Details are circulating about both of Google’s smartphone series for 2020. However, the tech giant may have several new turns for its launch plans this year.
Google may announce the Pixel 4a series mid-year and the Pixel 5 series later in the year if rumors are to be believed. The devices may be much more cost-effective than the brand’s prior Pixel models. This could lead consumers to wonder which series would be the better buy.
The biggest difference between the Pixel 4a and the Pixel 5 could be 5G connectivity. A recent leak has uncovered that the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL, which are nicknamed, “Bramble” and “Redfin” may power Qualcomm’s mid-range chips, either the Snapdragon 765 or Snapdragon 765G, instead of its top of the line Snapdragon 865 chip. While unconfirmed, this could indicate that the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5 XL may not have the flagship status of old Pixel models, and therefore may not have the matching flagship price tags.
Pundits suggest that Google could outfit the Pixel 5 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chip, in particular, to enable 5G. This has lead many to believe the Pixel 5 could be a cheaper device than its predecessors, which typically start around $799. Other Snapdragon 765G devices include the HMD Nokia 8.3, which starts at EUR599 for its 6GB RAM/ 64GB internal storage model, while its 8GB and 128GB internal storage sells for EUR649. Many features on the Pixel 4 are similar to those on the more current Nokia 8.3.
The change would be interesting, considering Google has done a lot, especially with the Pixel 3a and the Pixel 4, to show a clear demarcation between its budget and premium devices. The biggest differences have been a more elaborate camera system and new software, in addition to the top tear chip on the premium model. Meanwhile, the budget model retains features such as a 3.5mm audio jack.
Recent leaks and reports on the Pixel 4a suggest that the device may not see a price bump nor an extraordinary spec bump from its predecessor. The device may sell starting at $399 and likely there for $479 for a higher storage model. Rumored specs for the Pixel 4a include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chip, which is not 5G enabled, a 5.81-inch display, 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, a 12-megapixel rear camera, and an 8-megapixel front camera, as well as a 3,080 mAh battery and USB-C. Google may also transition from an eMMC (embedded multimedia card) to UFS 2.1 (Universal Flash Storage) on this device.
Not much else is known about the Pixel 5 at this point; however, we can deduce that the device may include similar camera and software upgrade to prior Pixel models. Other plausible upgrades could include storage and battery capacity.
Some have also noted that Google could launch a Pro/Max/Ultra model of the Pixel 5 with the flagship Snapdragon 865 chip and an accompanying premium price tag. Overall, the Pixel line has been cheaper in comparison to other Android flagships, many of which start at $999 for a base model.
With a Snapdragon 765G chip, the Pixel 5 could potentially start around $599 and the Pixel 5 XL around $699. This could leave room for a Pixel 5 Pro/Max/Ultra between $799 and $999 running the Snapdragon 865 chip. At this time, no details about Google’s 2020 devices have been confirmed.
