Skip to main content

Renders reveal Google’s upcoming Pixel 4 XL in all its notch-less glory

The Google Pixel 4 is coming this year, and if you’re wondering how the Pixel 4 XL — the larger of the two phones expected — will look, here is a good idea. This is a render of the phone based on official news, leaked information, and alleged schematics, and it’s very different from the Pixel 3 XL. The good news from a design standpoint is that the gigantic notch blighting the 3 XL’s clean lines looks likely to disappear for the Pixel 4 XL.

Instead, the Pixel 4 XL will potentially adopt a sizable bezel around the top of the phone, much like the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a. It houses a pair of camera lenses and a speaker, according to the rendered images, which were created by @OnLeaks for pricebaba.com. If Google is hoping to avoid backlash against the design this year with its decision, it may not have succeeded. Comments on the Twitter post are filled with complaints about the phone’s design, accusing it of looking outdated already.

Recommended Videos

At the bottom of the screen is a far smaller bezel, while on the back is the controversial new camera lens array, which is set inside a large section in the top left of the device. Look carefully and you’ll notice the render does not show a fingerprint sensor, indicating Google will fit an in-display sensor, or adopt face recognition using the multiple camera sensors seen in the bezel. Both these features have already been rumored, and it’s not the first time we’ve heard the Pixel 4XL will lose the notch either.

Other changes? The small lower bezel does not contain a speaker, suggesting the Pixel 4 XL will not have front-facing stereo speakers. Instead, speakers can be seen on the bottom of the phone, in a more traditional place alongside a USB Type-C connection. Neither end of the phone has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Other rumors point to the Pixel 4 XL having a special time-of-flight sensor on the front to provide a gesture control system like the LG G8.

While these images are not confirmed by Google, they do feature elements the company has sent out itself. We know the camera array will look like that, so what about the notch and the bezel? The Google Pixel 4 and 4XL are expected to launch around October, and unless Google breaks the news again, we’ll find out then.

Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
I’m excited for the Google Pixel Fold, and you should be too
Side view of the Pixel Fold

It’s official: the Google Pixel Fold is coming. After months of rumors and speculation, Google revealed the Pixel Fold on Star Wars Day, of all days. With the tagline “May The Fold Be With You,” Google dropped a tweet that showed off the Pixel Fold in all of its glory. And now, after the official announcement at Google I/O 2023, the Google Pixel Fold is shaping up to be one of the more exciting releases this year.

I’ve always been an iPhone gal, but since I joined Digital Trends, I’ve been checking out Android phones more than ever before. I’ve taken quite a liking to the Pixel lineup of devices, including the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7a, which also just dropped today. But the Google Pixel Fold is the one device I can’t wait to get my hands on, especially when compared to the competing Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 (and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which is likely coming this year too).
It looks like the perfect compact size

Read more
Does the Google Pixel 7a have a headphone jack?
Google Pixel 7a in Snow on a lamp post

The Google Pixel 7a is Google's latest addition to its midrange A-series smartphones. It's likely to be one of the best options for anyone who wants a strong handset with pure Android, solid performance, and an exceptional camera.

But we can't touch on the hardware without addressing one of the most common questions about any new smartphone. Namely, does the phone have a headphone jack? Smartphone manufacturers have been on a crusade against the venerable port in recent years, and the headphone jack has been excised from the vast majority of the phones you can buy today. So, does the Google Pixel 7a include a headphone jack, or will you need other ways to listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts?
The Pixel 7a does not have a headphone jack

Read more
Does the Google Pixel 7a have wireless charging?
Google Pixel 7a in Snow on park bench

The Pixel 7a has landed, and it does quite a few things better than its predecessor. While it still has the 6.1-inch OLED display as last year's Pixel 6a, the Pixel 7a bumps the refresh rate up to 90Hz from the original 60Hz. You also have the newer Google Tensor G2 chip inside, plus a huge jump to 64MP on the main camera compared to the 12.2MP camera on the Pixel 6a.

But what about wireless charging? The Pixel 6a did not have wireless charging capabilities, so did Google learn its lesson by adding that feature to its next budget-friendly phone?
Yes, the Google Pixel 7a has wireless charging

Read more