Google Pixel 5a release date, specs: ‘Leaked’ live photos suggest 4 video stabilization modes could be available at launch

As soon as 2021 started, avid tech fans are already listing the most anticipated smartphone announcements for the year. Despite delayed timelines last year, Google is still highly expected to launch the Pixel 5a in the coming months and it might have just appeared in its first leaks.

Google Pixel 5a appears in new leaks?

A set of live photos that allegedly feature a prototype of the Pixel 5a have been making rounds online. The first photo shows the device’s home screen with a stock wallpaper with “5a” written on it while the date suggests the images were taken just after the New Year.

In another photo, the rumored Pixel 5a shows it would feature four video stabilization modes -- Standard, Locked, Active, and Cinematic Pan -- that were not included in the Pixel 4a upon launch last August. The third image shows the screen while the device is in fastboot mode suggesting that the combination of 6GB RAM and 128GB storage would remain as the standard configuration.

Other reliable leakers have yet to weigh in on the rumored Pixel 5a live photos, so it is best to take these with a grain of salt for now. However, the details provided in the images are plausible for the upcoming mid-range device.

Google Pixel 5a specs: What to expect

At this point, even before the leaked photos emerged online, Pixel 5a was already included in many people’s lists as one of the smartphones to look forward to in 2021. This level of anticipation can be attributed to the reception Google has seen for its earlier mid-range smartphone offerings. However, people are still hoping for a number of upgrades in Pixel 5a.

Since camera features remain one of the strengths of the Pixel smartphone line, the added stabilization modes as shown in the supposed leak would be included in the wish list. Meanwhile, it would not be surprising if Google eventually decides to make 5G support a standard feature on its 2021 smartphones. While many might also be hoping to see a significant display refresh rate upgrade, this one might be a long shot for the Pixel 5a, especially if the Pixel 6 series’ capacity will remain at 90Hz this year.

Google Pixel 5a release date: When will it be released in 2021

The release window for Pixel 5a is still unknown and Google’s changed launch timelines in 2020 makes it a little harder to estimate as well. The company has yet to announce its I/O conference plans for this year, but if it is happening in May then there is a good chance the new mid-range smartphone could be announced at that event.

Featured photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash