Best daily deals

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

Google Pixel flagships lack 4K/60fps capabilities, but that could change soon

4K/60fps recording is in the works, but is it coming to a current Pixel phone or a future model?
By
March 12, 2020
google pixel 4 xl oh so orange camera module

Google’s recent Pixel flagship phones sport chipsets capable of 4K recording at 60fps, but we haven’t seen the search giant actually implement this video option. Fortunately, it looks like the company is working on a solution.

XDA-Developers obtained the Google Camera 7.4 APK from a Pixel 4a, and conducted a teardown of the app package. The teardown reveals references to 4K video recording at 60fps.

Now, this doesn’t mean that the Google Pixel 4a will offer 4K/60fps, as the Snapdragon 730 processor rumored to appear in the new budget Pixel tops out at 4K/30fps. However, it could be a sign that the option is coming to the Pixel 3, Pixel 4, and/or the Pixel 5 series. We can rule out the Pixel 2 and Pixel 3a though, as their chipsets don’t support 4K/60fps either.

Maybe don't buy into the 8K video recording hype yet
Features
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra camera module macro 1

It’ll definitely be a long overdue move either way, especially as the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi already support 8K recording. And knowing Google, it’ll probably only support 8K in 2022, nevermind 2021 or 2020.

There’s more to video recording than resolution though, so hopefully Google’s take on 4K/60fps offers good picture quality, support for the HEVC standard, and effective stabilization. What camera features would you like to see added to Pixel phones in the future? Give us your picks below!