This is the mysterious Google Pixel 4 5G was “killed” by Google

Recently, the actual images of a mysterious Google smartphone have been leaked, revealing the existence of a 5G version of Pixel 4 that Google has silently canceled. This device, with the name “Needlefish”, is considered a tool for Google to test 5G technology in the early stages, before it becomes outdated because of the delay of the supply chain.

This is the Google Pixel 4 5G “mysterious” has never been launched

On the surface, “Needlefish” looks almost like the 4 XL Pixel. The device still has a characteristic upper border, where the front camera contains, the infrared face unlocking system and Soli radar for gesture control. The back is also completely removable, a feature only on the Pixel 4 series.

However, the difference lies in the internal hardware. The images show the appearance of MMWave 5G antenna modules arranged on the edges. The battery is also slightly higher than Pixel 4 XL (3800mAh compared to 3700mAh).

The prototype Pixel 4 5g was killed by Google

Information from the Fastboot screen also revealed more interesting details. This device is equipped with 8GB of RAM, an upgrade compared to 6GB on Pixel 4 and 4 XL. But the most noticeable point is information about the modem. The “G55” code shows that the device uses the independent 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 modem, combined with the Snapdragon 855 chip.

The reason “needlefish” was born and “killed”

So why does Google develop such a device and never launch the market? The answer lies in the context of the first 5G technology.

When 5G appears, the 5G modem such as Snapdragon X50 and X55 are all separate chips, operating independently with the main processor (SOC). This makes them less effective and complex in designing. The more optimal solution is that the built -in 5G modem, and the Snapdragon 765 is Qualcomm’s pioneering chip in this direction.

The problem is, Snapdragon 765 was delayed during the production process. The 5G test samples of this chip to partners, including Google, many months later than expected. In order not to be behind and have time to research and get used to the challenges of hardware and software of 5G (especially MMWave waves), Google has created “Needlefish”. Basically, they have improved a 4 XL Pixel available to integrate 5G modem, for testing and learning purposes.

Signs that this is just an internal test device is its version code:EVT1.4. Typically, Google devices only need to go to EVT1.2 version to be eligible to switch to the final design testing stage (DVT). It shows that Google has struggled quite a lot to master this new 5G technology.

In the end, “Needlefish” could not debut. The completed versions of the X55 modem are too late to launch with the Pixel 4 line. And if it launches later, it will become obsolete because the market then has stronger chips like Snapdragon 865.

Although never sold, “Needlefish” clearly acted as an important “mobile laboratory”, helping Google to gain valuable experience to deploy 5G on later Pixel generations, starting from Pixel 5.

According to: Android Authority

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