New leak showcases the 2017 Google Pixel “XL” with minimal bezels and squeezable frame

Courtesy of the folks over at Android Police, the image you see above is what is believed to be a highly accurate representation of Google’s next-generation flagship smartphone, the 2017 Pixel “XL.” This will be the codenamed “taimen” device.

First and foremost, we’re using “XL” in quotes as Android Police has already stated that they do not know the exact name of this device and Google could change the entire naming scheme for the next Pixel.

Confidence

AP rates this leak as an “8 out of 10 on [their] confidence scale.” They subtracted two points due to the fact that the source may not reflect a full finalized design and that changes can still occur as the release is still a few months away.

Photo: Android Police

Here’s a larger look at the design. LG will be the manufacturer of this device, as was already rumored. Furthermore, some specifications for this device were revealed by XDA a couple weeks back.

Design

Based on this render, the fingerprint sensor is still on the rear and no longer sits in the glass pane, which has also shrunken in size. The bezels are significantly reduced on the front, but it’s a bit deceiving in my opinion; it appears to have a “curved display” like a Galaxy, but the source has indeed said that it is all flat, however, it will have rounded corners and a 2:1 aspect ratio.

There also doesn’t appear to be any antenna bands on this device, whether that’s because they’re blended in or just well hidden, we don’t know for sure.

There’s also a very wide speaker grille at the top along with a front-facing camera, but I think one of the most eye-catching parts of this design is that rear camera. Yes, it’s really that big—practically the size of the fingerprint scanner. Personally, I would have liked to see the camera and the flash reversed for aesthetic reasons but it’s whatever.

Finally, AP believes there will be a “squeezable” frame, pretty similar to the HTC U11. This might allow Pixel owners to squeeze their handset to launch the Google Assistant or otherwise.

Conclusion

No doubt if this is the design of the 2017 Pixel “XL,” Google will certainly be in the race for best design, as the first-generation Pixels were a little lackluster in this. I was initially planning on picking up the regular second-gen Pixel, but now, after this leak, I might just change my decision. So what do you think of the new design? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Android Police