Dear Google, Please Make This Pixel 4 Mini

For the past few years, consumers have basically been offered two sizes when it comes to flagship smartphones: very big and stupidly big.

[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/08/report-google-pixel-4-specs-have-been-leaked/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/06/Pixel-3-410×231.jpg” title=”Report: Google Pixel 4 Specs Have Been Leaked” excerpt=”While we have a pretty good idea of what the Google Pixel 4 will look like, thanks to a tweet from Google itself, it’s still a bit murky about what it might run like. Thanks to new leaks, we now know a bit more about what’s in the trunk, other than a return of the air gestures, so let’s get into it.”]

For people with small hands or a preference for compact handsets, it’s been pretty slim pickings. Over the past few months, the only release of any note has been the ultra-cute Palm 3.3 – but that’s way overpriced in Australia and arguably goes too far in the opposite direction.

But there may be hope at the end of the tunnel. Google is reportedly committing to three different scree sizes for the Pixel 4. This will include an ultra-compact model dubbed the Pixel 4a which will measure a decidedly non-‘phablet’ five inches. In other words, it will be a flagship phone that fits comfortably into your hand.

This puts it in iPhone SE territory, which is a sadly neglected form factor in the Android market. We have no doubt that many users would be happy to give up a little screen real estate for a phone that can ride around in their pocket and doesn’t require two hands to operate effectively.

Apart from the smaller screen, you can expect the Pixel 4a to be a slightly lower specced version of its larger siblings. It will likely come with the same chipset and memory, but a less impressive camera. (Google recently showed off the standard Pixel 4 and we’d love to see something similar yet smaller.)

There have been rumblings about a miniature Pixel phone for some time – some of it directly from Google’s mouth. To date, the only official image of a Mini was this tongue-in-cheek Instagram post for the Pixel 3. It seems we’re going to have to wait a little longer for a proper glimpse at this product.

[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/08/google-pixel-4-dumb-feature/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/07/kim-karadashian-chrissy-teigen-410×231.jpg” title=”Google Pixel 4 Is Bringing Back A Feature Nobody Wanted” excerpt=”There are a number of dumb but cool features on the latest smartphones like beauty filters and live photos. But perhaps the crown for the coolest dumb feature goes to ‘air gestures’ – and they’re making a return to the upcoming Google Pixel 4. Very soon, you’ll be able to control your phone by waving at it, just like in 2013.”]

In the meantime, a series of unofficial renders have revealed what a Google Pixel 4 Mini could look like. Back in March, the concept artists at Phone Designer posted some eye-catching renders of what the Goggle Pixel 4 Mini could look like. Check it out below.

Awe. It’s about time for smaller devices. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/E8AOh1iQpI

— Jonas Daehnert (@PhoneDesigner) March 16, 2019

You can expect the Google Pixel 4 range to launch some time in October, although it’s likely the 4a won’t appear until a few months later. Doubtlessly there will be additional hardware leaks before this date, so keep your eyes peeled for more news about the Pixel 4 Mini in the months ahead. Fingers crossed that it looks a little better than these leaked photos of the full-size Pixel 4.

[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/07/its-official-google-pixel-4-is-hideous/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/07/Pixel-4-hideous-410×231.jpg” title=”It’s Official: Google Pixel 4 Is Hideous [Updated]” excerpt=”Google’s Pixel smartphone series is known for its software rather than its sleek designs. Their upcoming Pixel 4 seems to be no exception. Which is a polite way of saying it looks like a dead dog’s arse.”]

This story has been updated since its original publication.