Google is set to launch the Pixel 5 alongside the Pixel 4a 5G at the end of the end of the month, pipping the iPhone 12 to the post with an earlier launch than its initially reported October window.
Although it might not be packing as many premium features as the iPhone 12's top tier handsets, the latest leak suggests that a second Pixel 5 variant is in the works, and that it's sporting a key feature that will only be found in the Pro Max model in Apple's range of smartphones.
- PS5 pre-orders: Reserve your PlayStation 5
- PS5 wins shadow war: Xbox loses nerve as PS5 price and release date remain cloaked
- Xbox Series X release date, price, and pre-orders CONFIRMED by Microsoft
Así es el ... Pixel 5S.#leaks #googlepixel5 #pixel5 #Android11 #androidR pic.twitter.com/3EN4acC0wNSeptember 9, 2020
A photo of the handset was posted on Twitter by Mexican tech writer Jose Antonio Ponton (opens in new tab) and shows off a Pixel device dubbed 'Pixel 5s' in the phone's firmware.
This year has been a bit of roller-coaster for Pixel fans, with the Pixel 4a's May launch being pushed back due to the pandemic, and the Pixel 5 XL being scrapped entirely, so a second variant of Google's next flagship is a bit of a surprise this close to launch.
We don't know what hardware differences the new naming convention denotes, but XDA Developers' Mishaal Rahman (opens in new tab) says this isn't the first time (opens in new tab) he's heard of the device, and speculates (opens in new tab) that the Pixel 5s could offer mmWave 5G. and be around $100 more expensive that the Sub-6 model.
- Nintendo Switch Pro next-gen upgrade CONFIRMED 😲
- iPhone 12 pre-orders and launch date set for next month - here's how we know
Apple appears to be future-proofing at least one of the handsets in its upcoming flagship range with the iPhone 12 Pro Max that's rumoured to support high-bandwidth mmWave 5G.
The smartphone will be that much more expensive because of it, but if Google is rolling out a version of the Pixel 5 – which is set to launch for the same price as the original Pixel – with support for mmWave, early-adopters in areas that offer the speedy 5G will be able to take advantage of that without having to shell out for a premium tier phone with the price tag to match.
Of course, as with the Pixel 5 XL, we don't know if this particular model will ever see the light of day, given we've heard barely anything about it, but with just a few weeks left before the alleged launch date, it won't be long before we get official confirmation from Google.
- Amazon Prime Day 2020: date and best deals to expect
