More evidence appears suggesting Google Pixel 5 will have a mid-range processor

Back in March, we found a rumor suggesting that the upcoming Google Pixel 5 might not offer the traditional flagship experience to which we’ve become accustomed. Specifically, the rumor suggested the phone would not have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800-series chipset and instead have a mid-range processor.

Now, via XDA Developers, we have even more evidence to support that claim. While it’s not 100% clear which processor the Google Pixel 5 will utilize, it’s becoming more and more likely that the processor will not be this year’s flagship, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865.

Since we recently found a rumor suggesting the entry price for the Pixel 5 could be as low as $699, all signs point to the new Pixel stepping out of the traditional premium territory and entering something more akin to “premium mid-ranger” territory.

Google Pixel 5 processor: Maybe the SD765?

Through some complicated code-sleuthing, XDA was able to determine that it’s very unlikely that the Google Pixel 5 will have the Snapdragon 865. However, it wasn’t able to specifically determine with any certainty what processor would be in the phone instead.

XDA’s guess based on the available evidence is that there could be a Snapdragon 765 in the new Pixel. This would line up very well with the expected price of the phone and would also allow for the Pixel 5 to be 5G-capable, which Google would need to stay competitive.

Related: Snapdragon 768G is an overclocked version of an already-overclocked mid-ranger

The SD765 also has two related processors, though: the Snapdragon 765G and the Snapdragon 768G. The former is a gaming-centric version of the processor while the latter is a slightly upgraded version of that. Since all three use the same sockets and software, Google could (theoretically) offer any of them in the Google Pixel 5 without needing to alter much when it comes to software and hardware.

It can’t be stressed enough that this is all rumor and speculation at the moment. All we know for certain at this point is that there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that there won’t be an SD865 in the Google Pixel 5 and the probable replacement for that would be an SD765/765G/768.

We expect the new Pixel to launch this Fall, though that could be pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.