Google Pixel 5a leaked by Android 12 — what we know so far

Google Pixel 5a leaked past Android 12 — what we know then far

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The Google Pixel 5a has been all but confirmed, thanks to new details hidden within the Android 12 Programmer Preview.

Preview builds of the adjacent Android updates are typically a good source of data nearly Google's upcoming projects, and the beta version of Android 12 has been no exception. This latest update has revealed several key tidbits, as confirmed by 9to5google, including the new telephone's name and model number.

Google Pixel 5a release appointment, price, specs and leaks
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The leaks and rumors effectually the budget version of the Google Pixel 5 take been building over the past few weeks, and the "Pixel 5a" moniker is hardly a surprise. In fact, it was even mentioned almost a year ago in the Android Open Source Project.

Notwithstanding this is the closest we've come to definitive proof, with Android community member cstark27 spotting a reference to "Pixel 5a:GR0M2" in the update, alongside "Pixel 4a (5G):G025I" and "Pixel v:GTT9Q8".

The "GR0M2" reference is expected to be its international model number — which is significant, as before this week it was discovered that a phone with the model number GR0M2 had passed through Bureau of Indian Standards certification.

If international certification is being obtained, information technology would suggest that the phone is well on its style to its final release and that Google is likely in the last stages of product. To compare, we caught wind of the Pixel 4a gaining BIS blessing around two months before it launched in the US.

Putting the pieces together, nosotros could exist looking at the Pixel 5a arriving in our hands around May, which would match up with the Pixel 3a launch schedule. The Pixel 4a didn't debut until Baronial, however it'southward thought that this later release window was due in big part to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ane further bit of data to come up out of the preview is that the Pixel 5a's codename may have changed. The phone was initially idea to be known every bit "Barbette", based on information unearthed past 9to5google, merely it now seems that it's "Barbet" — which is a type of fish.

Google Pixel 5a GIF face up — (Image credit: Steve Hemmerstoffer/Voice)

We may not know exactly when the Pixel 5a volition arrive yet, merely we practice have a reasonable amount of detail almost what it'll wait like.

That's cheers to renders posted by noted leaker Steve "OnLeaks" Hemmerstoffer, which show off a device that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Pixel 4a.

That said, leaked Pixel 5a specs accept suggested information technology volition take a 6.ii-inch OLED display with full HD resolution as seen on the Pixel 4a 5G version, rather than the 5.81-inch screen establish on the standard 4a.

The camera is obviously a big deal on whatsoever Pixel phone, and rumors have suggested the 5a could get a significant upgrade over last yr's model in the form of a second rear camera sensor. This would exist a 16MP ultrawide lens, which would join the master 12.2MP sensor and requite it a similar setup to the Pixel v.

Expect to hear much more nigh the Pixel 5a over the next few weeks, hopefully culminating in an official announcement earlier as well long.

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Rory is a Deals Editor at Tom's Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on deals, gaming and streaming. When he'due south not scouring retailers for PS5 restock or writing hot takes on the latest gaming hardware and streaming shows, he tin exist found attention music festivals and being thoroughly disappointed past his terrible football game team.