphone jack rumor by stating that both Google's upcoming Pixel smartphones won't come with a headphone jack.

According to XDA, the smaller Pixel 2 model will have a 4.97-inch screen with a more basic 1080p resolution.

It's believed throughout the rumor mill that HTC will manufacture the smaller Pixel model.

Prolific gadgets leaker Evan Blass posted the tweet below containing a supposedly leaked image of the smaller Pixel 2. If the photos are accurate, the smaller Pixel 2 will have a very similar design to the original Pixel, pictured above.

Both Pixel 2 models will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor currently found in the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the OnePlus 5, which means they'll have plenty of power. That said, the Snapdragon 835 will be an older chip by the time the new Pixels are announced.

XDA also mentioned both models would come with 4 GB of RAM, which is about average for premium Android smartphones. It should be sufficient for switching among several apps in a day.

According to 9to5Google, a good chunk of Google's Pixel 2 development is centered on the camera. Supposedly, Google is looking to "master" low-light photography. The camera is also said to have a relatively conservative megapixel count, compensated with "extra features."

The latest rumors from Venture Beat's Evan Blass suggests that neither the Pixel 2 nor Pixel 2 XL will come with dual-lens cameras.

The original Pixel's camera is already excellent, so we're excited to see what improvements Google will implement.

The original Pixels lacked water resistance, but "waterproofing" is "definitely" coming to the Pixel 2 phones, according to a source who spoke with Stephen Hall, 9to5Google's managing editor.

Google announced on September 14 that it'll be unveiling its new smartphones on October 4. It didn't specifically mention the Pixel 2 by name, but the original Pixel was announced in October 2016, so we're expecting that Google's October 4 announcement will pertain to the new Pixel smartphones.