Critics of the notch on Apple’s iPhone X will probably be peeved at Google’s next smartphone.
New images purportedly show the yet-to-be-released Pixel 3 XL in a white colorway, according to XDA-Developers.
They reveal that the Pixel 3 XL is likely to include a large notch, as well as a sizable ‘chin,’ or space at the bottom of the phone’s display.
Critics of the notch on Apple’s iPhone X are likely to be peeved by Google’s next smartphone. New images claim to show the upcoming Pixel 3 XL with a massive notch and chin design
The photos provide more details after another leak in early June claimed to show the Pixel 3 XL in black.
Like the photos shared earlier this year, these show off a Pixel phone with a larger form-factor, an orange power button on the right side of the device, single-lens rear camera, dual front-facing cameras and stereo speakers.
Additionally, the device shows a logo on the back panel that’s different than the typical ‘G’, indicating that it’s more than likely a prototype model.
The photos were leaked by XDA-Developers user ‘dr.guru’ on Sunday.
‘Unfortunately the phone doesn’t boot because it was remotely erased by Google,’ the user wrote in a blog post.
The prototype Pixel device shows that it has 4 gigabytes of RAM, as well as 64 gigabytes of storage.
Like the photos shared earlier this year, these show off a Pixel phone with a larger form-factor, an orange power button on the right side of the device, single-lens rear camera, dual front-facing cameras and stereo speakers. It has 4 gigabytes of RAM and 64 gigabytes of storage
However, the feature that’s generated the most attention is the XL prototype’s ‘deep notch’ and massive chin.
Apple first popularized the notch, which houses facial recognition sensors and cameras, in the iPhone X.
At the time, the controversial design received feedback from users who both loved and hated the notch, with some claiming it was an ugly feature that distracted from the phone’s edge-to-edge screen.
More and more smartphone vendors have worked to minimize the notch to make way for a truly bezel-less display, but if the prototypes prove accurate, the Pixel 3 XL will move in the opposite direction.
The feature that’s generated the most attention is the XL prototype’s ‘deep notch’ and massive chin. Pictured is a closeup of the notch design, which likely houses front-facing cameras
The large chin at the bottom of the device is expected to house dual front-facing stereo speakers.
It’s also unclear whether the phone features an organic LED display or the Active Edge squeeze feature that’s appeared on previous Pixel devices.
Active Edge first appeared on the Pixel 2 and can be used to activate Google Assistant, as well as other helpful features, such as silencing incoming calls.
Google is expected to release two new Pixel models at its October hardware event later this year.
Along with the Pixel 3 XL, analysts have projected that Google will launch a smaller Pixel device that’ll be reminiscent of the Pixel 2.
It will feature sizable bezels at the bottom and top of the screen.
Savvy Twitter user @PhoneDesigner created renderings of what the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL could look like based on leaked images of what claim to show their screen protectors
Google is expected to release two Pixel models at its October hardware event later this year. A nearly bezel-less Pixel 3 XL (pictured in a rendering) will be released, along with a Pixel 3
Google typically features different designs for its base Pixel model and the XL model, so it’s unsurprising that the notch may only make it onto the larger of the two devices.
It’s also believed that Verizon will be the exclusive carrier of the Pixel 3 devices.
Unlike Apple, Google’s next smartphones are expected to retain a single-lens camera design on the back panel.
It may take a page from the iPhone maker in other areas, however, as new leaked images show off a ‘Pixel Stand.’
The device, also leaked by XDA-Developers, is believed to be a wireless charging device for some upcoming Google devices. It’s unclear if that includes the new Pixel phones.
GOOGLE’S PIXEL 2 SPECS
It has two LEDs in the camera flash and will feature front and rear cameras with optical image stabilisation
New camera will have portrait mode similar to Apple’s – but Google says it has better AI algorithms for creating the effect
Portrait mode will also work on the front ‘selfie’ camera
Will come with a free Google Home Mini speaker
Has ‘squeezable’ sides like the HTC U11 that activate Google’s assistant
Google has ditched the headphone jack for the device, instead relying on wireless or USB-C headphones.
Will have google’s Lens AI software
Will run Google’s new augmented reality software ARCore
The next generation flagship handset will be officially unveiled in just a few hours. Google is hosting launch events at 9am in San Francisco, 12pm in New York, 5pm in London and 6pm in Paris (all local times)
The smaller Pixel 2 will be available in Kinda Blue, Just Black, and Clearly White, and will be sold with 64GB and 128GB of storage and will be priced at $649 (£629) and $749 (£729), respectively
The larger LG-made Pixel 2 XL will come in a Black & White and Just Black and will be available with 64GB or 128GB storage.
The new phones have an ‘always on display’ that will display the time, notifications and even what song is playing