With an expected late 2016 release, it is said that the Google Pixel and Pixel XL will use the step-up Snapdragon 821 processor, along with other top-tier specs.

Qualcomm has already released its step-up version for its high-power chipset. In fact, some third-party tech makers have already started rolling out their flagships powered by Snapdragon 821, like Asus with their special edition of the ZenFone 3 Deluxe. This leads to speculations that as a flagship lineup, Google will also use the new Snapdragon 821 chipset as their CPU for the Pixel and Pixel XL.

Having a step-up version of the Snapdragon 820 chipset for next-generation devices is highly possible. Google is seen as one of the biggest tech movers, and breaching the US market with a new flagship-quality device is already expected. Should the new lineups launch with SD 821, the units from the Google Pixel brand will be the first US-bound devices to carry the step-up chipset. Aside from being the first, having a step-up chipset is a plus for Google. The Snapdragon 821 processor offers at least 10% more performance and speed compared to its predecessor. In addition to this, Qualcomm says that the new chipset "is designed to support superior connectivity, graphics, photography, power and battery efficiency and helps sets a new bar for smartphones, tablets, mobile virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays and more." This means that the new Google models may likely come out with VR support, particularly Google's own Daydream VR.

Meanwhile, aside from a Snapdragon 821 chipset, it is said that Google will also offer improvements on the new flagship lineups. Being positioned as a rebranded 2016 Nexus editions, the Pixel and Pixel XL models have already been rumored for some time now. The upcoming devices will have specs that include a 5.0-inch screen for the Pixel, and a 5.5-inch display for the Pixel XL. They would have at least 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of onboard storage, and they would run using a newer platform, the Android 7.1 Nougat.