Google Pixel XL might not have the power we hoped

nexus 2016
nexus 2016

We're roughly a month out from the expected launch of Google's next own-branded flagship Android phones, and a fresh set of alleged Google Pixel XL benchmark stats have emerged.

A Geekbench listing for the "google marlin" handset – the Pixel XL's codename – points towards Google's next handset packing in a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM.

4GB seems par for the course in a top-end smartphone these days (though the OnePlus 3 has a whopping 6GB), though the Snapdragon 820 isn't quite the latest that Qualcomm has in the wings.

That would be the snappier Snapdragon 821, bringing around a 10% performance increase over the 820 - although given that's only just emerged, it might be a little early to bring it onto the Google phones - although some handsets are beginning to use it.

XL Nougat

The Geekbench stats list the operating system as Android NMR1, likely a dev-facing build of Android 7.0 Nougat. So don't get too excited about the prospect of Android 7.1 getting a look in.

The Pixel XL, being put together by the HTC design team, is expected to have an aluminum unibody design, a rear-facing fingerprint scanner and a 5.5-inch screen, according to earlier leaks.

Expected to replace the Nexus line, keep an eye out for an October 4 launch for a pair of Pixel devices, with a second smaller handset measuring a handy 5.2-inches.

  • Keep up to date with all the latest Google Pixel rumours with our bang-up-to-date news hub.

Main image credit: Android Police

Gerald Lynch

Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site's home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don't expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of 'Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future', published by Aurum Press.