Google Pixel 5a documentation hints at a network-specific model

Google has already confirmed that it plans to release the Pixel 5a this year, albeit only in response to rumours that it had cancelled the device. In April, Google stated that it would sell the Pixel 5a in Japan and the US, which is a rather limited release for a Pixel a-series smartphone.

The FCC has now published multiple documents about the GR0M2, G1F8F and G4S1M; the Pixel 5a's rumoured model numbers. FCC documentation explains that G1F8F and G4S1M are identical but for their mobile network connectivity. Incidentally, the same document states that GR0M2 and G4S1M are two variants of the same model.

Specifically, Google has disabled CDMA on G1F8F or G4S1M and has enabled more sub-6 GHz 5G bands, too. It is unclear if these changes described below apply to the same model, though. Presumably, one of these models will be tied to a US carrier, even if the FCC's documentation does not state this explicitly.

Based on various leaks, it seems that Google has repurposed the Pixel 4a 5G for this year's Pixel 5a. Apparently, the Pixel 5a will utilise the Pixel 4a 5G's design and hardware, so it is unclear why Google has re-branded the latter at all. Nonetheless, Google has hinted that it will launch the Pixel 5a next month.

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