Google’s Pixel 2 XL leaks weeks before Oct 4th launch
Google announced they were holding an event on October 4th to announce the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, along with a smaller Google Home, and a new Google Daydream headset. As the event comes closer, Droid Life published a series of leaks including photos of the Pixel 2 XL, the Google Home mini, and the new Google Daydream headset. The bigger tidbit of news from the leaks is the pricing for the Pixel 2 XL. According to Droid Life, Google’s LG made device will start at $849 for the 64GB model and $949 for the 128GB model.
The high price would align cost with the new iPhone X, which starts at $999, While it’s slightly less, it’s somewhat shocking. Many were turned off by the high price of the first Pixel, even going as far as asking Google to revive the lower-priced Nexus devices. Instead of Google moving down market, they’re looking at the premium market. We’ll likely see the Pixel 2 cost around $729, considering the current Pixel XL is $120 more than the smaller Pixel.
Pixel 2 XL is Google’s answer to the Galaxy S8 and iPhone X
While Google is going after the premium market, they could have priced the device slightly lower to appeal to more Android users who are used to paying less. Google will offer a monthly financing plan – $35.38 a month for the 64 GB model with the 128GB version costing $39.54 a month. The monthly plan will hopefully alleviate some pain around the price, but I know I’m still turned off at the $849 starting price.
The new design follows the design of the original Pixel with the glass top area and an aluminum bottom back. Everyone on Twitter is calling the device “ugly” and the “worse design” yet, but I can get behind the white bottom and top black glass. There is an orange power button that stands out on the white model, but no one knows if that’s a mistake or something Google plans on having. According to other rumors, the Pixel 2 will come in a quite blue, which looks more like a pale baby blue.
Beside the design leaks, we know the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL will have squeeze gestures like the HTC U, have a bezel-less screen, and upgrade flagship processor. Otherwise, Google looks like it’ll keep the same camera module and the same ports (3.5mm headphone jack) and USB C.
Let me know what you think about the white and black model with the orange button. I know if I do upgrade from my Pixel, I’ll buy the Pixel 2 XL this year.