Pixel 3 was unwrapped in October last year and continued Google’s signature ethos of delivering a handset with an incredible camera and great software.
Google’s flagship once again arrived with a single camera on its rear – the same as every Pixel device before it.
Although the 12.2-megapixel rear module benefitted from improved processing and other nifty software features such as a dedicated night mode, the biggest camera changes in terms of hardware were present on the Pixel 3’s front panel.
Google decided to give the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL two selfie lenses rather one – the first of which was a primary sensor and the other offered an ultra wide-angle perspective.
The Pixel 3’s secondary front snapper played a huge role in the firm’s marketing push for the hardware – Google frequently showcased scenarios in which the sensor was able to fit more people in a single photo.
Express.co.uk has used the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL extensively since its launch and can testify to the usefulness of the phone’s ultra wide-angle selfie camera – we have used it countless times to get a more dramatic perspective and to cram more subjects into our photos.
However, it seems the Pixel 3’s secondary sensor may not make an appearance on its successor, the Pixel 4.
Google originally showed off the Pixel 4 on its Twitter feed in June and most recently published a blog post discussing some of its new features.
In particular, the tech powerhouse discussed the advanced technologies housed in the phone’s top bezel.
Google declared the Pixel 4 will come with a feature called Soli that is essentially a miniaturised motion-sensing radar.
This, the firm claimed, will allow the new smartphone to detect gestures and the nearby presence of a user.
Moreover, it was confirmed the hardware would come with advanced face unlocking that could be faster than rival systems.
Google said Soli will allow the Pixel 4 to understand when a user is picking up a phone and will kickstart its recognition system accordingly.
Explaining its new technology, the American company stated: “Other phones require you to lift the device all the way up, pose in a certain way, wait for it to unlock, and then swipe to get to the homescreen.
“Pixel 4 does all of that in a much more streamlined way. As you reach for Pixel 4, Soli proactively turns on the face unlock sensors, recognising that you may want to unlock your phone.
“If the face unlock sensors and algorithms recognise you, the phone will open as you pick it up, all in one motion. Better yet, face unlock works in almost any orientation—even if you’re holding it upside down—and you can use it for secure payments and app authentication too.”
In its blog post, Google showed a picture of the technology that will be housed underneath the Pixel 4’s top bezel.
It was noted a face unlock IR camera, front facing camera, ambient light sensor, audio port, face unlock dot projector, a secondary face unlock IR camera and flood illuminator would be present inside.
However, there was no mention or illustration of a secondary selfie camera, suggesting the new Google phone will not allow users to harness an ultra wide-angle perspective on its front.
If the Pixel 4 does not come with a secondary front-facing snapper, it could come as a major disappointment for Pixel 3 owners that have grown fond of the functionality.
Google Pixel 4 is presumed to be revealed in full sometime during the month of October – the period in which every other Pixel phone has debuted.