On August 15 of last year, the HTC-made Google Pixel and Pixel XL arrived at the FCC (Fun fact: They were still “Nexus” phones then), confirming reports of HTC making the phones while also revealing some specs. Today, being August 15, HTC has once again returned to show off their latest creation, a phone we believe to be the Google Pixel 2.
How do we know this is the next Google Pixel phone? We have some nice clues.
First of all, look at this set of imagery that walks us through where to find the e-label for the FCC. Anything in particular here standout? Click to zoom if you need to.
For one, those are the Pixel navigation buttons that are an exclusive to Pixel phones. Also, HTC only uses capacitive buttons still, so we know this more than likely isn’t some new HTC phone that has managed to steal Google’s Pixel navigation style. Second, this Settings menu sure looks a heck of a lot like stock Android’s and not HTC’s Sense skin. Finally, this phone is running Android 8.0.1, which is something exciting since Android 8.0.1 doesn’t exist yet. Can you imagine that HTC would create a phone and get it tested at the FCC while running an unreleased version of Android before Google? Nah, didn’t think so.
But this specific set of screenshots shows us more. Look in the center screenshot under the “Languages” section – see anything fun there? That’s right, we have a confirmation on the Pixel 2 having an “Active Edge” that allows you to “squeeze for your Assistant.” Yep, the rumors of the Pixel 2 having a squeezable edge were correct.
We’re not done, though! This phone in particular has 64GB storage. Notice the “21% used” storage amount with 50.66GB free? A little math gets us to the 64GB, which has to have you wondering if 64GB storage is the base storage amount for the next Pixel line. The original Pixel and Pixel XL shipped with either 32GB or 128GB – no 64GB model of either existed. The FCC is calling this a “Production unit.”
Next up, you’ll notice the baseband showing “mw8998,” which should be a reference to the Qualcomm chipset the phone is running. For example, the Pixel shows a baseband with number “8996” attached and the Pixel happens to run the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 or MSM8996. There are rumors suggesting the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 run the Snapdragon 835 (or 836?), which happens to be the MSM8998. Just keep in mind that the Snapdragon 820 and 821 both fall under the MSM8996 range, but are somewhat different. So we know that the Pixel 2 runs at least a Snapdragon 835.
Since this is an FCC listing, here are all of the supported bands for all of the major US carriers:
Finally, here is what the phone’s label looks like, just for fun. You’ll see the FCC ID is NM8G011A. Last year, the Pixel and Pixel XL were NM8G-2PW2100 and NM8G-2PW4100, respectively. The break down here is “NM8” is HTC’s FCC grantee code, leaving us with G011A as the possible model number of the Pixel 2. “G” here meaning Google, of course.
We looked for a listing from LG for the Pixel XL 2, but have not yet found one. Either way, HTC just brought some serious info. Thank you for that.
That horrendous back is a deal breaker for me
No 600mhz Band 71 WTF
Wow… not band 71 for 600mhz LTE support. Guess I’ll have to look elsewhere or wait until something comes out for 600mhz support.
It doesn’t show support for TMobiles’ new 600Mhz band. Bummer.
How do you guys know when a device visits the fcc?
So no Band 71 ☹️
Battery life?????? Wtf is it with these fools never innovating on the most basic feature that gives humans TRUE lightweight mobility: battery life! They can get to 7 nm architecture which is insane but can’t make a f <#@ing battery over 3,600 mah???? 7 nm and a battery from 2013 wtf????? Everyone says "oh, but I'm always near a socket- I'm home by the time I'm at 20% etc etc etc" YEAH, exactly. You are tied down to a wall socket or a bulky battery pack. What if you wanna stay after work to watch the game at the bar or do anything out of routine? Well, you are fooked. No battery life left! LG is losing their azzz and are too stupid to realize that a large battery makes THE difference between the rest of the pack. First one to 4,000 mah takes huge market share. 3 days without a plug? I'll buy THAT!
Should be a good device. No reason to change from the already awesome u11. But I bet the smaller one outperforms the larger.
how is the battery life on U11?
Excellent. Get home from work with 80 left. Around 11-12 still at 70. Compared to the G6, which would be at 65ish when I get home and 30-40 at midnight. 6 hours screen on time pretty readily.
Thanks for that. I’ll have to check it out.
Please let there be a headphone jack! I really want this phone, so I hope they didn’t take away such an essential feature…
If they did, Google would be dead to me.
i hope its a sub 5 inch phone…. sounds unlikely. but sure hoping so.
Should be close. Hopefully.
So *exciting*!!!!
Yawn.
What if the Pixels don’t have dual front speakers and instead just the bottom front firing speaker and just a ear piece up top.
No 3.5mm means no Aux. For that reason. I’m out
I have to agree. I have the Moto Z Force and while I loved the phone I can’t stand not having a headphone jack.
warmed-over reheated HTC derivative trash with a premium price!
Will this be able to connect to t-mobile’s 600MHz?
By the time that even matters, you’ll be in the market for another phone…
I do not expect to buy a lot of phones between now and late 2017 when they start to turn on some 600Mhz towers. I’d prefer to buy a phone now that supports it and have the option to keep it for the next year or two, than have to buy a new one in 6 months if i want to use the service.
https://twitter.com/TMobile/status/897820342466379776
https://twitter.com/BGR/status/897805703678746625
You’re most likely not going to be in one of those select areas seeing band 71 at any point this year or even next. I’m near the largest city in my state and just started seeing Band 12 in my area this year and they started rolling that out at least 3 years ago. So PoisonApple is probably right in saying that you’ll be in the market for another phone by the time you start seeing this new band used in your area.
