For me the Pixel XL was the best smartphone of 2016 and my early impressions suggest its remarkable camera still tops Samsung’s new Galaxy S8. But is Google about to fix the Pixel and Pixel XL’s two biggest problems?
A new report from South Korea’s Electronic Times claims Google is investing $880 million in a mega deal with LG Display to secure a large supply of flexible OLED displays. This would a) ensure the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL avoid the supply problems which continue to dog the Pixel and Pixel XL, and b) give these next generation smartphones a stylish new look.
And yes, flexible OLED displays are the same category of panel used by Samsung for the stunning, curved ‘Infinity Displays’ in the almost bezel-less Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus.
The spanner in the works is the report claims LG Display is “carefully considering” the proposal, but the giant LG offshoot (49,000 employees, over $900M net income) has yet to officially agreed to the contract. With Apple also pushing hard for millions of OLED panels for its tenth anniversary iPhone redesign, LG Display has a strong hand to play.
That said it, if the report is correct, it is unlikely Google has put all its eggs in one basket should the LG Display deal not come off.
The ‘Infinity Displays’ on the Galaxy S8 (left) and Galaxy S8 Plus look stunning. Could Google be considering something similar for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL?
Consequently what is arguably more interesting is the information that Google may be planning significant new looks for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Given that the polarising design of the Pixel and Pixel XL was about the only consistent criticism of these otherwise critically acclaimed handsets, it would show Google is taking feedback seriously as its hardware ambitions grow.
One note of caution: just because an OLED display is ‘flexible’ does not necessarily mean that Galaxy S8-style curves are guaranteed. Flexible OLEDs are often used in relatively flat panels because they allow for very subtle curved finishes at the sides.
Then again, given the Pixel and Pixel XL lacked any sort of curved display edging, the signs are the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are headed in a very different design direction. Couple this with the potential for high stock levels, and 2017 could be the year Google delivers on the immense promise it showed us in 2016…
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