Pixel Pill 2: In abstract
- Google’s second-generation flagship Android pill
- Reportedly cancelled attributable to worries of poor gross sales
- Might properly be engaged on a Pixel Pill 3, nonetheless
Google’s flagship Android pill and iPad rival is 2 years outdated, so the place is the Pixel Pill 2?
The Pixel Pill arrived on 10 Might 2023 and although not all units have a 12-month refresh cycle, a substitute would usually have arrived by now.
Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless no signal of a Pixel Pill 2, which Google might by no means launch. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless hope for the way forward for the Pixel Pill line.
Right here’s every part we all know so removed from rumours and our knowledgeable evaluation and desires.
When is the Pixel Pill 2 launch date?
In abstract
- The Pixel Pill 2 is reportedly cancelled
- Google should still be engaged on one other pill, nonetheless
- We might hear one thing on the topic at Google I/O
It was thought that the Pixel Pill 2 was going to reach with the Pixel 9 vary of telephones and Pixel Watch 3 in August 2024.
That didn’t occur, regardless of the credible sources for that piece of data, so the wait went on for Google’s subsequent Android pill.
The most recent is that Google has cancelled the Pixel Pill 2 (regarded as codenamed ‘kiyomi’), with the information coming shortly after leaks concerning the system and citing worries about poor gross sales leading to a loss.
Presumably, the corporate made this choice based mostly on the gross sales efficiency figures of the unique Pixel Pill.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Rumours on the Pixel Pill 2 have dried up since then (Nov 2024), which definitely corroborates this principle. Nonetheless, Google seemingly hasn’t given up on the Pixel Pill line after only one mannequin.
Google should still be engaged on the Pixel Pill 3 (although it could not name it that for apparent causes), which can arrive in 2027 as a strong system operating on a Tensor G6 processor.
If Google does have something to say a few future Pixel Pill, then the following likelihood it has to take action it at Google I/O developer convention on 20-21 Might 2025. This was the place the agency authentic teased the primary Pixel Pill.
Sources: Telephone Area | Android Authority
How a lot will the Pixel Pill 2 value?
In abstract
- Comparable worth to the unique Pixel Pill
- Ought to provide the pill and docking station individually
The Pixel Pill 2 might by no means see the sunshine of day, nevertheless it was extensively thought that Google would comply with the identical pricing construction as the unique.
That will imply a worth of £599/$499 for a 128GB storage capability and bundled docking station (value £139/$129 for the Pixel Pill). The 256GB would value £699/$599.
Nonetheless, I’m not satisfied that Google will go down this path once more.
Many evaluations, together with Tech Advisor’s, criticised Google for not providing the pill by itself. Now Google appears to have realized from that mistake, I’m hoping it gives each choices from the beginning for the second era.
Pitching the Pixel Pill 2 at round £399/$399 by itself, and leaving the docking station as an optionally available further (with a bundle low cost), could be the wisest transfer for my part.
It might assist the system to rival the iPad at the least.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
What we need to see within the Pixel Pill 2
In abstract
- It may not launch, however some Pixel Pill 2 specs leaked
- Might point out a few of what the Pixel Pill 3 has to supply
- Tech Advisor needs for extra of the identical, with enhancements in sure areas
Though the Pixel Pill 2 has reportedly been cancelled, Android Authority has shared a variety of details about its specs and the options it might provide.
Whereas neither official nor confirmed, this info reveals what the Pixel Pill 2 might have been and a few of which can nonetheless find yourself within the Pixel Pill 3.
Design & Construct
The Pixel Pill 2, codenamed ‘kiyomi,’ retained the foundational design of its predecessor however included considerate enhancements.
Google deliberate to reinforce the accent ecosystem with a first-party keyboard and stylus, making it extra versatile for productiveness and creativity.
The system additionally aimed to take care of its twin performance as each a pill and a sensible show, aligning with its function in sensible residence setups.
We nonetheless just like the Charging Speaker Dock as a singular promoting level, however the audio system inside it could possibly be so much higher, particularly when in comparison with the Google Subsequent Hub Max, which may be very related and sounds so much higher.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Show
A big improve for the Pixel Pill 2 was its 10.95-inch LCD panel, providing a 120Hz refresh price in comparison with the unique’s 60Hz.
The decision remained at 2,560 x 1,600, however brightness was barely elevated to 550 nits from 500 nits.
Whereas nonetheless an LCD, chosen to keep away from burn-in points frequent with OLEDs, the smoother refresh price promised a greater visible expertise.
It’s doable that with the Pixel Pill 3, Google moved to each the next refresh price and an OLED panel. We’d like to see it go brighter, too.
Efficiency
At its core, the Pixel Pill 2 was deliberate to run on the Tensor G4 chipset, utilizing an Built-in Package deal on Package deal (IPoP) design.
Although barely thicker and hotter than the Fan-Out Panel Stage Packaging (FOPLP) variant, it supplied value effectivity.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This represented a stable leap ahead from the Tensor G2 of the unique Pixel Pill. Google additionally ready the system for DisplayPort output, supporting as much as 4K decision, a step towards improved connectivity and exterior show capabilities.
If and when the Pixel Pill 3 arrives, it might leap to the Tensor G6, making for a giant efficiency leap.
Cameras
The digital camera setup would have seen reasonable enhancements.
The entrance digital camera would have been upgraded to a 10Mp Samsung sensor (from 8Mp), whereas the rear digital camera was deliberate to incorporate an 11Mp autofocus sensor – up from the earlier, fixed-focus 8Mp.
Regardless of these enhancements, face unlock was not included, though the selfie digital camera was the identical because the Pixel 9 Professional Fold.
We’re not too fussed about cameras on tablets however face unlock could be a pleasant addition.
Battery & Charging
The Pixel Pill 2 was set to obtain a modest enhance in battery capability, rising from 6900mAh to 7200mAh.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Whereas not groundbreaking, this enhancement complemented the upper refresh price show and improved efficiency, seemingly extending its usability for each pill and sensible show features.
We’d additionally wish to see quicker charging like a few of its rivals, such because the Xiaomi Pad 7.
Software program
The software program enhancements have been seemingly tied to Google’s broader efforts to optimise Android for tablets.
The addition of Thread assist for IoT system integration showcased Google’s intention to deepen the Pixel Pill’s function in sensible residence ecosystems.
Nonetheless, some deliberate options, like 5G and GPS assist, have been reserved for the mobile variant, leaving the Wi-Fi mannequin comparatively restricted.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
We’ll be protecting a watch out for Pixel Pill 2 information and rumours and can replace this text after they seem.
For now, try our checklist of the perfect Android tablets if it’s worthwhile to decide one up now.