Richard Goodwin 01/08/2017 - 1:49pm

If you’re in the US of A, there’s never been a better time to pick up a Google Pixel phone, as they’ve just had their prices SLASHED

Both the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL have had their respective prices slashed by $200.

And this can only mean one thing: the Google Pixel 2 is coming!

So what’s the Google Pixel 2 going to be like? According to the latest intelligence, the handset will feature a refined design, which is less boring, improved specs and hardware, and, of course, Android Oreo.

Google is also expected to add in waterproofing and, possibly, remove the headphone jack too, though the latter is NOT 100% yet – so don’t quote me on that one.

The most obvious change coming to the Pixel 2 will be to the way it looks; the handset will feature an EDGE TO EDGE display, a slimmer chassis and a more modern look and feel – basically, somewhere between the LG G6 and Galaxy S8.

However, if you’re after a bargain and aren’t too fussed about getting a brand-spanking new Pixel 2, which will likely cost A LOT, the original Google Pixel phones are still a very solid option.

Google’s Pixel handsets have proved rather popular with punters as well, both here and in the USA, with reports suggesting around 1,000,000 units sold during the past 12 months.

Obviously, this pales in comparison to Apple’s sales (and Samsung’s too), but for a brand new, super-high-end phone it isn’t too bad at all. Also – Google doesn’t release specific sales figures for its Pixel phones; instead, it just bundles them all in with Alphabet revenues.

This means it is basically impossible to predict how many Pixel handsets The Big G has sold during 2016/17. Even if you look at things like Google Play access and Pixel launcher downloads. Whatever the figure it is a long way behind Apple’s 40 million units per quarter.

So if Pixel is destined to be Google’s iPhone, the company needs to ensure it starts selling a lot more of them in the coming weeks, months and years.

They’re specced to the hilt with masses of hardware and Google because you're dealing with the source of Android, has confirmed software support for at least two years, meaning you won’t any Android updates between now and 2020.

Verizon has the best deal going right now:

32GB Google Pixel is now only $420 – and, yes, this is a brand new phone – while the 128GB Google Pixel is 128GB.

Meanwhile, the Google Pixel XL (32GB) is now retailing for $540, while the 120GB Google Pixel is $640, representing a discount of over $229.99 in total.

As I said, these handsets are super solid. I’m currently using a 32GB Google Pixel XL and I love it. The handset has great software, great battery life, and a super camera which is brilliant for both video and still images.

And because these are Google phones, as always, you will be first in line to get Android O, once it’s released later on this year.

Epic stuff.