Google has taken the unusual step of leaking an image of its next flagship smartphone months before the expected launch date.
The image, shared on the official "Made By Google " Twitter account, reveals several key design features of the forthcoming phone.
"Well, since there seems to be some interest, here you go!" Google said in its tweet.
"Wait 'til you see what it can do. # Pixel4"
A square camera bump on the back of the device appears to confirm rumours that the Pixel 4 will be the first Pixel phone with a dual rear camera.
There also appears to be an LED flash and another yet-to-be-identified sensor within the camera array.
Flagship phones from Google's smartphone rivals including Apple , Huawei and Samsung already feature more than one rear camera lens.
The design of the Pixel 4's square camera bump is very similar to leaked renders showing the design of the forthcoming iPhone XI .
The image also confirms that there will be no rear fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 4.
This suggests that Google may be planning to adopt an in-display fingerprint scanner, like the Samsung Galaxy S10 .
The Pixel 4 isn't expected to launch until October 2019.
Google's unexpected Twitter revelation appears to be an attempt to get ahead of the leaks that tend to plague flagship phones in the months leading up to their release.
However, some fans have speculated that it could be an attempt by Google to avoid accusations that it copied Apple's design for the iPhone XI.
The iPhone XI is expected to be unveiled in September – roughly a month before the anticipated official unveiling of the Pixel 4.
