Rumor Roundup: Everything We Know So Far About Google's Pixel 3
Although marked by initial scandals, many regard the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL as some of the best Android devices money can buy. With that precedent set, all Android users should be excited for whatever Google is cooking up with its third Pixel device, as their 2017 offerings have set the bar rather high.
As it's still early in the year, rumors about the Pixel 3 are a bit thin. That being said, there's still plenty to sink our teeth into. Whether you want to know what chipset the Pixel 3 will be packing, or you want to know when you can get your hands on the device, our roundup has all the latest news and rumors.
But Will It Notch?
The Android world is up in arms at the moment over the ever-increasing list of smartphones gaining the iPhone X-style notch. While Google hasn't given us as much of a lead as, say, OnePlus when it comes to notch-status, there's a decent chance the Pixel 3 will sport one.
Android P, the upcoming successor to Oreo, contains a notch-preview feature for developers, clearly embracing the "new" trend in the Android community. While that in itself is not confirmation, its obvious Google is aware of the current design changes. Perhaps it will join in as well.
OS: Android P
While most Android devices aren't even running Android 8.0, we expect the Pixel 3 to be among the first to run Android P. Google hasn't unveiled a specific 9.0 release date for any phones, but it would make sense that its own devices would get it first, as evidenced by only Pixel devices having access to the Android P preview.
Chipset: Snapdragon 845, Most Likely
The Pixel 2 currently houses the Snapdragon 835, which, while powerful, is already outclassed by the 845 found in the Galaxy S9 and Sony Xperia XZ2. It only makes sense, then, for the Pixel 3 to come packed with the latest and greatest from Qualcomm.
There's a vague outside chance that the Pixel 3 might sport a Google-made processor. Google has been working on developing a silicon team of their own with the hopes to rival Apple's success with its A-series chips, but we don't expect this project to be ready by this year.
Three Pixel 3 Models?
According to Droid Life, Google could be making as many as three Pixel devices this year, carrying the codenames "crosshatch," "albacore," and "blueline." Two of these devices are expected to be premium devices, which could mirror 2017's Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
While we don't expect Google to release a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL at a reduced cost, rumors suggest this third device could be a mid-range Google phone. According to Economic Times, Google is planning to push a new phone in the Indian marketplace, aimed to compete with other mid-range smartphones. Whether this new device is branded as a Pixel 3 or something else entirely is yet to be seen.
Release Date — October 18, 2018?
Google's past two Pixel devices were both unveiled on October 4th, so its safe to say the company will reveal its next flagship product in the same month. The Pixel was released Oct. 20, while fans picked up the Pixel 2 Oct. 19, both of which were the third Thursdays of each year. If Google wants to keep things consistent, the Pixel 3 might be released Oct. 18.
That's it for now. Check back in for all the latest on the Pixel 3.
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