Google Pixel 3 release date, specs rumors: Three variants of 2018 premium smartphone coming this year

The Google Pixel 2 displayed during a launch event in California.REUTERS/Stephen Lam

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL have only been in the shelves for a few months, but it is never too early to talk about the next flagship handsets of the search engine giant. The rumors are rife that the public can expect not only two, but three variants of the premium Pixel collection. 

If the latest rumors are anything to go by, the Google Pixel 3 will have at least three variations upon launch. While the difference between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL is mostly related with the size, the three Pixel 3 variants coming this year will vary greatly in terms of performance and price. For one, a Pixel 3 variant is expected to be patterned with older Nexus handsets, serving as the low-tier or cheaper version of the series.

Meanwhile, the high-end Pixel 3 variant will follow the footsteps of Apple's current flagship, iPhone X, possibly including features such as an all-screen display and facial recognition scanner. Lastly, the third Google Pixel 3 variant will go somewhere in between the budget-friendly and expensive handset. 

It should be noted, however, that the Google Pixel 2 was also rumored to have three variants. At the end of the day, only two versions of the handset saw the light of day, and it is possible that the Pixel 3 will only have two variants as well. Instead of adding another phone variant, Google could focus on improving the hardware specs of the current Pixel device. Specifically, the Pixel 3 could get the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chip, boasting 30 percent improvement on power efficiency and performance compared to Snapdragon 835. 

The Google Pixel 3 could also go for a camera boost, particularly a dual-lens module for either the front-facing or rear shooter. Although, it is also possible that Google will choose to improve the software aspect rather than the actual camera hardware to achieve the same result. Meanwhile, a concept image suggests that Google can also focus on the Pixel's sound department by adding two huge front-facing speakers. Along with the improved speakers, the concept render also reveals slimmer bezels to achieve a full view display.