Back on topic....
I really like the rumors that the Pixel 5 is going to use a mid-range processor. The biggest issues with the last Pixel are batteyr life and cost. The midrange SOC has an onboard modem, which will save space. So hopefully this means Google add a larger battery, lower price since the SOC costs them less, and make small improvements everywhere else like RAM size and speed, camera, etc.
As much as I like the option to get a Google made phone with top level (or close to it ) hardware, I think Google would see so much more success if they just focused on their ‘A’ plaform and make that the default ‘Pixel’. People consider the Pixels great because of their camera and tight user experience, things found on all of their A models. Put everything into properly developing those phones, market them accordingly, make them far more widely available and Google may actually see success with their smart phones.