Google Pixel 5 preview: Everything we know so far

When will the Google Pixel 5 be out?

It’s official: Google has invited media to a 30 September virtual event to launch its new Pixel phones. And you can watch it too on the dedicated webpage here.

Google will also showcase a new Chromecast and smart speaker at the event. We’re expecting to see both a Pixel 5 and the previously-announced Pixel 4a 5G at the event.

Will the phones be available immediately or will they roll out in October? We’re still waiting for any leaks on that front, but it’ll only be a couple of weeks before the official word comes.

How much will the Google Pixel 5 cost?

Prior to the Pixel 4, our gut response would’ve been: probably a bit too much. But with the Pixel 4, Google took a step back and launched the main model at a more reasonable £669. Well, reasonable compared to other top-end Androids.

Rumours of a mid-range processor suggested a lower-end approach this time around with the Pixel 5, and now the aforementioned Vodafone Germany leak might be backing that up. It suggests a €630 price point, which might wind up being around £600 in the UK. Fingers crossed, at least.

What will the Google Pixel 5 look like?

Back in the spring, early leaks pointed to a serious redesign for the Pixel 5, namely with a "deep U" top-center camera module on the back. It was a bit startling.

But if that was a prototype design, it doesn’t sound like it’s the option Google went with for the final release. Recent leaks and concept renders point to a design that’s actually almost identical to the Pixel 4a, with a small punch-hole camera cutout in the upper left corner – and no huge "forehead" bezel above the screen.

That’s what we see in these OnLeaks/Pricebaba concept renders below, which show a familiar looking rounded-square camera module on the back upper left corner, along with a textured backing like what’s teased in Google’s earlier image above.

Above are purported official leaked renders shared by WinFuture, which has a long track record of legitimate leaks. We believe ’em.

What about the Google Pixel 5’s screen?

Leaks point to a Pixel 5 screen at 5.8in or 6in in size with the same kind of smooth 90Hz refresh rate as last year’s models.

Most likely, it’ll stick with Full HD+ resolution like last year’s Pixel 5 model, and with no clear sign of a Pixel 5 XL model this time around, you thus might not be able to have a Pixel 5 with a QHD+ screen. We’re not 100% sure on that point yet, though.

How much power will the Google Pixel 5 pack?

Google is pretty darn reliable in this department, sticking with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon flagship chip. But maybe not this year.

What if the Pixel 5 didn’t try to match Android flagship handsets on power… and quite likely price, for that matter? Earlier this year, 9to5Google got its hands on the Google Camera app from the then-widely-leaked Pixel 4a, and the source code pointed to a Pixel 5 running an upper mid-range processor: a Snapdragon 765G, which supports 5G but doesn’t have quite the same power onboard as the 800 series.

Further leaks point in the same direction, suggesting a Pixel 5 that might look and feel like a flagship phone, but is actually a bit lower-powered than last year’s model. Hey, if the price is right, then it might end up being a smart move from Google.

What kind of cameras will the Google Pixel 5 have?

Pixel flagships are always at or near the top of the class when it comes to photography, and we can’t imagine Google will want to lose that reputation with the Pixel 5.

Still, we surprisingly haven’t heard much on this front. The latest leaked concept renders suggest a similar-looking camera module as the Pixel 4, so it could be another dual-camera setup with standard and wide-angle shooters. Google’s hook has always been excellent software, and sharp shooters are surely curious to hear what’s new this time around.

Is there anything else I should know about the Google Pixel 5?

Google has already confirmed 5G support for the Pixel 5, so you don’t have to wonder about that detail. It’s in there.

Beyond that, you can also expect the phone to luanch with Android 11 onboard, and if you haven’t tried the public beta or read about its features, be sure to read our Android 11 preview for an overview.

By the way, this concept render hails from Front Page Tech, and was the first look at what we thought might be coming for the Pixel 5 earlier this year. Thankfully, that no longer seems to be the case.

Watch the Google Pixel ‘Launch Night In’ tonight here and see what’s in store.