Google’s Pixel 3 to Follow in Apple’s Footsteps: Another Notch Smartphone

Google is still set on taking over the world, one piece of technology at a time. It’s only natural that they’ll continue to push the envelope with their flagship phone line, the Pixel. It was Google that created the Android OS, after all. A premium smartphone OS deserves a premium smartphone! The newest reports on the next Pixel model are coming from Bloomberg. According to the report, the XL model of the Pixel 3 is set to have a screen notch. 

Much has been written over the divisive smartphone notch popularized by Apple’s iPhone X. While it has some detractors and others who love it, the notch is certainly here to stay. This is evidenced by many top brands embracing it with this year’s flagships. Chinese smartphone makers OnePlus and Xiaomi have both designed their flagships with the notch, and now even Google is getting in on the trend. Last year’s Pixel 2 was one of the best phones released, so Google’s next release is hotly anticipated. 

The Rumor Mill 

According to the Bloomberg report, the Pixel 3 will come in both normal and XL models. The phone is also set to be manufactured by Foxconn, the same company that manufactures the iPhone. Additionally, this follows a deal between Google and HTC, meaning this phone will likely sport a design similar to other phones made by HTC.  

The Bloomberg Report described the Pixel 3 XL, the one with the notch, as such: “nearly edge-to-edge screen, except for a thicker bezel known as a chin at the bottom of the phone. The display also will have a notch—or a cutout—at the top.” The normal-size Pixel 3 will have standard bezels, more like the iPhone 8, giving it a more traditional look. 

Pixel 3: Other Details 

That same Bloomberg report put forth October as a release window for the phone. Verizon is slated to be the only carrier, though the phones will surely also work with Google’s Fi wireless service. Oddly, the projections for the phone show it with two front facing cameras but only one camera on the back. Perhaps it will only support Bokeh portraits in selfie mode? This one is a big of an enigma.  

Still unknown are details like the types of biometric scanners the phone will support. Will it have a face scanner like the iPhone X? Those two front-facing cameras make it likely. What about a fingerprint reader? Will it be on the back, like the Pixel 2? Will it be in-screen? Or will it even have one? Hopefully these questions will be answered in the coming months.  

Feature Image Credit: Phone Designer