In addition to releasing today’s Pixel 4a, Google has also given a brief preview of its remaining phone lineup for 2020. A tease reveals the launch of the Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 this fall and start at $499.
This fall, we’ll have two more devices to talk about: the Pixel 4a (5G), starting at $499, and Pixel 5, both with 5G to make streaming videos, downloading content, and playing games on Stadia or other platforms faster and smoother than ever.
Each phone’s side views — left pixel 5, and right pixel 4a (5G) — were provided against a 5G backdrop. We see a larger camera bump compared to the Pixel 4a which is similar to the Pixel 4’s.
This tease confirms the dual-camera setup more or less, while the power key of the Pixel 5 appears to be shiny and could be a departure from using plastic to splash color. In the meantime the 4a (5G) continues with a purple button on the same trajectory. We can not discern back color from this angle.
What we say for certain is that those two higher-end phones would bear a premium of at least $150. That starting price is probably 4a (5G) for the Pixel. As we speculated at the beginning of last month, the most likely chipset is the Snapdragon 765G, given the cellular capability stated in the name of the device and how Google does not use a top-of-the-line processor.
It will look the same as the phone revealed today as a phone in the 4a series, have a headphone jack and is now all but confirmed to have a bigger screen, as well as a battery. Interestingly, leaked CAD makes a second camera point, another significant difference.
In the meantime, the Snapdragon 765G should also power the Pixel 5, and have the same technical specifications, down to the front-facing hole-punch camera. It could stand out from the 4a phones with more premium materials, build (IP water rating), and wireless charging with a reverse battery sharing feature outlined in the Android 11 Developer Preview.
On the software front the phones will be the first to launch with Android 11, as we learned last week. Pricing is uncertain for this device, but it can’t wander too far from the $499 to stay competitive.
The fall timing is in line with the typical Google launch schedule and Google’s hardware event Made by. Unless previous years serve as any guide, this would occur in the first half of October, while COVID-19 could still impose delays in announcement and availability.
Usable in the US, Canada , UK, Ireland, France , Germany , Japan, Taiwan, and Australia will be the Pixel 4a (5 G) and Pixel 5.