Most areas won’t see 600MHz until late 2018 or 2019.
Ok, well I hope it has a fancy look to it. If I’m buying it I want it to stand out like say a GS8. All the plain white ones I saw last year were BORING. It will really have to impress me to make me give up a headphone jack.
This is going to boring too.
Disappointing leak. No news on water resistance, OIS for the camera or battery capacity.
Seems like htc is consistent, wonder when the lg xl2 will hit fcc. Was there a gap for the Nexus 5x and 6p at the fcc?
It’s funny how we still feel like we need to validate rumors when the rumors and leaks are usually spot on. What would be interesting is if it all turned out to be wrong (which it isn’t)
But remember we had a full leak of the HTC M7? The black plastic shell phone? Wasn’t really until the last minute that the all metal design leaked.
I kind of miss not knowing.
Except that we STILL do not know….. some rumors say the Pixel XL2 has dual front facing speakers, some rumors say it does not…….. I wish we did know.
All rumors about dual front facing speaks have always been about the smaller Pixel.
Those leaks were never about the XL, because it doesn’t. Starting with the leaked render
the Pixel XL2 was rumored to have dual front facing speakers. here is the direct quote and link to the article, QUOTE: “The two appear to have dual front-facing speaker grilles and the 3.5mm headphone jack is nowhere to be found on either.” http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/07/26/renders-upcoming-pixel-2-pixel-2-xl-confirm-small-bezels-camera-bump-no-3-5mm-jack/
The initial rumors said Pixel 2 had stereo speakers and no 3.5 jack, Pixel 2 XL had mono speaker and included a 3.5 jack. The leaked CAD renders showed both had Stereo speakers and no 3.5 jack. I would trust the CAD renders over initial rumors.
There were leaks about XL having dual facing speakers. You may not have seen them, but they are there. This is why they have to validate rumors.
I almost can’t wait to see how long it’ll stay out of stock this year and if it’ll be sold exclusively through a single carrier! /s
Exactly. In other words is Google actually interested in selling this year’s version.
I couldn’t get it last year after the Note 7 return because I didn’t want to wait a couple months for them to make some.
I’m ordering mine the day it’s announced (if they do make it available for purchase, natch!)
Yeah.. I don’t buy anything sight unseen or at least until I see some reviews to know there’s no unforeseen defects or issues that may affect the product. I’m not that eager for new things or to be burned by them. If that means I won’t be able to buy one because Google doesn’t know how supply chains work, then I don’t mind buying something else that’s actually available (or just holding onto my current device) instead.
The last device I got from Google is the N6P. No regrets. I’ve came to the conclusion that I’m not going to be disappointed by Google-backed/made products. As opposed to Samsung :coughNote7FireBallcough: :coughSGS8jankcough:
Still got my 6P too and am still happy with it. But the 5X owners weren’t so lucky after they started bootlooping and had to be recalled. The Note 7 was a fiasco as well, but bad batteries could affect any OEM too.
Ip rating???
Still unknown, unfortunately.
Just please come to T-Mobile so I can use Jump. That’s all I ask.
This is what I am begging for as well. Want a pixel bad but wont do it without jump!
Ok. I hope Pixel XL2 specs and picks start to leak. That’s the phone I’m waiting on.
It shouldn’t be a long wait. 😉
Power162s
Love86s
I mean we already know…
Please Please Please tell me the Pixel XL2 has dual front facing speakers.
Yeah this is what has me so anxious about the wait. I really want it to have the better audio this time around.
Probably not.. Get the g6 screen, and a bottom firing.
Same here. Went through 4 Nexus 6P replacements and they finally decided to just refund my money, but I gotta wait for this phone to release so I can send this 6P back.
Same here.
Yeah with these specs the Pixel 2 Xl IS crazy, like in this one https://youtu.be/_JMCm-QvAIM
Hopefully 64GB becomes the base storage. I still see some say 32GB is more than enough for them, but 64 would be a damn good change. Would make settling for the smaller storage easier should the larger storage option be out of stock.
I got the Pixel XL as a gift from my job. It was the 32GB version and at first I was sick to my stomach. very grateful for the gift, but mortified over how I would survive on 32GB only. Having said that, I’ve been at 13.8GB used for the longest. This is without having to randomly delete anything every month or so. So it appears for my usage, 32GB is enough. Having said all of that…………64 or 128GB will be my next purchase.
With Google Photos and streaming music I barely use 15GB on my devices now. That being said, I’d feel much better with 64GB being the lower, cheaper option.
Pretty sure 64gb is officially now the new minimum for flagships (aside from the G6, still no idea why they skimped on that one).
No LTE band 71 🙁
Maybe the XL has band 71. I am hoping.
There is this: https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2017/04/05/qualcomm-technologies-leading-pack-help-make-600-mhz-mobile-devices-reality
still ugly
Smaller detail, but Play Protect is listed under Security, instead of under the Google > Security setting. Also, the fact that it says “Active Edge on” means it can actually be turned off if you don’t want to use it at all.
Sounds good , but no 3.5mm jack means it’s a no from me.
**rolls eyes** This b itch!
Yep
Same here. No 3.5mm jack = no sale. Removing the 3.5mm jack is customer-hostile, period.
Curious. Use in public transit commute, or???
Pixel nerds.
Truth.