Google Pixel 2 is coming and it will be expensive

Google Pixel's successor is on its way. While the launch of these devices – Pixel and Pixel XL – isn’t anytime soon, Google's head of hardware Rick Osterloh confirmed that the upcoming smartphones will continue to be “premium” and feature a number of significant improvements from the first-gen smartphone.

In conversation with AndroidPIT, Osterloh stated, “There is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it. You can count on a successor this year, even if you don't hear a date from me now.” The device is slated to release later this year.

Rumors around the Google Pixel 2 have been in the news for a while now. The first leaks on the subject suggest that the search giant's next-gen Pixel smartphones could get fully dust and water-resistant builds. Google apparently plans to improve the onboard camera, particularly for low-light performance. However, it's as yet unclear whether the upgrades will come from new hardware elements via the sensor or from software upgrades via the camera app. The camera is already a major selling point for Google's current Pixel handsets, billed as the "highest-rated smartphone camera ever."

Google presented and launched its first range of Pixel smartphones in 2016, with two high-end handsets (5-inch and 5.5-inch models) boasting a stylish design, a super-fast latest-gen processor and a top-end camera, designed to get the best out of Android Nougat. At launch, Pixel smartphones were positioned as direct rivals for the Samsung Galaxy S7 or Apple's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, although they only went on sale in selected countries.