Key Google Pixel Phone Details Leak From China
Earlier this morning a set of specifications were leaked with Pixel and Pixel XL details we'd not seen before. These not-Nexus Android devices, also known by their code-names Sailfish and Marlin have been leaked in parts over the past several weeks, so we've gone ahead and constructed the lot together in a single article, as well. Now we'll be leaving it to the end consumer to decide if these devices are hot enough (on their own, without the details outlined in our Android promise fulfilled article) are good enough to want to upgrade from a Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P. Or if this is a completely different game from the start.
Word from China today has a bit to do with the back-facing panels on the Pixel phone and the Pixel XL. In the renderings provided by Simon Paturel (made back in August) above and below, large glass (or shiny plastic) panels can be seen above and to the sides of a single fingerprint scanner circle.
It's been rumored that these panels are not just there to make way for wireless signals – they might also be home to touch pads. As absurd as the concept of a touchpad on the back of a device may seem, these devices could have very good reason for housing such a feature: the ability to boot a desktop mode through USB-C and/or Chromecast.
This desktop mode would be something similar to Chrome OS and would be able to run Android apps as well. UPDATE: As mentioned by David Ruddock on Android Police, this software will be called Andromeda. That's Android + Chrome, Andro, rome, Andromeda.
Also note that it's just as likely that Andromeda is simply a code-word for something that already exists – that is, Chrome OS that runs Android apps. Have a peek at Chrome Unboxed for further proof of that theory.
If Andromeda exists as something new OR if it's just Chrome OS as it already exists, what sort of hardware/software combo would be required to run "Andromeda" on something like Andromeda on a pair of phones? Have a peek at the following sets of specifications as provided by rumors, tips, and inferred information to see.
Pixel (Sailfish)
• Display: 5-inch 1080p AMOLED
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
• RAM: 4GB (3.7 benchmarked)
• Internal Storage: 32GB, 64GB
• Camera: 12MP back-facing camera with 4K video recording
• Front-Camera: 8-megapixel
• Battery: 2770-mAh
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, 3G
NOTE that the specs above and below are based on non-official or otherwise anonymously-provided information.
Use cautiously as such.
Pixel XL (Marlin)
• Display: 5.5-inch 2K 2560 x 1440 AMOLED
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
• RAM: 4GB (3.7 benchmarked)
• Internal Storage: 32GB, 128GB
• Camera: 12MP back-facing camera with 4K video recording
• Front-Camera: 8-megapixel
• Battery: 3450-mAh
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, 3G
These devices will play a part in the full smart home and always-connected selection of devices Google will be showing off on October – very likely with the specs we've outlined here. We're also expecting a new Wi-Fi router, a laptop/tablet form (perhaps akin to that of the Pixel C) device, at least one Android TV device, and maybe even a couple of new Android Wear watches.
Stick around SlashGear's Android hub to lean more.
SOURCE: Weibo (UPDATE: source URL and connected account removed)