If new leaked information is to be believed, the 2021 Google Pixel 5a may be severely curtailed.

Code found in Android 12 seems to confirm that the new budget Pixel will use the same Snapdragon 765G chipset as the Google Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5. This apparent stagnation in Pixel 5a hardware, could spell disaster for Google's sales figures as its rivals continue to rise.

By scouring the back end of the newly launched Android 12 Developer Preview 3, 9to5Google was able to find references to the Snapdragon 765G code-named "sm7250" alongside the Pixel 5a code-named "barbet" We could find references to.

The decision to stick with the same chip as last year is likely due to the current global chipset shortage affecting smartphone, computer, and game console manufacturers. although the Pixel 5a will launch, it will only be available in a limited number of countries, including the US but excluding the UK, Google has already confirmed for the same reason.

Leaked renderings of the Pixel 5a also suggest that the rest of the design will not change much from the Pixel 4a 5G. This includes a 6.2-inch FHD display and dual rear cameras consisting of a main sensor and an ultrawide sensor.

The 5a could launch as early as next month. The first Pixel a-series phone, the Google Pixel 3a, debuted at the 2019 Google I/O developer event; Google I/O 2021 will take place May 18-20, so the Pixel 5a could launch a few weeks later. However, another rumor claims that it should instead mark the calendar on June 11, which seems to be in line with Google's vague statement regarding the launch date.

Last year's Google Pixel 4a and Google Pixel 4a 5G were both good mid-range phones, with the 4a topping our best budget phones guide. However, holding off on hardware upgrades could put it ahead of newer rivals such as the just-debuted Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, OnePlus Nord N10 5G, and iPhone SE.

If the Pixel 5a's components are largely unchanged from the previous generation, the best Google can do is to offer it at a very competitive price; ideally, it would keep it under or around $400, similar to the pricing of the Pixel 4a.

At the very least, the new generation of Pixel phones will benefit from the new features of Android 12 from launch. This is something other comparable models may not get for months.