Google Pixel 5: News, rumours, and the latest leaks

September 30, 2020 KeysProvider 0 Comments Software, technology

Tonight is the night for #GoogleLaunchNightIn, when we’ll finally see Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G fully revealed. Admittedly, a lot has already been revealed about the phones so here’s hoping for a few surprises. Read on for all those key details we already know about Google’s next flagship.

While many will be tuning into the Google Launch Night In event to see new phones, Google is also set to reveal a new Chromecast with Google TV and a Google Nest Audio speaker. Both of these products offer a new twist on some existing lines, which could also be said for the transition to these new Pixel phones from Pixel 4.

On that note, Pixel 5 looks to truly be a new direction for Google’s smartphone range – with the phone set to distance itself from the pomp and circumstance of a premium flagship.

Instead, the new phone is set to look awfully similar to the already released Pixel 4a with a few tweaks to make it worthy of a mid-range price point as well as to avoid any Pixel 4-esque battery life mishaps. The new price will certainly be a risk for Pixel 5, with the OnePlus 8 sitting neatly in the same area and OnePlus 8T on the horizon.

Google Pixel 5 feels like it’s been leaked to high heaven but we won’t know the details for sure until the big event later today. However, if you want an early look, read on for all you need to know on price, release date, specs and design.

Related: Pixel 4a vs OnePlus Nord

Google Pixel 5 – Price

Pixel 5 is expected to cost around £599, with separate sources confirming a €629 price (via WinFuture) and a ¥74,800 price (via 9To5Google).

Direct conversion of these prices to GBP would see a cost of ~£575 from Euros or ~£549 from Japanese Yen. However, as this is rarely the case, £599 seems like a more feasible UK price point.

Google Pixel 5 – Release Date

Google has announced it will hold a launch event for Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G on September 30 at 7pm UK time.

Google Pixel 5 – Specs

You came here to see the Pixel 5 specs, so let’s take a look at what Google’s next flagship will have on offer (via WinFuture):

Display	6.0-inch 2340 x 1080 OLED (19.5:9 aspect ratio)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Camera	12.2-megapixel telephoto main sensor (77-degree FoV) and a 16-megapixel wide-angle (107-degree FoV) sensor
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB
Battery	4080mAh

The leaked specs come courtesy of German outlet WinFuture, who also say Pixel 5 will include IP68 waterproofing and 18W USB-C fast charging.

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.

Google Pixel 5 – Design and Colours

WinFuture provided a full look at the design of the phone, looking extremely similar to Pixel 4a, with a greatly reduced bottom bezel compared to Pixel 5:

WinFuture’s key Pixel reporting has been done by Roland Quandt who also revealed more about the materials of the new Pixel on Twitter:

“Sorta Sage” it is. #Pixel5. Rear cover is “made from 100% recycled aluminum, Corning Corilla Glass 6 cover glass”.

— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) September 29, 2020

According to 9To5Google, retailer Computeruniverse listed a Pixel 5 as having a Green model and a Black model. These colours aren’t confirmed but would be quite the change from the Black, White and Orange options for the Pixel 4.

Away from the colours, there’s been a lot of speculation regarding a radical camera module redesign. However, the latest rumblings from OnLeaks point to something more modest:

It has already been leaked but, cause so many of you asked me to share my own, this is your closest look yet at which I assume #Google will soon launch as #Pixel5.

360° video + official looking 5K renders + dimensions on behalf of my Friends @Pricebaba -> https://t.co/hYFls0hQAJ pic.twitter.com/bpDYfuUTfT

— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) August 21, 2020

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.

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 new Pixel device.

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.