Like the iPhone, the Google Pixel 4 could have support for dual SIM cards

The Google Pixel 3 may have only been released a few months ago, but already rumors are starting to emerge regarding the Google Pixel 4. There are plenty of things we expect from the Pixel 4, like that it will most likely have a different design, an improved processor, more camera features, and perhaps even a little more RAM.

The most recent rumor regarding the Pixel 4 has to do with the phone’s design. A sketch published on Slashleaks claims to have the first look at the Google Pixel 4 XL’s design, showing off a hole-punch front-facing camera and a perhaps a dual-sensor rear-facing camera on the back. There is some doubt as to the legitimacy of the sketch, however, so keep in mind that it’s possible the phone will end up looking nothing like this.

If the image leak does pan out, it will be a refreshing update for the Pixel series. The Pixel 3 offered a rather large forehead and chin, while the Pixel 3 XL has a pretty big notch.

A previous rumor about the Pixel 4 is that it could have much better dual SIM support, according to a Google engineer who posted comments on code for the Android Open Source Project. In those comments, the engineer noted that the device may have better support for dual SIMs, which will likely mean that the device will support being able to connect to two cellular networks at once.

It’s not surprising to see Google add dual SIM support for the Pixel 4, but how it ends up working could be very different from previous Pixel phones. Both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 3 have both an eSIM and a physical SIM tray, but they can’t both be used at the same time.

On the Google Pixel 4, Google could include two SIM card slots, or space for two SIM cards on the one tray — though that will still require a few software tweaks. More likely than that is that Google would include an eSIM, or an electronic SIM that can be connected to different networks through software, on top of the physical SIM tray.

Because of the fact that the Pixel 2 and 3 already have both an eSIM and physical SIM, it’s possible the feature could roll out as part of a software update — which would bring the functionality to the older phones. Google appears to be testing ways for stock Android to handle dual SIM cards. There are two ways the company could go about it. One of those ways is called “Dual SIM Dual Active,” in which both SIM cards can be used at any time. The other is called “Dual SIM Dual Standby,” where the second SIM isn’t always active, but can receive calls and texts.

Dual SIM functionality is relatively important to a lot of people, especially those that travel a lot. With a dual SIM, users can keep their regular SIM installed in their device, while also connecting to a second local network to use while they’re in a different country.

We’ll update this article as we hear more about the upcoming Google Pixel 4.

Updated on March 14, 2019: A sketch posted to Slashleaks claims to show the Google Pixel 4 XL.