Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 are likely to be waterproof

The Google Pixel has been lauded since its launch and is now considered one of the best smartphones in the industry despite its rookie status in the mobile phone game. If there’s one criticism that has repeatedly hounded Google about its first “official” phone, it’s the fact that the handset isn’t waterproof. The tech giant is reportedly going to make up for it, but fans will have to wait for the next Pixel release before they can enjoy the essential feature.

The Pixel and Pixel XL actually both have a certified immersion rating of IP-53, but the handsets cannot be completely submerged underwater. The IP-53 rating means that only splashes and sprays from a maximum of 60 degrees high are allowed to come in contact with both phones, allowing Pixel and Pixel XL owners to still use their handsets for calling in the middle of a rain storm. Google even called the Pixel and Pixel XL “splash-proof” in an earlier ad, a subtle admission of its phones’ limits.

Fortunately, Google may just right the wrong on the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2. According to insider Stephen Hall of 9to5Google, he and his crew were told in October of last year that the ultimate successors of the current Pixel and Pixel XL shall “definitely” have waterproofing features. (See tweet below)

Last year, when Google was asked why the Pixel and Pixel XL weren’t made waterproof, the company simply answered it “ran out of time.” Google had originally intended to make both Pixel phones waterproof, but it had to re-evaluate the handsets’ development in early 2016 and was left with roughly nine months to finalise the smartphones before they were launched. The timeframe was too short even for a mammoth like Google especially since it still had to work with HTC during that busy period.

Little tidbit we were told in October last year that I forgot about: “Waterproofing definitely coming with next Pixel device.”
— Stephen Hall (@hallstephenj) January 25, 2017