Google has little left to reveal in its upcoming event, but fans seem to be excited for the new Pixel nonetheless. Image: Evan Blass via Twitter

Evan Blass leaked on Monday images of the front of the Google Pixel 2 XL, showing an enlarged display with rounded edges and thin bezels on the top and bottom featuring stereo speakers. Google will introduce its latest flagship this Wednesday, October 4.

The much-awaited event by the tech giant will feature a lineup of products ranging from miniature home hubs to VR viewers. It will follow Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, trying to counter with Pixels of their own that, judging by early spec sheets, fall short of the goal.

Roku has given Google the most recent counterpunch, by revealing its new lineup of streaming devices before the company even presented the new Chromecast Ultra. It seems it is do or die for the marketing team at Mountain View, given that prices won’t help its case much longer with cheaper competitors rising.

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL: highlights

Diving right in, the Pixel 2 will have a 5-inch 1080p screen with 16:9 aspect ratios. The Pixel 2 XL, on the other hand, will pump the resolutions up to 1440p on a 6-inch, QHD+ display with an aspect ratio of 18:9.

The two flagships pack the same internal configuration, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, featuring 4 GB of RAM and either 64 GB or 128 GB of storage. No word on battery life, but it is known the latest Pixel devices will definitely lack a headphone jack.

Evan Blass’ images feature wallpapers with a striking depth of field, a detail many people suggest will be a focal point of Google’s presentation. The 12 MP cameras on the back of the Pixels might be capable of taking this sort of pictures, as the tech giant seeks to counter Apple’s impressive photo offerings.

It is widely rumored the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will borrow a page from their recently acquired partner, HTC, and include an ‘active edge’ feature that allows them to squeeze the frame of the phone to prompt actions like launching apps, silencing alarms, and picking up calls.

Front-facing speakers are a nice and unexpected touch, which rounds up nicely the whole multimedia approach Google might be taking with this second generation. Still, battery life might be an issue, and the powerful yet underwhelming SoC it packs isn’t advanced enough for users who expected more.

They are right to expect more for the rumored prices though, since the Pixel 2 costs between $649 and $749, and the Pixel 2 XL starts at $849 and goes up to $949. Google will reportedly keep pushing its domestic brand by certifying third-party manufacturers who make accessories for Pixel and other hardware.

Source: Venture Beat