The Pixel 5a 5G chipset may have been revealed thanks to Android 12

By Derrek Lee
last updated

Google Pixel 5a Leak
Google Pixel 5a Leak (Image credit: Steve Hemmerstoffer / Voice)

What you need to know

  • The upcoming Pixel 5a 5G will reportedly feature one of last year's most popular chipsets.
  • Given the leaked design, there will be little to differentiate this phone from its predecessor.
  • The Pixel 5a 5G is expected to launch later this year, possibly along with the Pixel 6.

The Google Pixel 5a 5G may be pushed off for a limited release later this year, but that doesn't mean the leaks will stop coming in. Surprisingly, not too much is known about the device besides the fact that it'll look eerily similar to the most recent Pixel smartphones. The most recent tidbit finally gives us an idea of what chipset we might expect in the upcoming mid-range smartphone, and it's left us scratching our heads.

According to a report from 9to5Google, code within the latest Android 12 Developer Preview references "Barbet," the codename for the Pixel 5a 5G, along with "sm7250," which points to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765. That was the chip that powered many of the best Android phones last year, including the Google Pixel 5.

If that's true, this would mean that the Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a 5G will share similar designs and the same chipset, just like the Pixel 5 and Google Pixel 4a 5G did. It would undoubtedly confuse Google's smartphone lineup, given that its devices have all sported the same design since the Google Pixel 4a but with questionably staggered releases. It also means the Pixel 5a 5G would be using a year-old but still capable chipset instead of the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 780G.

Given that the Pixel 5a 5G will see a limited release in the U.S. and Japan, it might make sense for Google not to waste money and resources to supply the device with a newer chipset and make way for an even cheaper smartphone. Whatever Google's plans are, there's still some time before the device is expected to launch. It was first thought that the Pixel 5a would arrive at Google I/O 2021, and while that may no longer be true, there may be a few other hardware releases to look forward to in the meantime.

Derrek Lee
Derrek Lee
News Editor

Derrek is a long-time Nokia and LG fanboy who loves astronomy, videography, and sci-fi movies. When he's not working, he's most likely working out or smoldering at the camera.

11 Comments
  • I’m a huge Pixel fan and get every high end Pixel but what’s the point of even releasing with last year SOC. Yes there will be other features etc but c’mon Google get your act together and show some interest that you care. No excuse not to put more recent midrange soc and hopefully they get lot of bad press for making these stupid decisions.
  • Google should just go back to the nexus program and focus on the software, leave the hardware side to the pros
  • It could be the Pixel 6 will have the 780G and not be the spec monster so many are hoping for. Google will probably stay all midrange.
  • most of leaks suggests that pixel 6 might have Google made custom SoC... that will compete 780g... in terms of hardware performance... but for software it will compete against iphones by offering 5 or more years software updates!!!
  • I stand corrected but that's still midrange.
  • It is, what it is. Personally, spend less on this version, and move on an make the 6 worthwhile. Pixels are on the way to be as confusing as figuring out Moto's network of many phones.
  • Google should just quit the smartphone business altogether, they have proven that they're not very good at hardware and their software leaves a lot to be desired with its boring and barebones software.
  • Disagree. I try to use other phones but I end up enjoying the Pixel experience the most. I think they are just really bad at marketing. The phones themselves, and the stock google software, are all good.
  • Upon reflection, I have to agree with you, I tried to love my S20 FE but I just don't, I never meant the things I said about Google quiting the smartphone business, I was trying to convince myself I preferred One UI to the Pixel software, I don't I have always preferred the Pixel software over every other Android skin, even Oxygen OS, which I quite like as well. My Pixel 2 XL and Nexus 6 are the 2 Android phones I've enjoyed the most and the thing they have in common are that the software was made by Google.
  • Using last year's SOC is not a road I wish to travel? Sales will definitely tank!
  • Sales would tank whatever Google did, Pixels aren't great phones apart from their cameras.