A new Pixel 5 model could arrive next year, which Google hopes will be the XL or Pro model it really needs to compete with the leading smartphones

The "true flagship" Pixel 5 rumor comes from leaker Max Weinbach Weinbach is a reliable Android smartphone news source, but he also warns not to take this rumor as gospel.

Google has made significant changes to its smartphone lineup over the past two years. First came the Pixel 3a, a mid-ranger, which was later replaced by the Pixel 4a. The recent Pixel 5 has taken a step back from the previous Pixel flagship hardware, focusing more on software and more competitive pricing, with the Pixel 4a 5G offering a middle ground between the flagship Pixel and the basic Pixel.

Therefore, it is not surprising to hear that Google is planning additional models in new market segments. Given that rivals Apple and Samsung regularly sell phones in excess of $1,000, Google may want to compete in the premium segment as well by keeping the Pixel 5's price at a fairly modest $700.

It is also possible that this new Pixel will be the Pixel 5 XL, which did not appear when the Pixel 5 debuted at the end of September. Normally, Google releases both standard and large sizes of its flagship phones, but this year only the 6-inch Pixel 5 appeared. A larger version of the new Pixel could help take away customers who would otherwise flow to Apple's or Samsung's huge devices like the iPhone 12 Pro Max or Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

One major area where the Pixel 5 may need some improvement is its chipset: with the Snapdragon 765G, compared to other Android flagships with the Snapdragon 865 chip, performance power is lacking. Similarly, the 128GB storage option is a bit small, so a 256GB option on the Pro model would be welcome.

More cameras would also be a good idea, given that many of the Pixel 5's competitors have up to four rear sensors. However, Google's approach has always been to use post-processing to get better photos, rather than simply adding more cameras, and it has paid off so far.

March is not the usual time for Google to announce a big product like a new Pixel phone; May is usually when Google is expected to show off the next version of Android at Google I/O, the event where the Pixel 3a debuted in 2019 It is also the event where the Pixel 3a debuted in 2019. However, March may be a good time for Google to announce a new flagship device, as it will likely be around the time that Samsung's Galaxy S21 and OnePlus 9 will also be introduced.