Rumor: The Pixel 4 might get one of the iPhone's best features

Two supposed renders of the Pixel 4 showed up online yesterday revealing a handset that closely resembles leaked 2019 iPhone renders. Now, Lew Hilsenteger of Unbox Therapy has metal models of both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in-hand, along with some supposedly exclusive information about both smartphones.

Hilsenteger’s models show off a design that’s identical to yesterday’s renders. Looking around the metal block, it’s pretty clear that both handsets will feature a large rear camera bump, a USB-C port, no headphone jack, power and volume buttons on the right side of the devices, and the removal of dual-front facing speakers.

These models are made for case makers. As such, we can’t use the two pieces of metal as concrete proof that this is the final design of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.

The most interesting part of the Unbox Therapy video is when he starts talking about the functionality of each phone’s various camera systems. First, each device is supposedly going to include two rear cameras and a “spectral sensor.” It’s not entirely clear what the third item would be used for, but we can speculate that Google would use it to accurately capture a scene’s color.

Second, Hilsenteger claims that the front of the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will house “five imaging units.” He did not confirm that these will be used for facial recognition, but thanks to face authentication settings that popped up in Android Q Beta 4, we know Google is working on a Face ID-like security system. As both smartphones don’t appear to include a fingerprint sensor, facial recognition might be Google’s primary form of security going forward.

Lastly, Hilsenteger speaks matter-of-factly that Google will include a forehead on both handsets to squeeze in the front-facing sensors. While this might mean Google is avoiding a bezel-less design, it also means the Pixel 3 XL’s enormous notch won’t be making another appearance.

Due to the size of Unbox Therapy’s following, we are inclined to believe Hilsenteger’s information. Unfortunately, he doesn’t state where the leak comes from and instead presents everything as facts. We’ll have to wait for more details to leak before we can confirm how spot on Hilsenteger’s claims are.

Do you think Hilsenteger could be right about the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL’s camera systems? Are you okay with Google foregoing a bezel-less design as long as it means that the bathtub notch doesn’t make a comeback? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!