Google's 5G Pixel 4 is a massive no-show

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Despite pre-launch rumours suggesting otherwise, Google’s brand-new Pixel 4 doesn’t have a 5G option.

(Image credit: Google)

During a hardware event in New York this week, Google unveiled its brand-new Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Both phones come equipped with face unlock, a new upgraded camera and much more. However, 5G connectivity was not one of the features mentioned. 

This may come as a surprise to many, as rumours that the new Pixel 4 would join the growing ranks of 5G phones have been circling for weeks. 

Falling behind 

At a time where consumers are constantly being bombarded with 5G marketing from the likes of AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile, some may see Google as not keeping up with the latest technology. Also, other major 5G handsets have already been released by Samsung, LG, Motorola and OnePlus.

However, does this really put Google at a significant disadvantage? 

A wise decision?

Pixel 4 specs

Weight: 162g
Dimensions: 68.8 mm x 147.1 mm x 8.2mm
OS: Android 10
Screen size: 5.7-inch
Resolution: Full HD+
CPU: Snapdragon 855
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 64/128GB
Battery: 2,800mAh
Rear camera: 16MP + 12MP
Front camera: 8MP

It could be seen as a wise decision from Google to not release a 5G phone while the technology is still nascent. 5G networks aren’t readily available nationally let alone worldwide. It could be the right business move to wait until 5G is much more prominent, widely used and accepted. 

Google isn’t alone in its decision to hold back on 5G, either; Apple’s new iPhone 11 won’t have 5G support. And with 5G phones currently more expensive to produce, Apple and Google have taken a decision to pass the benefits of variable cost savings on to the consumer, at a time where it faces increasing competition, especially in China.

While 5G will eventually set the new standard for super-fast data speeds, it won’t roll out fully until 2020. The marketing hype is only going to get more extreme in the meantime, but it could still be a little while until consumers fully understand the benefits of 5G. And by that time, one thing is certain: Google and Apple will have released their 5G phones.

Fiona Leake
Fiona Leake

Fiona discovered her love for investing and making money from a young age. Since then this interest has grown and now she loves writing about investing and business, and follows the 5G market closely. She is also a technology enthusiast, and so they tend to be her favourite investments.