Do not discount the Pixel 4a XL yet: Probable new Pixel codenames appear in AOSP repository

Earlier this month, Dave Lee claimed that Google only had plans to release a Pixel 4a, with no Pixel 4a XL in tow. The reasoning went that the Pixel 3a XL cannibalised sales of the Pixel 3 XL, of which Google has a higher profit margin. Dave Lee did not attribute any sources to this claim, which is not to doubt him, but the YouTuber is not renowned for his smartphone leaks.

At any rate, XDA Developers has spotted references to what are possibly three new Pixel devices in an AOSP repository, challenging Lee's claim. All three have fish codenames, which as the website points out, Google uses for its Pixel smartphones, a tradition that dates to the Nexus days. While these codenames may not refer to mid-range Pixel devices, XDA Developers seems to be saying watch out for more appearances of them in the coming months. These codenames could also be development boards, but there is a possibility that they are consumer devices too.

The devices are bramble, redfin and sunfish, with the first two being based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765, or the sm7250 platform. By contrast, XDA Developers claims that sunfish is based on the Snapdragon 730. The website doubts that Google is planning three mid-range Pixel devices this year, as do we, so at least one will be a development board. In short, do not rule out a Pixel 4a XL just yet.