Google has taken an unconventional approach to prevent leaks of its latest smartphone by deciding to publish images of the Pixel 4 online – months ahead of its expected launch.
In a post to Twitter on Wednesday evening, the technology giant shared an early photo of its flagship phone, revealing several key specs and features.
“Well, since there seems to be some interest, here you go!” the company’s official @madebygoogle account tweeted.
“Wait ‘til you can see what it can do.”
The accompanying image appears to confirm that Google has opted for dual rear cameras for the first time in its Pixel range of phones.
Google joins Apple, Huawei, Samsung and other high-end smartphone makers by including more than one lens on the rear of its device.
It remains unclear what Google plans to do with the second lens, with competitors using additional lenses to add capabilities, such as ultra-wide shots.
There also appears to be an extra sensor situated above the two camera lenses, accompanying a primary sensor that sits beside the dual flash system.
Finally, the image confirms that there will be no rear fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 4, despite several rumours suggesting there might be.
Google’s unexpected Twitter revelation was greeted with a mix of excitement and confusion on social media.
Some speculated that Google had made the unusual decision in order to avoid accusations that it copied the iPhone 11, which is expected to be unveiled in September – roughly a month ahead of the anticipated official unveiling of the Pixel 4.
More likely is that Google was pre-empting the inevitable leaks that tend to plague flagship phones in the months leading up to their release date.
At the launch of the Google Pixel 3 last year, a slew of leaks meant nearly all the specs were already known about the phone before it was unveiled.
