Pixel 3 Leaks, but These Renders Don't Expose Much Newness

Expect to see the Pixel 3 go official on October 9, but don’t sit around waiting to understand what it’ll be like. The need-to-know stuff has already been known for quite a bit.

Google couldn’t avoid the world’s most well-known mobile industry insider forever. In a new leak, Evan Blass exposes the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL. The photo, which includes a press render of each model, aligns with exactly what we’ve seen in recent weeks and months leading up to Google’s big unveiling. So it turns out all information has been accurate.

If anything, this leak reaffirms that the flagship duo has some differences between models. The Pixel 3 will look at lot like last year’s Pixel 2 XL, but the Pixel 3 XL welcomes a few design tweaks. Google’s top-of-the-line model will have an edge-to-edge screen with a notch at the top.

Here’s what the top half of the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL, courtesy of Blass:

The flagships have dual-camera setups on the front while, around the back, a single rear camera will handle photos and videos. Google might be introducing its own facial recognition technology this fall.

As for the internal specifications, the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL shouldn’t be too separated. The display sizes and resolutions will different, but other than that only the battery should as well. Everything else from the chip to the memory and storage to the cameras is likely identical. Both will, of course, run Android 9.0 Pie at the core.

The high-end specifications are stored inside a simple design overall. While the Pixel 3 won’t be ugly by any stretch, the look and feel shouldn’t jump out as the iPhone XS does. It’ll be made of aluminum with a hint of glass, and there are front-facing stereo speakers squeezed into the top and bottom bezels.

When it’s official, the Pixel 3 will be joined by the Pixelbook 2 and the Home Hub. The New York City-based event could involve additional hardware, but a new laptop and a smart display have leaked recently as well. We’ll have to stay tuned for any surprises during the full unveiling.