Three variants of the Pixel 2 have appeared in Google’s Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code, confirming various suspicions about which processor will power the Pixel 2.
The AOSP code mentions that the devices will use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, which makes sense, as Google would want to power its devices with the best mobile processor out there. The MSM8998 chip is indeed the best system-on-chip Qualcomm has to offer for Android devices. Although this comes as no surprise, it is nice to finally have confirmation about what the Pixel 2 will run on.
You can check out the AOSP code below:
Gadget Hacks already uncovered that the Pixel 2 will be available in two variants. One with the codename “walleye” and its smaller sister, the Pixel 2 XL, with the codename of “muskie.” A third sibling of the Pixel 2 line up was also uncovered by Droid Life with the name of “taimen.” All three names appear in the Google AOSP code.
In addition, If you look at the top of the code, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 Octacore-SoC CPU model number “MSM8990” emerges right under “Commit Message,” confirming that the processor is associated with the three codenames.
Droid Life speculated that “taimen” will be a possible tablet or tablet-like phone, though all of this is still a rumor, and nothing in the AOSP code reveals what kind of product “taimen” will be, save the fact that it will run on the Qualcomm SoC.
According to German website, Win Future, who first broke the story, the Snapdragon 835 offers up to 27 percent more power on a smartphone, is 35 percent smaller, uses 25 percent less power, and has an extra long battery life compared to its predecessor, the 821. The Snapdragon 835 is also used in North American variants of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, giving us hope that Google’s Pixel 2 flagship will be as powerful as Samsung’s own smartphone lineup.
For more info, stay tuned for our always-updated roundup on the Pixel 2, coming soon to a screen near you!
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