Google Pixel 5 release date, design, specs: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner’s return seemingly confirmed in leaked photo

A photo believed to be showing the final designs of Google’s upcoming smartphones started to circulate online recently. Tech fans looking forward to the Pixel 5 could either be excited or disappointed with this new information, depending on how they feel about rear-mounted fingerprint readers.

Google Pixel 5 design leaks

When Google announced the Pixel 4 series last year, one of the design leaps it featured was the complete removal of a fingerprint scanner and replacing it with the company’s own facial recognition sensor. It may not be the first in the industry, but it was still a welcomed change. However, just one year later, fans might find Google reverting to an older design with Pixel 5.

The leaked photo in question was first revealed on a Reddit post, which has since been deleted. But fans can still see the image in XDA Developers’ report showing two Pixel devices facing down both sport a round fingerprint sensor in a familiar location. It is unclear yet whether or not the fingerprint reader is just one of the authentication features in Pixel 5 because Google could keep facial recognition despite the return of the stapler sensor.

The same photo shows a second device believed to be the Pixel 4a 5G. What’s more interesting is that it appears to sport two cameras suggesting the 5G network is not the only upgrade it has from the base model that was released this month.

Google Pixel 5 specs: What to expect

Google has some more explaining to do, aside from the return of the fingerprint scanner when it finally unveils the Pixel 5. More reports surfaced over the past weeks that the supposed premium-line smartphone will sport a mid-range processing chip that could be the Snapdragon 765G.

More recent claims emerged online that seem to water down the hype around Pixel 5. The anticipated 120Hz refresh rate is reportedly not happening, per Android Central, and the device is rumored to stay under the 90Hz category. The same report mentioned that the upcoming smartphone would sport a 6-inch OLED display and standard 8GB RAM. The battery capacity is still unknown, but it is expected to support 15W Qi wireless charging.

Google Pixel 5 release date

Google confirmed the Pixel 5 would be released in Fall, along with the Pixel 4a 5G. While Made by Google events took place in early October in previous years, there are reports that the unveiling of the smartphones could take place as soon as late September.