Update, September 4, 2020 (5:00 p.m. ET): The Google Pixel 5 could land before the end of September if a new rumor is to be accepted. Continue reading!
Original article: Traditionally, Google launches its flagship pixel smartphone in the fall. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some changes in the industry so far. We keep our fingers crossed in the hope that the usual timeframe will occur again this year. However, we are absolutely certain that a Google Pixel 5 will be on the way soon!
At this point we are only a few weeks away from the supposed release date of the Pixel 5, so we already know quite a bit about the device. Not only do we have reliable rumor mill leaks, but Google has already confirmed some details of the phone in advance.
Continue reading: 5 things we want to see on Google Pixel 5
We can also assume a lot about different functions of the devices based on the history of the pixel line. Certain things will always be predictable.
Below is everything we know about the Google Pixel 5 so far! Make sure you bookmark this page and visit often so that you are always up to date with the latest news.
When will the Google Pixel 5 be released?
We are sure that the name of the next flagship Pixel will be the Google Pixel 5. Google has confirmed this.
However, there is ample evidence that a Google Pixel 5 XL may not be on the cards this year. Thanks to some code sleuthing from 9to5GoogleWe now assume that only one “flagship” from Google will land this year.
Check this out: The best upcoming Android phones of 2020
As for the Pixel 5 release date, it is possible that we will see the launch on October 8, 2020. We learned this date from a French version of Google’s Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G reveal that incorrectly included a pre-order date. Google eventually removed this information, leading us to believe that this could be the date of the launch event.
However, it could land earlier. A recent rumor suggests that both the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 could land as early as September 25th.
While this September date turns out to be wrong, we’re relatively certain that the Pixel 5 (and Pixel 4a 5G) launch is only a few weeks away.
Google Pixel 5 Rumors: Design
Last year it was the first time Google drastically changed the overall design of its flagship Pixel phones. With the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, Google changed the shape of the phones, removed the back-mounted fingerprint sensor, completely redesigned the camera module, and reversed the changes to the display across from the Pixel 3 line. It was a big change!
Of course, it makes sense to believe that the Google Pixel 5 will just be an updated version of the Pixel 4. That may not be the case, however, as a recent behind-the-scenes loss of information revealed key players on the Pixel team were disappointed with the Pixel 4 even before it hit shelves.
Connected: The only reason the Pixel line isn’t Android’s crown jewel is because of Google
In that sense, the Google Pixel 5 could look very different from the Pixel 4. So far we’ve only seen one official picture of the Google Pixel 5. We expect the Pixel 5 to be the phone on the left with the black power button:
The official rendering above suggests the Pixel 5 could be a bit smaller than the Google Pixel 4a 5G, which is likely the phone on the right. However, we are not sure whether to adjust the size in relation to popular devices like the Google Pixel 4a or Pixel 4.
The “5” as well as the rendering of the left phone strongly suggest that the matte textured sides of the Google Pixel 4 are present on the Pixel 5, possibly even everywhere and not just on the edge. It’s hard to tell based on that one picture, however.
Fortunately, we have the always reliable leaker OnLeaks. In a collaboration with PricebabaOnLeaks shared some renders of the device as well as a short video. Check them out below:
The renders suggest that the Pixel 5 could be a lot more similar to the Pixel 4a than the Pixel 4. They also suggest that the phone could do away with Motion Sense, the radar-based system Google used for the Pixel 4 and the high Allow -Security Face Unlock. The rear fingerprint sensor as well as the single selfie cam cutout suggest that Motion Sense is not coming back.
Recently we saw the first real pictures of a Pixel 5 and a Pixel 4a 5G. Check them out here:
We suspect that Pixel 5 is on the left and Pixel 4a 5G is on the right. This goes well with the leaked renders we’ve already seen for both devices.
What about the processor?
There are two things that every flagship Pixel phone had: the latest Qualcomm 800 series processor and the latest version of Android. While we are certain that the Google Pixel 5 will land with Android 11, we are becoming increasingly skeptical that there will be Qualcomm’s flagship this year, the Snapdragon 865.
Multiple Google Pixel 5 leaks suggest the phone has a medium range processor. As of now, all evidence points to the Snapdragon 765G powering the Pixel 5 range.
At this point, we’re pretty sure the Pixel 5 will have a medium-range processor, but that might be good for your wallet.
Why should Google make this change? The most likely reason we can think of is the cost. A full-featured Pixel phone with a Snapdragon 865 would have to start at $ 1,000, just like the Samsung Galaxy S20. Even if Google cut back a few things, it could probably just drop the starting price to $ 899, the starting price for a OnePlus 8 Pro.
However, if Google uses the Snapdragon 765G instead, it can keep costs down. It could still offer more than powerful computing power and 5G compatibility. This would also make Pixel phones attractive to cash-conscious consumers, who would positively compare prices for the Google Pixel 5 to the Galaxy S20.
If you’re worried about how something like the Snapdragon 765G compares to the Snapdragon 865, don’t worry: we have it all for you.
Google Pixel 5: Different specifications
Recently a report from Android Central uncovered a number of spec rumors for the Google Pixel 5. Well these are not verified and should be taken as a rumor only, but they seem pretty legitimate to us.
Rumor has it that the Google Pixel 5 comes with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a battery larger than the one we saw in the Google Pixel 4. The last bit will be exciting for Pixel fans as the battery life is one of the biggest criticisms against the entire Pixel line.
We’re almost certain that the battery in the Pixel 5 will be much larger than the one in the Pixel 4.
Recent rumors suggest that the Google Pixel 5 is displaying a refresh rate of 90Hz. This was expected since the Pixel 4 had this too, but it’s nice to know that Google will likely keep it, while the Pixel 5 won’t be a standard flagship.
There could also be wireless charging and an IP68 rating, if the rumors are to be believed. The Pixel 4 had both functions again, so this isn’t unrealistic. For what it’s worth, a recent FCC filing also suggests charging the Pixel 5 (but not the Pixel 4a 5G) wirelessly.
Price and availability
We actually have very strong evidence to support the idea that the Google Pixel 5 will be returning to some old pixel prices. A Google survey aimed at figuring out which hypothetical Pixel phone responders would buy strongly suggests that Google plans to sell the Pixel 5 for $ 699 as a starting price.
In that case, the Pixel 5 would cost just $ 50 more than the original Google Pixel phone from 2016, which started at $ 649. This would undoubtedly be great news for Pixel fans.
Connected: All previously released Google Pixel phones
Finally a rumor from a German site Technology news suggests Google Pixel 5 could cost € 629. This confirms the idea of a price of $ 699 here in the US. While nothing has been confirmed yet, we firmly believe the Pixel 5 will be under $ 700.
In terms of availability, Google confirmed in a press release that both the Google Pixel 5 and Google Pixel 4a 5G will Not be available in India or Singapore. The reason given for the phones not arriving in these countries was “local market trends and product features”. This likely means the Pixel 4a will be at the center of the developing markets.
However, the company confirmed that Pixel 5 (and Google Pixel 4a 5G) will be launched in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, the UK and the US this year.
Make sure to bookmark this page with the latest Google Pixel 5 rumors so you are always up to date!