Google Pixel 5: Everything you need to know about the next Google flagship

Pixel 5 will be out soon and there’s still plenty we don’t know, from a cheaper handset to an outlandish redesign, much remains up in the air. Can Google nail the flagship Pixel this time around?

With Pixel 4a released recently to a generally position reception, Google is clearly onto something when it comes to making more affordable phones – especially, in contrast to the much-maligned Pixel 4.

Many current rumours revolve around the exact release date for the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. With a slip by Google themselves and some leaks pointed towards a late September/early October release date.

There’s a whole lot of speculation and leaks out there on the internet now and we are here to dissect the trusted from unreliable. Read on for all you need to know on the price, release date, specs and design of the upcoming Google Pixel 5.

Related: Pixel 4a vs OnePlus Nord

Google Pixel 5 – Release Date

Google France may have just revealed the release date of the upcoming Pixel 5. According to a, now modified blog post, the new Pixel will land on October 8.

Along with the reveal of the Pixel 4a, Google announced the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G would be coming in 2020 but, for those outside of France, the blog post made no reference of a more specific release date. According to 9To5Google, Google France’s post originally contained the following: “The Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 will be available for pre-order from October 8, 2020¹.” The potential reveal has now been removed but the old version can currently still be seen via Google Cache.

Following the Google mishap, prominent leaker Jon Prosser has given his take on the release date for the next Pixel phones:

While the releases may differ in international markets, we can see that Prosser expects the “Pixel 5 5G” – a moniker that we’d expect to be a bit redundant with the regular Pixel 5 expected to sport 5G – to come at the end of September in a black and green variant.

For now, that’s all we have on the release date for the Pixel 5, with more information expected from Google fairly soon given the suspected impending release date – from different markets to any different models.

Google Pixel 5 – Design

The latest round of leaks, as we march towards the Pixel 5 launch, come regarding the design of Google’s next device. There’s been a lot of speculation, from a radical camera module redesign to a much more modest design similar to the Pixel 4a.

The latest rumblings from OnLeaks point towards the latter:

As you can see above, the design looks set to be similar to the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4a. The interesting takeaways are that the rear fingerprint sensor seems to be sticking around (sorry, under-display fans) and the texture/pattern on the back is a departure from earlier models, appearing to be a rougher design.

These leaks run contrary to some earlier posts by noted leaker Jon Prosser, which indicated the Pixel 5 is set to introduce a radical new design:

Google Pixel 5 – Android 11

After a few delays, and the cancellation of Google I/O, Android 11 has finally been detailed and the beta version is now available to download for a number of older Pixel devices.

Google tends to launch its new version of Android just before the big new phone it is releasing so we’ll most likely see Android 11 come loaded onto the Pixel 5.

Related: How to download Android 11

New features this time around include re-jigged notifications with a dedicated stream for chat apps, chat bubbles, a shortcut menu housing smart home controls and a more customisable dark mode. You’ll also find a number of new privacy options and tweaks to permissions.

Google Pixel 5 – Price

Last year’s Pixel 4 cost £629 ($799) upon release, which was actually a very significant price decrease for UK consumers in comparison to the Pixel 3‘s starting price of £739 ($799). What’s more, it’s likely that the Pixel 5 could receive another price cut, as from the rumoured specifications the chipset is likely to be downgraded from the flagships present in both predecessors.

Google Pixel 5 – Specs

According to Neowin, the Pixel 5 will be the first since the series’ inception not to boast Qualcomm’s flagship processor.

The latest news comes from an AI Benchmark test (via MyFixGuide), which shows the Pixel 5 running on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G SoC with 8GB RAM. The 765G is an octa-core chipset with 5G connectivity and the Adreno 620 GPU. The chip is based on 7nm production.

Last year, Pixel 4 ran on the Snapdragon 855. While the 765G is still a fast, snappy piece of silicon that offers integrated 5G connectivity, it does mean that the Pixel 5 won’t be able to achieve performance scores that rival the likes of the OnePlus 8. On the upside, it should mean a reduction to the price, making the device more affordable.

Another rumour which may dishearten hopeful Android and Pixel fans revolves around one of the big gaffes made by Pixel 4. According to leaker ImjustSayingJC, Pixel 5 could sport a measly 3080mAh. This move would be a remarkably strange decision given the widely reported poor battery life of the previous model. The same leak points towards a QHD+ (540ppi) panel, which may sound promising at first but it would not be too friendly to the length of the low 3080mAh battery.

On top of this, XDA Developers reports that some of the code in Android 11 has hinted that the Pixel 5 will boast reverse wireless charging, so it can be used to charge another phone or other compatible accessories.

Max is one the longest-serving members of the Trusted Reviews team. He was features editor but his expertise on mobile phones and tablets meant he transitioned to the role of mobile, wearables and tab…

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