The Pixel 4 is not yet official, but it has been all but confirmed by Google. In a surprise move, the tech giant shared an image on Twitter Wednesday, of device renders, which match the CAD renders that leaked just days ago. The teaser has only added to tech enthusiasts’ speculations about the Pixel 4, as it gives a clear shot of how the device’s camera system may be set up.
From the render, we can deduce that the Pixel 4 will likely have a dual-lens camera system. In addition to a flash, there may also be a third “spectral” sensor to help manage light movement when capturing unusual subjects, like electronic screens. All of these camera components put together give way to the square camera bump that has been the star of many a Pixel 4 leak.
Though the latest development has created a considerable buzz, many note that even Google’s detail sharing should be taken with a grain of salt. The tech company is known for trolling its fans ahead of its popular brand launches, as it does with the codenames of its Android operating systems. This move could be a testament to Google’s rivalry with Apple, who may release its 2019 iPhone in September with a similar camera set up. Still, there is no real guarantee that this is what the Pixel 4 will look like, even from the horse’s mouth.
Before Google’s teaser, tech informant, Lewis Hilsenteger of Unbox Therapy showcased two metal mockups of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, which also match the recently leaked renders.
As mockups that are typically sent to Google partners ahead of time for the purpose of creating cases and other accessories, this leak could mean that the Pixel 4 is likely close to the finished product, and may be a fairly accurate depiction of the device that Google will unveil months from now. The company typically announces new mobile hardware in October, which is only four months away and not a very long time in terms of consumer technology development.
Hilsenteger noted that in addition to its updated rear camera system, Google may be planning a sophisticated front camera setup for the Pixel 4. The prior leaks and renders show a single earpiece grill on the front of the Pixel 4, which has led many to believe that the device may have an interesting front design in order to house its selfie cameras. What Google may do is outfit the device with a large top-bezel instead of a top-notch, after the heavy backlash it received for the deep notch on the Pixel 3 XL.
The super-sized 2018 Pixel device features a dual-lens front camera, but the Pixel 4 could have up to five components in its camera system, according to Hilsenteger. Speculations suggest that Google may add some kind of proprietary facial or iris recognition technology to front-facing camera system on the Pixel 4, considering the renders and mockups also show no capacitive fingerprint sensor on the back of the device. Many also note Google could add an in-display fingerprint sensor to the Pixel 4.
If true, Google wouldn’t be the only smartphone manufacturer to reject the top-notch. So far, Samsung has refrained from succumbing to the top-notch trend for its premium smartphones, also using rather heavy top bezels to contain selfie cameras on its devices.
Other common features expected for the Pixel 4 include a USB-C port, NFC, wireless charging, and Google’s active edge squeeze function. Still, all details about the device remain unconfirmed.
