Google has unexpectedly revealed the design for its hotly anticipated Pixel 4 and from what we’ve seen it could radically improve an already excellent key selling point for the brand: their cameras.
The design was revealed by the MadebyGoogle Twitter account on Wednesday and showcases a device with a custom, multi-sensor camera arrangement. The arrangement looks strikingly similar to the one seen on the Huawei P30 Pro, Trusted Reviews previous camera phone of choice.
It’s unclear what exact sensors the phone will carry, but the arrangement appears to suggest it’ll have two regular rear cameras, an LED flash and another yet-to-be-identified sensor – potentially a TIF (time of flight) sensor like the P30.
If this is the case it would put the Pixel 4 in direct competition with the Huawei Mate 30. The Mate 30 is the rumoured next generation phablet from Huawei. It’s expected to feature a refined camera arrangement based off the P30 Pro’s.
The move is a bold one by Google, which has traditionally relied on AI rather than multi-sensor tech to deliver industry leading low light camera performance on its Pixel line of phones. If Google can combine the two elements successfully the Pixel 4 should be an excellent, potentially best in class, camera phone when it launches at an unspecified point later this year.
The news follows widespread rumours the Pixel 4 would have a multi-sensor rear camera.
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Well, since there seems to be some interest, here you go! Wait 'til you see what it can do. #Pixel4 pic.twitter.com/RnpTNZXEI1
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) June 12, 2019
Earlier this week a post from @OnLeaks showed purported CAD-based designs suggesting Google would move past a single lens rear camera for the first time in the history of the range. So far, the Pixel phones have offered top-level cameras without having to add additional lenses. We now know for sure that will change.
Related: Pixel 4 features we want to see
The confirmation from Google also insulates it from accusations it may be copying Apple, with recent rumours suggesting the iPhone 11 will adopt a similar rear camera design.
While the image above only shows the rear of the phone and keeps everyone guessing on the front of the device, the notch (or lack thereof), size of the bezels and more, it’s still a remarkable reveal from the company. Another recent link suggested Google may deploy a Galaxy S10-like punch hole for dual selfie-cameras.
Despite this early semi-reveal, we’re still not expecting Google to unveil the phone in all its glory until this autumn. History would suggest the company will still wait until October to reveal and release the fourth-generation Pixel handset, which is also likely to include a larger XL model, as has been custom.
Elsewhere we’re fully expecting the phones to offer the Qualcomm 855 system-on-a-chip, combined with 6GB of RAM. Android Q will be available out of the box, of course.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.