Google Pixel 5 and Google Pixel 4a 5G launched with Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G

It's that time of the year again when Google announces its latest Pixel devices. This time, things are a little different. Instead of going with a small-sized flagship and an XL variant of the same, Google is mixing things up a little. For 2020, Google is launching its small-sized flagship, Google Pixel 5, but without the top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. And instead of a Google Pixel 5 XL, we now get a 5G variant of the previously announced Google Pixel 4a. Let's check out what Google has to offer with its two newest smartphones: the Google Pixel 5 and the Google Pixel 4a 5G.

Google Pixel 5 Forums ||| Google Pixel 4a 5G Forums

Google Pixel 5: Specifications

Specification	Google Pixel 5
Build	IP68 rating for water and dust resistance Made from 100% recycled aluminum
Dimensions & Weight	144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm 151g
Display	6" flat OLED 19.5:9 aspect ratio 2340 x 1080 resolution HDR 90Hz refresh rate Corning Gorilla Glass 6 Hole-punch display
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G: 1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Prime core @ 2.4GHz 1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Performance core @ 2.2GHz 6x (ARM Cortex-A55-based) Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz 7nm EUV process Adreno 620
RAM & Storage	8GB LPDDR4X + 128GB UFS 2.1Non-expandable storage
Battery & Charging	4,000 mAh 18W fast charging via USB Power Delivery Wireless Charging support Reverse wireless charging support
Rear Camera	Primary: 12.2MP Sony IMX363, f/1.7, 1.4µm pixel size, Dual Pixel AF, Fused Video Stabilization (OIS + EIS), 77° FoV Secondary: 16MP Sony IMX481, f/2.2, 1.0µm pixel size, 107° FoV Spectral and flicker sensor Dual LED flash Video: 4K @ 30/60 fps 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps
Front Camera	8MP Sony IMX355, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixel size, fixed focus, 83° FoV
Ports	USB 3.1 Type-C
Audio	Stereo speakers3 microphones
Security	Pixel Imprint (capacitive rear fingerprint scanner)Titan M hardware security module
Connectivity	Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G modem Single nanoSIM card slot + integrated eSIM for 5G + 4G or 4G + 4G DSDS (dual SIM, dual standby) Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz/5GHz 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) Bluetooth 5.0 NFC GNSS: GPS GLONASS Galileo QZSS BeiDou
Sensors	Proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer
Android Version	Android 11 3 years of Android OS upgrades 3 years of monthly Android security patch updates

The Google Pixel 5 is the star of the show, becoming the top of the line product from Google for this year. It does feel weird to call the Pixel 5 a flagship, keeping in mind that flagships like the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cost twice as much. As such, with the Pixel 5, you do have to temper your expectations. The Google Pixel 5 features a 100% recycled all-aluminum unibody shell with a grainy matte texture on it. The power button is no longer differently colored, but only has a shiny finish to it in the same color. The camera island witnesses the flash module changing positions, but the shape is largely the same overall. What is new is the fingerprint scanner—you now get one on the rear, much like you would on Google's earlier Pixels like the Pixel 3.

The front of the Google Pixel 5 is dominated by the 6" FHD+ 90Hz display. The display has a hole-punch cutout for the camera, but thankfully, it is also flat and not curved. The bezels are also within tolerable limits, and overall, the Pixel 5 looks right at home, at least on the front. One might lament the lack of 120Hz refresh rate and QHD+ resolution, but Google's hardware has consistently been behind the top of the line in the spec race.

What the Google Pixel 5 also lacks is the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC, forgoing the top of the line SoC for the upper mid-range Snapdragon 765G. This might not be a bad move, though. While you do get a hit in overall performance, relatively speaking, you still get one of the better 5G SoCs from Qualcomm. Most consumers are unlikely to notice this change, and opting for a premium mid-range SoC with the integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G modem allows the phone to avoid all the financial and hardware costs related to 5G integration on the top tier Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC. You get a decent 4000 mAh battery on board, along with 18W wired charging through the USB PD standard, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, but none of these can be considered "fast" by today's standards.

While other OEMs chase megapixels and bigger sensors, Google is sticking with what it knows best: the 12MP Sony IMX363 as the primary sensor, which the company has been using since the Pixel 3. The previous Pixels have been widely considered as one of the best smartphones for photography, and Google is not trying to fix what isn't broken. The competition has continued to push forward through the years though, so it remains to be seen what software magic Google brings this year to maintain its pole position. For the second wide-angle camera, we get a 16MP Sony IMX481. It does feel weird seeing a "flagship" smartphone with just two rear cameras, but it's better getting a well-rounded package instead of useless sensors. The front camera is an 8MP Sony IMX355, retaining the humility in the package.

The Google Pixel 5 launches with Android 11 out of the box.

Google Pixel 5: Pricing and Availability

The Google Pixel 5 is priced as follows for its singular 8GB + 128GB variant and will be available in these regions in Black and Green colors:

Australia
Canada
Europe: €629
France
Germany
Ireland
Japan: ¥74,800
Taiwan
UK
USA: $699

You can pre-order the phone now on the Google Store. The device will be generally available on October 15th.

Google Pixel 4a 5G: Specifications

Specification	Google Pixel 4a 5G
Build	Polycarbonate
Dimensions & Weight	153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm 168g
Display	6.2" flat OLED 19.5:9 aspect ratio 2340 x 1080 resolution HDR 60Hz refresh rate Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Hole-punch display
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G: 1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Prime core @ 2.4GHz 1x Kryo 475 (ARM Cortex-A76-based) Performance core @ 2.2GHz 6x (ARM Cortex-A55-based) Efficiency cores @ 1.8GHz 7nm EUV process Adreno 620
RAM & Storage	6GB LPDDR4X + 128GB UFS 2.1
Battery & Charging	3,885 mAh 18W fast charging via USB Power Delivery
Rear Camera	Primary: 12.2MP Sony IMX363, f/1.7, 1.4µm pixel size, Dual Pixel AF Secondary: 16MP Sony IMX481, f/2.2, 1.0µm pixel size, 107° FoV Video: 4K @ 30/60 fps 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps
Front Camera	8MP Sony IMX355, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixel size
Ports	USB 3.1 Type-C
Audio	Stereo speakers2 microphones3.5mm headphone jack
Security	Pixel Imprint (capacitive rear fingerprint scanner)Titan M hardware security module
Connectivity	Qualcomm Snapdragon X52 5G modem Single nanoSIM card slot + integrated eSIM for 5G + 4G or 4G + 4G DSDS (dual SIM, dual standby) Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz/5GHz 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) Bluetooth 5.0 NFC GNSS: GPS GLONASS Galileo QZSS BeiDou
Sensors	Proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, barometer
Android Version	Android 11 3 years of Android OS upgrades 3 years of monthly Android security patch updates

The Google Pixel 4a 5G is the bigger, yet more modest, smartphone of the duo. Instead of launching an "XL" version, Google is marketing the Pixel 4a 5G as the 5G upgrade over the Pixel 4a. While the Pixel 4a 5G retains the same SoC and camera setup as the Pixel 5, it has a polycarbonate unibody shell, a larger display but a smaller battery, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. You also lose out on features like wireless charging and IP68 certification. You do get the different colored power button as a consolation.

The highlight of the Pixel 4a 5G is its 5G support, thanks to the same hardware as the Pixel 5. Google thus has its lineup laid out: budget duties with the Pixel 4a, budget 5G duties with the Pixel 4a 5G, and premium mid-end with the Pixel 5.