Rumors have it Google is releasing two Pixel 2 models this year and it looks like the more interesting of the handsets is the Pixel 2 XL. The supersized phablet will be mass produced by LG but reports said the Korean device maker might run into supply issues that could potentially delay the Google Pixel 2017 release date.
That's because the larger of the next-gen Pixel phones will use OLED display panel and recent reports have indicated Google is entrusting the assembly of the device to LG, which in the past delivered a number of Nexus devices. Now according to BGR, Apple is gearing up on the iPhone's eventual transition to OLED with Samsung and LG as key suppliers of the display material.
Good news for LG but potentially bad news for Google, the report said, adding bottlenecks are likely to happen as Apple starts to secure its OLED supply requirements. The scenario could be Apple's OLED demands would be so great suppliers will be compelled to deliver at the expense of other device vendors. And the same thing happened in the past.
So it's not remote that Google's production and release calendar for the Pixel 2, specifically for the OLED-laced Pixel 2 XL, could be disrupted. And the likely results - the high possibility of delayed release date or supply constraints. BGR said Google has proven in the past that it has a lot to learn when supply chain management is the issue.
The report pointed to the stock outs that marred both the Nexus and Pixel releases in the past, and bad history is likely to make a repeat this 2017 unless Google remedies the situation, preferably in advance.
Setting that aside for now, the Pixel 2 XL with LG as the anointed maker is deservingly garnering attention. And one that took notice is YouTube channel Concept Creator, which decided to visualize the handset in 3D by stitching together the rumors and leaked details on the handset so far.
Per Concept Creator, the Pixel 2 XL is a massive mobile phone with a sprawling real estate display that nearly occupies the entire front panel save for the break on the top and bottom portion of the device, where the front speakers and camera sensor are located. This is in line with the recently leaked information that claimed the Pixel 2 XL codenamed Taimen will have a 5.99-inch screen.
The render also followed through on the claim that it is Taimen that will boast of a more gorgeous redesign as the regular Pixel 2 codenamed Walleye will be made by HTC and will largely mirror the design language first seen with the original model. In contrast, the XL edition will stun in a minimalist rendition of the front and rear panels. Like the glass display that is gloriously clean, the back plate that is dominantly metal has nothing but a few of necessary features - the single camera lens with flash at the left corner and the aluminum encased fingerprint sensor that sits at the center for easier access.
A closer look will give the impression that the Pixel 2 XL is a doppelganger of the LG G6, indicating that the concept was created with LG as the device maker in mind.
Hoping that the push back mentioned above will not happen, the Google Pixel 2 release date is scheduled between October and November 2017 and as expected the handsets will be the first to get Android O or Oatmeal Cookie.
