Rumors have it that Google will tap LG as maker of the super phablet "Taimen" that is said to be the codename of the larger Pixel XL 2. What if this handset is actually the repurposed LG G6? That should make the next Pure Android flagship release even more exciting.
In the past week, reports have emerged that LG is returning as Google's manufacturing partner for the latter's hardware push. Previously, the South Korean device maker took charge in the mass assembly of a number of Nexus smartphone models so it was hardly a surprise that Google will once again entrust a similar project to LG, this time for the Pixel 2017 upgrades.
So it's unsurprising likewise that LG will want to repurpose the company's latest flagship model - the LG G6 - and make it as the next Pixel XL. This further gained ground with the emergence of concept renders that were inspired by the thought of LG as Google's OEM's choice once again.
In one of the renders pointed to by Android Headlines, it was clear that the design creator "took a number of design cues from the company's latest flagship, including the Full Vision display panel with an unconventional 18:9 aspect ratio and rounded screen corners, as well as a nearly bezel-less front."
And like the G6, the Pixel concept is nearly all-screen with only the top and bottom bezels partially visible. The handset also boasts of virtual control keys, meaning the physical home button has been totally ditched. With the same design, it is expected that the fingerprint sensor will be relocated to the rear panel and in the case of the next Pixel is found between the main camera sensor and the G logo.
The dual camera setup is somehow unique with the twin sensors flanked by dual LED tone flash units. What were seen so far, Android Headlines said, were closely similar to a render that surfaced earlier.
As the concept lacked the juicy information on specifications, it's a good thing that YouTube channel DBS Designing supplied some of the missing details. The video presentation imagined the Pixel 2 as a 5.7-inch handset with QHD+ screen display. But the dual camera is vertically oriented, which contradicts with the renders mentioned above.
Diving inside, the concept suggested that the Pixel 2 will rock the flagship chip from Qualcomm - the 8-core Snapdragon 835 that will be supported by 6GB of RAM. And if the concept is to be adopted by Google, the on-board memory is 128GB with no mention of memory expansion that actually is Google's signature for its flagship devices.
Providing the power juice is a 3800mAh battery pack with quick charging support. But it's unclear if wireless charging is part of the deal.
The video said the Google Pixel 2 will come out of the box with IP68 certification, indicating of enhanced protection against water and dust intrusion. But there is a downside that accompanied this feature upgrade - the 3.5mm audio port is no more.
If the past Google Pixel launch calendar will be the basis, the Pixel 2 release date will happen between October and November 2017 and Android O will be running the show.
