We've been tracking both the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 for quite a while now, but the pandemic has put a serious hold on Google's phone plans. Despite the Pixel 4a showing up in hands-on videos, getting fully benchmarked, and going through a camera review, its launch was allegedly delayed a couple of times. The Pixel 5, meanwhile, is expected to be announced this Fall...unless that gets delayed, too. Interestingly, new evidence has emerged that suggests there won't be a Pixel 5 XL model. Rather, one of the two devices we previously suspected to be a Pixel 5 may in fact be marketed as a "Pixel 4a 5G."

First spotted by 9to5Google earlier today, code within the latest Google app beta reveals the names of the upcoming Pixel devices. The Pixel 4a and Pixel 5 are mentioned as expected, but we're also seeing the new "Pixel 4a 5G."

For some context, let's go back to January of this year. We first discovered three code-names in relation to Google's Pixel series: sunfish, redfin, and bramble. Sunfish is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 SoC and has been confirmed to be the Pixel 4a thanks to the Cuban leaks. Redfin was a little more mysterious, but we now know it's the Pixel 5. The Pixel 5 will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765, 765G, or 768G SoC and not the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. Bramble was the last code-name to figure out.

Bramble was originally discovered to be based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 like redfin, leading many to reasonably assume it would be part of the Pixel 5 lineup. However, the Google app lists the "Pixel 4a 5G" with the code-name "Bramble." Furthermore, the Google app does not list the Pixel 5 XL name.

That leaves us with three clear 2020 Google Pixel devices: Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5. The Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 will both have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765, though the former will definitely offer 5G while the latter will also likely offer support for it. It's interesting that the main series and "a" series Pixel phones will have essentially the same processor. We expect the 4a 5G to maintain the cheaper build materials and some other lower specifications to keep the price down. For instance, we know that "redfin" AKA the 5 will support reverse wireless charging, but we don't know if the same is true of "bramble" AKA the 4a 5G.

Previous rumors pointed at the Pixel 5 costing around $700, while the (non 5G) Pixel 4a could be around $350. Are you still looking forward to these devices?

Rumored Pixel 4a (Sunfish) Specifications

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
  • GPU: Adreno 618
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Internal storage: 64GB(?), 128GB UFS 2.1
  • Display: Single hole-punch 5.81-inch display, 2,340 x 1,080 resolution, 443 dpi, 60Hz refresh rate
  • Rear camera: 12.2 MP Sony IMX363, f/1.73 aperture, 1.4µm pixels, OIS, EIS, LED flash, 4K video recording, Autofocus
  • Front camera: 8.0 MP Sony IMX355, f/2.0 aperture, 1.14µm pixels, EIS, Fixed focus
  • Connectivity: 4G, Dual SIM, GPS, WiFi 5, Bluetooth, GLONASS
  • Ports: USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Security: Rear fingerprint sensor
  • Battery: 3,080 mAh
  • Software: Android 10

Thanks to PNF Software for providing us a license to use JEB Decompiler, a professional-grade reverse engineering tool for Android applications.