Smaller Google Pixel to retain thick bezels this year

Although leaked renders suggest that this year’s Pixel XL will be a beautiful device with minimal bezels, its smaller sibling could be a different story entirely.

Google’s Pixel phones have always been rather divisive: their software offer unparalleled purity and fluidity, and their cameras are impressive to say the least. However, when companies like Samsung, HUAWEI, and Xiaomi are unveiling phones with curved screens and bezel-less displays, Google’s Pixel phones simply look… uninspiring. The thick bezels seem unnecessary, and the back is perhaps too reminiscent of Apple’s iPhone.

Well, it’s 2017, and the rising design trend is clear: minimal bezels and maximum screen estate. Whether it’s called FullVision, Infinity Display, or EntireView, most flagships this year feature futuristic edge-to-edge screens with unconventional aspect ratios. That’s why I was glad when we saw a leaked render of the all-new LG-made Pixel XL successor. Unlike last year’s Pixel XL, this year’s model seemed more, let’s just say, in fashion. The top and bottom bezels seem to have been reduced significantly, making room for a gigantic 2:1 OLED panel, and the back “window” looks more refined.

Unfortunately, however, its smaller sibling – presumably called the Pixel 2 – might not get the same love. VentureBeat was able to obtain an image of the upcoming Pixel successor, and as you can see above, it’s clear that Google’s smaller flagship this year won’t be getting some of the features that are becoming increasingly common among high-end smartphones. Although it’s not easy to tell, the front of the device looks very much like last year’s Pixel phone or HTC-branded devices. Sure, it’s nice to have front-facing speakers, but in an era where refined and futuristic looks are becoming the norm, the Pixel 2 might become outdated even before it arrives on the market.

The back looks almost identical to the back of the purported Pixel XL 2, which means that neither the Pixel 2 nor the Pixel XL 2 will have a dual-lens camera. Again, dual-lens cameras are already widely-adopted by companies like Xiaomi, HUAWEI, and LG, and are rumored to debut on the Galaxy Note 8 and the iPhone 8 later this year. While it’s likely that this year’s Pixel phones will boast amazing camera quality like last year’s Pixel phones, it’s still disappointing to see that Google will (probably) be the only major smartphone manufacturer to not have a flagship with a dual-lens camera in 2017.

The Pixel XL 2 certainly looks like an improvement from last year’s, but its smaller sibling could be a different story: a smaller 1080p screen with thick bezels, a single-lens camera, and a hefty price tag… the Pixel 2 might have a harder time this year staying relevant in a market dominated by phones that may cost a bit more but offer the aesthetic pleasure that it lacks.

What are your thoughts on this leaked image of the Pixel 2? Do the bezels bother you or not so much? Let us know by leaving a comment below!