Google looks set to completely overhaul the look of its flagship Pixel smartphones with the next iteration of the Android-powered handset.
While the last three versions of the Google Pixel have all been very similar (save for the hefty notch on the Pixel 3 XL, which was a dramatic departure from earlier models), the Mountain View-based company looks set to really shake things up this year.
According to 91mobiles, Google has filed a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) that contains a number of illustrations of a new handset with an edge-to-edge screen.
There's not a notch in sight. With the display simply running to the very edges of the chassis. It's unclear from the illustrations included with the patent whether the Pixel 4 will be physically bigger than its predecessor, or whether it will keep the same dimensions and simply squeeze a larger display inside the case.
Smartphone manufacturers are increasingly looking to increase the size the amount of available screen real estate, while maintaining a physical footprint that's small enough to use one-handed. Samsung unveiled its new Infinity-O display design during its developer conference in November. This truly all-screen design includes a small O-shaped cut-out (hence the name) for the front-facing camera. The forthcoming Galaxy S10 flagship is widely-tipped to use the design.
Aside from the all-screen design, everything else about the new Pixel looks pretty much unchanged. The images filed to WIPO shows the familiar two-tone rear case, with the circular fingerprint scanner and single rear-facing camera lens – in the same positions as they're found on the back of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3.
The edges are similarly unchanged, with volume and power buttons housed on the right hand-side of the handset, with SIM-card slot on the left. Like its predecessors, the Google Pixel 4 looks set to use USB-C to sync, charge and handle audio.
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If the Google company follows its typical release schedule, we can expect to see new Pixel hardware in October this year – that's if rumours of a more affordable Pixel 3 Lite smartphonedo not come to fruition in the meantime.
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
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