Pixel 5 release date: New leak hints at September launch instead of usual Made by Google October event

Like other tech companies, Google has been known to maintain a consistent major product launch schedule over the previous years. However, recent reports about the Pixel 5 launch suggest that Google’s timeline will also see some changes this fall.

Pixel 5 release date: Leaks that suggest it’s launching this month

Pixel smartphone launches in the previous years have been very predictable as the Made by Google event was kept in the same week of the year. While timeline changes are not surprising this year (because COVID-19), this might not mean a delay for Pixel 5. Reports are actually eyeing an earlier release date for the upcoming smartphone.

German website Caschys Blog reported that Vodafone Germany’s internal listing has the Pixel 5 release date set for Sept. 25, but only for the Just Black variant with the Pixel 4a 5G in the same color. The same source, however, noted that the document does not include other pertinent information about the devices and said it could mean the listed date is very tentative.

Of course, it would be best to take this report with a pinch of salt. But it is also worth noting that this is not the first time Pixel 5’s release date was reported to be slated in September, instead of October. Known leaker Jon Prosser, who accurately reported on the Pixel 4a announcement date, previously tweeted that the Black and Green variants of Pixel 5 have been listed “in the system” for a Sept. 30 launch. A white color option for Pixel 4a 5G would be released in October.

This means at least three more devices could be expected from Google before the end of the year. Upon the announcement of Pixel 4a in August, Google also confirmed the arrival of 5G devices Pixel 5 and a version of Pixel 4a sometime in fall but a specific date is yet to be provided.

Pixel 5 specs: Google might not have a premium flagship this year

Google’s Pixel smartphones immediately became some of the anticipated devices every year. It has been known for joining the ranks of premium flagships that sport the latest chip from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Series, but multiple clues suggest Pixel 5 might be a special case.

Today, Snapdragon 865+ would be the chipset that fits that bill. However, Pixel 5 has been widely reported to be powered by the Snapdragon 765G. While it also packs ample power and supports 5G, it does not necessarily fall into the premium flagship category. Devices that use the same SoC has been labeled as mid-range smartphones like the recently launched OnePlus Nord. It would be interesting to see how Google would price the Pixel 5 considering this rumored tweak.