Google's Pixel lineup is well-known for its camera prowess but not much has been done in terms of the hardware. Other Android OEMs have tried camera sensors with different megapixel counts and sensor placement but Google has stuck with the mainstream approach. This is expected to change from the next year as per fresh reports.

The report is based on Google's new patent application related to under-display front camera design. The application shows a bunch of illustrations featuring a possible Pixel design with no camera on the front panel. This is what has led to speculations that there is an under-display camera design underworks.

The under-display camera technology is still in infancy with just the ZTE Axon 20 5G being the only commercial phone available with the tech. If Google actually ends up implementing the tech on the commercial units, it will be interesting to see the output quality of the camera sensor. We already know that Google is one of the best at delivering smartphone camera quality.

Samsung is another major OEM working on under-display camera technology. It is speculated to make it available with the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the next-gen foldable smartphone. We will have to see which one between the two tech giants will win.