Supposedly, Google is counting on financing options to soften the blow. And while Verizon will purportedly be the only US carrier selling the Pixels in stores, you'd still get to buy them online from Google.

It's not clear what's prompting the price hike, provided it's real. High-end specs by themselves don't dictate prices at Google. However, CEO Sundar Pichai previously hinted that future Google phones would be more "opinionated," carrying distinctive software features that help them stand out. In that light, the Pixel line may represent a change in focus. Instead of focusing on developers and early adopters, as with the Nexus line, Google could directly compete with high-end Android manufacturers that already offer unique takes on Android. That's something of a gamble -- does the Google name command that much of a premium? You might not have long to wait for the truth, however, when rumors have the Pixel range launching on October 4th.