Google Pixel 3 third generation smartphone is seen on display after a news conference in Manhattan, New York
The Motion Sense feature of Google Pixel 4 is only limited to some countries and apps at launch. (Photo: Reuters/SHANNON_STAPLETON)

The Pixel 4 phones sure look ready for launch. A dozen or more leaks emerged last week, and the Pixel 4 XL was even leaked in full. It's becoming a tradition for Google, but apparently, the leaks from last year weren't enough. Now the ones we saw were mostly positive, but this new leak for the Pixel 4 may be a bit of a downer.

Vietnam-based phone shop D Store Mobile has leaked 20 or so pictures of a white "test model" of the Pixel 4 XL, according to a report. The Verge published the shots, but as they pointed out, they didn't really offer anything new. However, there are a few noticeable things that piqued our interest.

 

First, let's discuss the Pixel 4's UFS 2.1 storage. Now this storage has been the flagship standard over the last few years, but it has since been replaced by UFS 3.0 this year and is now in phones like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and OnePlus 7 Pro. Though UFS 2.1 is pretty decent, it's kind of disappointing how Google did not choose the most recent version of the hardware.

All the leaks have also pointed out to one flaw: the Pixel 4 phones will come without 4K60 FPS video recording, at least not at launch. It's believed that Google's next flagship will have its video recording ability capped at 4K30 FPS. Over a year ago, Android devices have been given this feature thanks to the Snapdragon 845, so we're not exactly sure why the company hasn't adopted this feature yet.

Pixel 4's main camera sensors are reportedly similar to the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. Both devices carry the IMX363, which is good in its own right, but when compared to the IMX600, which Huawei favors, or the 48 MP IMX586, it kind of falls short.

Google has always relied on its imaging software when it comes to its photographic prowess, so it's not really surprising why they decided to go for a sensor that they've already used before. The end justifies the means, in any case, and Pixels have delivered incredible camera performance so far.

Others would argue that Google should go for what's better, but until we see the final product, it's too early to judge.