Google Pixel 5: Release date, rumours, specifications and leaks

Google's next flagship smartphone is still a bit far away but that doesn't mean leaks and rumors haven't started to be published, it does give some hints about what we can expect.

The mid-range Pixel 4 is supposed to be the first to be announced - it's currently AWL - but what we've heard so far about the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL is that Redfin and Bramble are considered coded.

Date of publication and price

Announced October 2020

The Pixel 4 could be cheaper than the model.

All previous Pixel models created by Google Events were released in October, so we expect this to happen in the case of the Pixel 5 as well, since that's a few months away, there's currently no definite indication of the actual date of that event.

In terms of price, the Pixel 4 starts at £669 or $799, while the Pixel 4 XL starts at £829 or $899. Rumors suggest that there is going to be a slight change in the strategy that makes the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XLT look a little more affordable than the previous model.

Pixel 5 design

Different camera housing

Matte glass rear.

The design of the Pixel 5 hasn't been leaked yet, but it may change over the next few months - so check this out. Google itself teased the Pixel snippets 4 months before this announcement, probably in the case of the Pixel 5 as well.

So far, one of the three prototypes of the Pixel 5 has been claimed to have a leak that was shown on FrontPage Tech's YouTube channel, and the device shows a triple rear camera in a U-shaped house in the center. The flash sits in the middle of three lenses making it look like a face.

Front Page Tech says that this is one of the best models right now, but if you're not a fan, chances are it won't happen. Apparently the other two prototypes have the same square rear camera housing as the Pixel 4, which could be a David Kovalsky (le xleaks7) leaked device on Twitter, showing a physical fingerprint sensor on the back and a dual rear camera.

Other details of the front page tech video show a colored power button - a signature pixel feature - and also claimed that the back of the Pixel 5 will have a matte glass finish like the Pixel 4 We have seen renders made using this U design camera layout, while some Code leaks suggest reverse wireless charging on the battery but a square camera will appear - although it could be at 4 pixels.

Honestly, there aren’t enough consecutive leaks to indicate what the Pixel 5 will look like.

Display

Two sizes?

OLED probably

Higher refresh rates are possible

The Pixel 4 has a 5.7-inch display, while the Pixel 4 XLT has a 6.3-inch display. We expect the Pixel 5 to come in two sizes again, as has been the case since the introduction of the Pixel line, but it's not yet clear whether Google will stick to the same size for the 2020 device.

According to Front Page Tech, the front of the Pixel 5 prototype still has a bezel at the top of the display, although there are rumors that Google will drop Soli Radar technology. This may mean less to pack the top bezel because the Pixel 5 may be a bit more competitive with the design in this area - Kowalski suggests the bezel-free appearance of the leak.

The Pixel 4 devices have a 90Hz refresh rate, OAELD panel and HDR support so we would expect the same for the Pixel 5, though not a step up from the 120Hz refresh rate to compete with the Sixa Galaxy S20 range. Whether Google will see it as a priority is unknown.

Pixel 5 camera

Triple rear camera is possible

Night vision

The Google Pixel 5 can bring three cameras to the rear to match the likes of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro. According to Front Page Tech, the third lens will be the wide angle lens. What we've seen is a pre-published Google Camera application confirming that the Pixel will have a telephoto lens, so we can be pretty sure about the zoom.

However, the change may be about Google's cameras, the departure of Mark Levy, who is often credited with the success of Pixel cameras. However, as a team leader, an individual’s exit couldn’t have too much of an impact on the direction of the camera - and the camera was one of the strongest points of the pixel.

We expect that Google Knight will continue to provide features such as visions and capture of stars, with more improvements and features likely to appear on the Pixel 5.

Hardware and specification

Qualcomm SD 765G

Wireless charging in contrast?

While previous Pixel models have been kept in flagship status, there are rumors that Google is looking to change direction somewhat. Following the success of the mid-range Pixel 3A, Google is preparing to move the Pixel 5 to Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G hardware. This hardware integrates 5G, but is much more affordable.

This may reduce the effectiveness of this phone's standard, but with Google's emphasis on cloud computing and AI, the real-world loss for potential customers may not be so great. In fact, paired with more affordable prices, we wouldn't expect any real difference in terms of everyday performance against flagship hardware.

An increase in battery capacity would be a welcome addition. The Pixel 4 has a 2800 mAh battery, while the Pixel 4 XLT has a 3700 mAh battery. A report states that the Pixel 5 may support reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other wireless charging compatible devices, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

In the case of biometrics, the Pixel 4 offers Face Unlock but no fingerprint sensor. When Soli made for great odd unlock on the pixel, it would probably return to an under-display fingerprint sensor if it had to be grooved. Although David Kowalski's leak has legitimacy, Google could return to physical rear sensors instead - not expected here.