There’s no denying that Google Pixel devices have gained popularity in recent years, capturing the hearts and minds of users worldwide. Pixel phones have acquired market popularity due to their better camera functionality, streamlined interface, and use of pure stock Android.
The Pixel 5 and 5A also caused quite a stir among Google’s ardent fans and the tech industry. The big question right now is whether these already popular Pixel devices will receive the update to Android 15, the next major version of Android after Android 14.
In this article, we will explore the possibility that the Pixel 5 and 5A will ship with Android 15 and its implications for the device’s usability and longevity. So, without any further ado, let’s jump straight into it.
Google Pixel 5 Overview
The Google Pixel 5 was launched on September 30, 2020, and was available for purchase on October 15, 2020. This small powerhouse has a 6.0-inch OLED display, one of its most eye-catching features, thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, 1080 x 2340 resolution, and remarkable 432 ppi density.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) processor features an Octa-core CPU operating at 2.4 GHz on a Kryo 475 Prime core, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient user experience. The Adreno 620 is the GPU.
The Pixel 5 has a dual camera system with a main wide lens and a secondary ultra-wide angle lens. The main camera is a 12.2 MP 27mm lens with OIS, and the ultra-wide is a 16 MP lens with a 117⁰ field of view. It can shoot videos in resolutions up to 4K at 30FPS or 60FPS.
As for the selfie camera, the phone has a single 8 MP 24mm wide lens, capable of shooting videos in resolutions up to 1080p at 30FPS. In addition, the phone has a fingerprint reader on the rear for biometric authentication.
As for the battery and charging, the Pixel 5 comes with a 4080 mAh battery with support for 18W wired fast charging. There is also support for 12W wireless charging and 5W reverse wired charging.
The Pixel 5 shipped with Android 11 out of the box and has received the Android 12 and Android 13 updates. Google is dedicated to continuously enhancing the user experience through software patches and new features.
Google Pixel 5A Overview
The Google Pixel 5A was released on August 26, 2021, as the successor to the Pixel 4a, symbolizing the company’s dedication to providing a premium mobile experience at an accessible price. The phone weighs 183 g and has a metal body, aluminum frame, and Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection.
This device has a 6.34-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 60Hz. It renders extraordinarily sharp and detailed images with a 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution and a pixel density of around 415 ppi.
The powerful and efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) processor features an Octa-core CPU operating at 2.4 GHz on a Kryo 475 Prime core. An Adreno 620 GPU is on this phone. The phone
The Pixel 5A also has a dual camera system with a primary wide lens and a secondary ultra-wide lens. The primary camera is a 12.2 MP lens with OIS, while the secondary camera is a 16 MP lens with 119⁰ field of view. Both cameras can shoot videos in resolutions up to 4K at 30FPS or 60FPS.
As for the selfie camera, the phone has a single 8 MP lens, which is capable of shooting videos in resolutions up to 1080p at 30FPS. In addition, the phone has a fingerprint reader on the rear for biometric unlock.
As for the battery and charging, the Pixel 5 comes with a 4680 mAh battery with support for 18W wired fast charging. There is no support for wireless charging and reverse wired charging. Like the Pixel 5, the Pixel 5A also initially shipped with Android 11 out of the box, but Google has updated it to Android 13.
Google Pixel 5 and 5A: Possibility of Android 15 Update In the Future
One prevailing query among Pixel enthusiasts is whether the esteemed Pixel 5 and 5A models will see an upgrade to Android 15. Google’s transparent update policy has been commendable, promising three years of major OS updates and five years of security updates from the device’s release date. Both Pixel 5 and 5A have received updates up to Android 13, with the beta version of Android 14 already in operation.
Regrettably, it’s confirmed that an update to Android 15 will not be coming to Pixel 5 and 5A due to the stipulations in Google’s update policy. The hardware limitations, particularly the processors, are also crucial factors in this decision, as they might not align with the requirements of the new Android versions, potentially hindering the overall user experience.
Hardware Processor Limitations
If you want to know why the updates stopped at Android 14, you have to consider the hardware’s constraints. These devices may have reached a point where their hardware, especially their CPUs, are no longer designed to handle the requirements and improvements of the latest version of Android.
It’s not uncommon for Android updates to introduce new features, optimizations, and processing demands beyond the device’s current hardware. The increased requirements of newer Android versions might burden hardware and degrade the quality of the user experience.
It can be difficult to deliver a smooth and satisfying user experience if the hardware, especially the processor, does not properly support the latest version of Android. Therefore, it may be wise not to provide an Android 15 update to preserve functionality and user experience.
Due to these restrictions, users cannot enjoy the newest Android features beyond Android 14, but they will receive continuing security updates for a further two years. If you’re interested in using the latest version of Android on your Pixel 5 or 5A, investigating custom ROMs may be a good option for you.
Security Updates
Users can rest assured knowing that their mobile devices will persist in receiving vital security patches in the future. These updates serve as essential protective measures, remedying security vulnerabilities and safeguarding users against emerging malware threats.
Typically encompassing fixes for various security vulnerabilities, updates to the system software and operating systems significantly enhance the security stature of the devices. Such improved security protocols ensure heightened protection from cyber threats. Consistent release of these crucial updates over extended periods assures users of robust safety for their devices and the contained data.
Custom ROMs As An Alternative
You can get the latest Android features by flashing a custom ROM onto their devices. Android’s open-source nature makes it easy to modify the system to meet the needs of individual users.
These ROMs contain not only the latest versions of Android but also add-ons and customization options that aren’t available in official builds. By flashing a modified ROM into their device, users can bypass the limitations of the OEM or the mobile service provider (MSP).
A degree of danger and technical expertise is involved in installing a modified ROM. You should learn the steps and the instructions to ensure the installation goes smoothly and the device stays undamaged.
Pros and Cons of Custom ROM
There are many advantages to using a custom ROM. Better customization possibilities and enhanced performance are just two benefits of using a custom ROM instead of the stock firmware. Even though the maker doesn’t officially support Android updates or theme customization, you can still do it.
Pros:
- Flashing a custom ROM instead of the stock ROM will give users access to Android’s latest improvements and additions.
- A custom ROM may allow you to optimize your device’s performance.
- Users may make their devices look exactly how they want them to with a wide variety of theme, icon, and font customization options.
- Improved battery life is a feature of some custom ROMs.
- Custom ROMs generally do not come preloaded with bloatware, which frees up storage space and may improve performance.
- Custom ROMs extend the capabilities of the base OS by giving more customization options for the end user.
Cons:
- If you install a custom ROM on your smartphone, the original manufacturer can stop supporting it and releasing security patches.
- If you make a mistake or select an incompatible ROM, you can brick the device and render it unusable, making further recovery tedious.
- Unoptimized ROMs for your device’s hardware or operating system can cause instability or failure.
- Installing and modifying a custom ROM can be time-consuming for inexperienced users.
Summing Up
According to Google’s current update policy, official software support for the Pixel 5 and 5A is ending with Android 14. This means the Pixel 5 and 5A will not get the Android 15 update when it’s released next year. Nonetheless, users are reassured that they will continue to receive security updates for another two years. After this point, those who want to use the latest version of Android may want to look into custom ROMs.
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