Google decided to do things differently this year. Instead of just ignoring the variety of rumors out there, swirling around the future launch of its newest flagship smartphones, the company doubled down and actually confirmed them. So while the rumor mill is definitely still churning out news regarding Google’s upcoming devices, we already know at least one aspect: there will be a rounded square camera housing on the back of the phones.

And just to get this out of the way: yes, that design is similar to what the rumors have suggested Apple will be using this year for the 2019 iPhone lineup, so things will be interesting later this year.

Google (and Apple) has its reasons for opting for a design like this. Because I think the general consensus at this point is that it’s not great. Is it the worst camera design ever put into a final design? Absolutely not. But it’s definitely not great.

But companies want some level of thin design for their smartphones, and there is a strong possibility that the camera design itself requires that sort of enclosure. Google has set the bar super high when it comes to smartphone camera performance, so it will be interesting to see how the overall design plays a role in whatever improvements are coming down the line.

And that may be a reason why a lot of people just get over the design decision once the phone launches and they try it out. It’s not like that hasn’t happened before, and it can always happen again. Will it be the case with the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL? I imagine it will be.

I’m not a huge fan of the design itself. I think it’s strange and stands out for all the wrong reasons. But I’m leaning into the idea that it won’t be unnecessary. That Google (and Apple) are opting to go this route for a good reason. Will the rumor mill ruin that surprise as well? It’s certainly possible! But seeing Google actually show it off and present their reasoning will be worth the wait.

But, I’m curious. What do you think of the design of the Pixel 4 lineup? Are you a fan of the rounded square on the back? Or do you think the company should go a different route? Let me know!