The Pixel 5 is expected to be a unique device in Google’s latest smartphone line, with 5G connectivity and a cheaper price tag among rumors. However, a recent leak suggests that the device may also reintroduce a feature that was previously removed for the sake of premium marketing.
The publication, Pigtou, has shared CAD-based renders of a device it claims is the Pixel 5, featuring a capacitive fingerprint scanner on its back panel. If accurate, this could be further proof that Google is moving away from flagship branding for its main Pixel devices. However, popular leakster, Steve Hemmerstoffer aka @Onleaks, is skeptical about the validity of this leak and its claims.
The Pixel 4 series released in September 2019 without a fingerprint sensor to differentiate between the premium line and the budget Pixel a line. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL instead used Face Unlock as the main security feature, while the Pixel 3a series maintained features, including a capacitive fingerprint sensor and a 3.5mm audio jack.
However, rumors suggest the Pixel 5 may be a more cost-effective device, running a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chip. This could make the return to features considered less premium by Google more plausible. The brand noted during the Pixel 3a launch that is had plans to release other mid-range smartphones outside of the Pixel a line. We would imagine if the Pixel 5 was intended to be more of a premium device it would use an in-display fingerprint sensor in lieu of Face Unlock.
The Pixel 5 could stand out by being Google’s first 5G smartphone. If the series sells for less than the usual $799 starting price seen on prior Pixel models, it could potentially be a return to times like the Nexus era, when Google used its hardware as a means to show off its software. While handsets were well received by developers and pure Android enthusiasts, there was less of a focus on mass market appeal. However, there is no indication that Google will completely move away from the premium space with the Pixel line.
Other rumors suggest a 5.78-inch Quad HD display, a dual-rear camera set up, a hole-punch front camera with a flash module, and a USB-C port. The device won’t get its audio jack back, according to renders. The Pixel 5 will likely lose the Project Soli radar chip, which previously enabled the Face Unlock feature.
Hardware options may start at 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage with no microSD expansion, while it Android 11 will be the out of the box software option.
The Pixel 5 isn’t expected to be announced and released until October due to delays because of the current pandemic. Once available, prices could be similar to comparable devices running the Snapdragon 765G chip, such as the HMD Nokia 8.3, which sells for €599 or the LG Velvet, which sells for €650.
