Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL only need a single rear camera according to latest leak

Leaks pertaining to Google’s all-but-announced Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices have been somewhat underwhelming in the run up to its October event, with many highlighting low RAM, a single rear camera and a rather intrusive notch on the XL version as causes for concern. Now, sources familiar with the device claim to know more about the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL camera setup, promising that the smartphones are powerful enough not to need a dual or triple-lens rear configuration.

Speaking with 9to5Google, three separate sources have claimed that the dual front-facing lenses that are housed within the top bezel of the Pixel 3 and the staggeringly large notch of the Pixel 3 XL are intended for a new “Super Selfies” mode that will enable both devices to see an improved Portrait Mode. This includes the established faux bokeh effect present on rival flagships, albeit improved for the Pixel 3 series.

This is supposedly achieved through one lens acting as a dedicated wide-angle optic while the other sensor is used to separate the foreground from the background, as well as improve low-light shooting. Previous leaks that remain unconfirmed claim that both of these sensors sit at 8.1 megapixels. These extra details could possibly be used to implement Google’s own form of facial recognition, bolstering its security but this has yet to be corroborated by anyone other than a single source.

Sources were less vocal about the rear camera aside from Google’s obstinacy in keeping it to a single lens. This has been a focal point with past Pixel devices, with the firm relying on the camera’s superior build to reign in quality rather than gimmicks or overdesign. This has been suggested to sit at 12.2 megapixels, although this has yet to be confirmed.

Pixel 3 XL units have been reportedly leaked onto the black market recently, which has seen Russian publication Mobile-Review shed light on what to expect via software. Apparently, Google will be adding a “Natural” and a “Soft” feature to its on-the-fly Face edits, while affording users the option to disable the touch ups entirely. This is likely to be accompanied by a number of other options that are as-of-yet unrevealed.

It remains to be seen if Google has a justification for the rumoured 4GB RAM instead of 6GB, which has slowly become the standard for £1,000 rival flagships. If the firm maintains its premium price point, this could see the Pixel range suffer tremendously. Either way, we will have to wait until the October 4th, where Google is expected to unveil its new line of smartphones.

KitGuru Says: It wouldn’t surprise me if the cameras were engineered to push past the need for multiple lenses, given Google’s talent in the sensor department. It has, after all, been one of the more consistent selling points of Pixel devices. What do you think of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL via recent leaks?

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