Google Pixel 3 XL's key design features seen in case leak

Reports suggest that the Pixel 3 XL will include a notch at the top, akin to the Apple iPhone X. Despite the practical merits, plenty of smartphone fans feel that it hinders the overall aesthetic, and so there's likely to be some resistence to Google's foremost handset following Apple's major-market lead.

Google Pixel 3 XL case leak

The latest case leak aligns with the notion that the Pixel 3 XL's notch will facilitate a dual-front-facing camera setup. The arrangement of two sensors in close proximity has been implemented by several manufacturers over the past few years, though for the most part, we've seen the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and Apple iPhone X enjoy dual cameras on the rear, rather than the front.

There are numerous theories as to how the dual-sensor system may be utilized with the Pixel 3 XL, with suggestions ranging from improved depth-of-field snaps to advanced facial unlocking. Given that we find ourselves very much in the midst of the Selfie Generation, one can already envision TV ads proclaiming the Pixel 3 XL and its self-snap wizardry as the best thing since sliced bread. Whatever the case, the shooters of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are impressive front-to-back, so if Google does plan to take the dual-front-camera route, here's hoping the Big G doesn't rock the boat in a negative way.

The render within the new case leak shows dual front-facing lenses either side of the earpiece and a 'chin' beneath the display for the speaker. To the rear, meanwhile, this leak indicates that there will be just a single camera lens and flash. The decision to go for two cameras on the front -- rather than the back like a number of other manufacturers -- is a slightly curious one. Perhaps Google simply wants to differentiate itself from Samsung, Apple et al. With competition being so fierce at the top end of the smartphone market, it can often be the tiny details that sway consumers one way or the other, and if the dual-selfie camera presents a convincing argument, the search giant could potentially snare a few would-be iPhone or Galaxy owners.

Should Google's Pixel 3 XL prove a sucess with its dual front cameras, it's then likely that subsequent models will get similar treatment with the rear snapper(s). After all, to essentially overhaul both the front and rear cameras would be quite a workload for a single generation, and adding so many shiny new features in one hit would possibly increase the chances of something going wrong at launch. Still, fans can be reasonably hopeful that an eventual Pixel 4 XL will sport dual cameras on both front and back. 

Given that the original Pixel models were announced on October 4th, 2016 and the Pixel 2 series was unveiled on October 4th, 2017, we should expect Google to showcase the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL on Thursday, October 4th 2018 if it wishes to retain tradition. If so, shipments of the new devices should begin a couple of weeks later, on or around October 19th.

Are you looking forward to the Pixel 3 series? Let us know in the comments below.

source: gizmochina