There's been an endless stream of leaks on the Google Pixel 4 lineup recently, including a possible reference to Pixel 4a.
While Google has remained tight-lipped about its big plans for the new collection of Pixel smartphones, a fresh round of leaks has led many critics to wonder whether there will be a mid-range model released with the more high-end Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.
Is The Mysterious Needlefish Actually Pixel 4a?
In a new analysis, 9to5Google tackled the mystery of the codename "Needlefish," which has been referenced in the recent leaks as well as leaks as far back as April. While the two other codenames "Coral" and "Flame" have been widely recognized as the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, Needlefish has remained a question mark.
In the latest leak from Google Camera, Pixel Needlefish is listed under a label "isPixel2019," suggesting that Google is planning to launch a third smartphone alongside the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.
Based on the various leaks over the past several months, Needlefish is believed to run on an Android system with a Qualcomm processor, most likely a Snapdragon. The latest leak classifies it under Pixel, making experts quite certain that the smartphone in question is truly a Pixel.
It is further noted that the most likely possibility is that the mysterious Needlefish is a mid-range Pixel or a Pixel 4a. After all, a source told the publication that Google originally planned the Pixel 3a series to be launched alongside its more expensive brothers.
Other Possibilities For Needlefish
There are a couple of things that seem to go against the theory, though. First is that the Pixel 3a and 3a XL were only released six months ago and releasing the updated versions so closely may lead to criticisms, especially by users who purchased the devices. Second is that it doesn't seem likely that Google is placing two smartphones Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL under just one codename.
Few other possibilities is that the mystery device may be the highly anticipated Pixel Watch, a tablet, or even a higher-end Pixel Ultra smartphone. It may even be something entirely new and unexpected, or perhaps something that was originally planned with the lineup, but the company eventually opted to scrap.
For all of the leaks on the Pixel in the past week or so, there isn't any indication of the elusive Needlefish-at least for now.
