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New Google Pixel 4 leak suggests massive change is coming

By Joshua Swingle

Updated: May 17, 2019, 5:10 PM

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Android Google

New Google Pixel 4 leak suggests massive change is coming

Google Pixel 4 concept render

The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL are still around four months away, but today YouTuber Jon Prosser from Front Page Tech has shared some new information about the flagship series that suggests a massive change could be on the way.

The Google Pixel 4 could ditch all physical buttons

According to Prosser’s sources, the Pixel 4 series will ditch all physical buttons in favor of an uninterrupted aluminum frame. Rather than including clickable power and volume keys, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will reportedly make their debut with a set of capacitive touch alternatives along the right side.

The reason for this major change was not disclosed, but it could potentially have something to do with an existing feature. The Pixel 4 series, like previous generations, is expected to support Google’s Active Edge squeezable frame. In its current form, the feature is limited to certain sections of the aluminum frame where physical buttons don’t interfere. However, by replacing these keys with capacitive alternatives, the internet giant could potentially extend the feature along the entire side of the device.

Regardless of Google’s reasoning, a massive change such as this one will undoubtedly be met with heavy criticism. Many will argue that it’s also highly unlikely but, while this leak should be taken with the usual pinch of salt, according to Prosser the source of the information is credible.

For those of you that aren’t aware, last year Prosser provided a constant stream of accurate Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL information over a month before their launch. Moreover, he confirmed the existence of the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL before anybody else.

Stereo speakers and a punch hole display seem extremely likely

In addition to the details above, Jon Prosser’s source also corroborated a number of recent leaks and rumors. Specifically, he verified the presence of a camera cut out on the Pixel 4’s display and the subsequent lack of a notch.

The new display will be paired with uniform bezels and an extremely thin chin. Despite this, however, Google is reportedly retaining the front-facing stereo speaker setup found on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 lineups.

Accompanying all of this will apparently be a new in-display fingerprint scanner which will replace the rear-mounted one found on current Pixel devices. Unfortunately, though, it’s unclear at this point if Google will opt for an optical scanner or a superior ultrasonic sensor like the one used on the Samsung Galaxy S10.

Elsewhere on the Pixel 4 flagships should be a new dual-camera setup on the rear. It’s unclear at this point if Google will pair its second sensor with a telephoto zoom or super-wide-angle camera, but rumor has it the setup will be aligned horizontally in the top-left corner rather than vertically as seen on many smartphones these days.

Google Pixel 4 specs, features, and release date

Like the Galaxy S10, LG G8 ThinQ, and OnePlus 7 Pro, the Pixel 4 series is expected to arrive powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855. This chip should be accompanied by 128GB of storage and, for the first time ever, 6GB of RAM rather than just 4GB.

As you’d expect from a Google smartphone, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will ship with the latest version of Android straight out of the box. In this case, it should be Android 10 Q – the update is due for release in August.

Other features that can be expected include an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, a larger battery paired with faster charging, and support for 4G LTE networks. Google is presumably preparing its first 5G-ready smartphones, but 5G connectivity is unlikely to make its way into the Pixel 4 line.

Lastly, in regards to a release, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will most likely be announced during the second week of October. Pre-orders will presumably commence the same day prior to a release the following week.