The Pixel 5 is Google's upcoming flagship smartphone, which will shake up its usual model by slotting into the mid-tier category rather than offering specs on par with what we'd usually expect from a flagship tier handset.
The tech giant usually launches its smartphones in October, so the Pixel 5 release should be only a couple of months away, but Google has just pulled a corker of a move which should see sales of the Pixel 5 surpass that of its predecessors at launch.
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Google has announced that it'll be discontinuing the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, just nine and a half months after launch. This is a shock move from the company, and will leave Pixel fans dealing with a weeks-long gulf during which they won't be able to buy a Pixel smartphone from Google. Happily, the stock hasn't run dry instantaneously, and the handset is still available at other retailers - until it isn't. In a statement, Google said:
"Google Store has sold through its inventory and completed sales of Pixel 4|4XL. For people who are still interested in buying Pixel 4|4XL, the product is available from some partners while supplies last.
"Just like all Pixel devices, Pixel 4 will continue to get software and security updates for at least 3 years from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US."
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Aside from the Pixel 3a, Google hasn't had much success with its line of smartphones, so halting production this early could point to a new strategy to give what will hopefully be a winning phone a chance to tip the scales in its favour.
We're expecting the Pixel 5 to launch in October, while the Pixel 4a will release in the UK on October 1, and in the US on August 20, priced at £349 and $349 respectively.
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Source: 9to5Google (opens in new tab)
