Google Pixel 5 Hardware Chief Believes the World Isn’t in Need of “Another $1,000 Phone”

After making a splash with the announcement of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G, Google senior vice president of devices and services Rick Osterloh provided some context on the competitive price of the Pixel 5.

During its virtual ‘Launch Night In’ event, Google revealed its new Pixel 5 smartphone. Priced at $799 CAD, the Pixel 5 sports a 12 MP dual-pixel and a 16 MP ultrawide camera rear camera, 128GB of storage, and 5G support. Based on spread of features, the Pixel 5 is being positioned to be a competitive offer when compared to competitors.

Following the event, Google senior vice president of devices and services Rick Osterloh spoke with Business Insider to discuss the smartphone and its pricing. “What the world doesn’t seem like it needs right now is another $1,000 phone,” Osterloh told Business Insider during a call.

An $800 phone isn’t that uncommon. What’s uncommon is that Pixel 5 is the next flagship model in Google’s Pixel family. Normally, an $800 device is positioned as a mid to low-range entry point into an ecosystem. This year, Apple released its lower-end iPhone SE. Samsung is also releasing its Galaxy S20 FE. Both smartphones released at a more affordable price point, but at a loss in design and features.

The Pixel 5 isn’t a major overhaul over the Pixel 4. It is the first Google smartphone to offer 5G networking support. However, the improvements on its camera and battery life are the major draws to the phone. Google built off the success of its A-series line, which now included both the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G this year.

Osterloh told Business Insider: “I think the easiest way to think about it is: Pixel 4a, I think, has done a great job of delivering the essential smartphone elements.” Osterloh continued, “And we built out from that.”

Google is finding success in offering a premium experience for a lower cost to the consumer. When asked whether the company would experiment with offering high-end devices in the future, Osterloh said “I wouldn’t rule it out.”