Google Pixel 5a is a budget 5G phone released before Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. It has very similar specs to Pixel 4a 5G, which was released last year. But don’t take it lightly; Pixel 5a is better and cheaper than the Pixel 4a model.
Pixel 5a has minimal difference compared to the Pixel 4A, but those are worth it if you are looking for a new phone. Although, Google released a new 5a model only for the United States and Japanese consumers. But you might get it in Canada, or you have to order it from the USA. However, other tier 1 countries like Australia, the UK, and New Zealand will not get a chance to hands-on the new Google Pixel 5a.
Table of Contents
Google Pixel 5a 5G vs. Pixel 4a 5G:
| Pixel 5a 5G | Pixel 4a 5G | |
| Display^ | 6.34-inch FHD+ (2400×1080) OLED | 6.2-inch FHD+ (1080×2340) OLED |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Dual-Pixel + 16MP Ultrawide | 12MP Dual-Pixel + 16MP Ultrawide |
| Front Selfie Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Video (Rear Camera) | 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 FPS
4K @ 30/60 FPS |
1080p @ 30/60/120/240 FPS
4K @ 30/60 FPS |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| RAM | 6GB LPDDR4x RAM | 6GB LPDDR4x RAM |
| Storage / Expandable | 128GB Storage / Not Expandable | 128GB Storage / Not Expandable |
| Battery^ | 4680mAh | 3885mAh |
| Sensor | Back-mounted Fingerprint Sensor, Proximity/Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer/Gyrometer, Magnetometer, Barometer | Back-mounted Fingerprint Sensor, Proximity/Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer/Gyrometer, Magnetometer, Barometer |
| Audio | USB-C Audio Support / 3.5mm Audio Jack | USB-C Audio Support / 3.5mm Audio Jack |
| Waterproof Rating^ | IP67 Water and Dust Resistance | No |
| Colour^ | Just Black | Mostly Black |
| OS^ | Android 11 (Upgradable to Android 12) | Android 11 |
| Price^ | US $449 | US $499 |
^ Compared core changes of Pixel 5a 5G and Pixel 4a 5G.
Image Source: Google
Google Pixel 5a 5G Core Specs:
Certainly, the new Pixel 5a sounds like a great priced budget phone with lots of pro features and specs. But if you compare the display size with Pixel 4a 5G, the new Google Pixel 5a 5G has a slightly bigger display. Pixel 5a 5G will have a 6.34-inch FHD+ OLED display with a resolution of 2400×1080.
Indeed, the main focus of any phone is its camera with better resolution and lots of photo and video modes. And so, Google Pixel 5a has 12MP Dual-Pixel and 16MP Ultrawide rear camera sensors. Therefore, this dual-camera can record 1080p video at 30/60/120 and 240 (fps) frames per second. However, 4k video recording is limited to 30 and 60 (fps) frames per second. Nevertheless, the 8MP front camera is excellent for selfie shots and shares it on your social media accounts.
Google Pixel 5a will come with 6GB RAM, 2GB less than the previous Pixel 5 model with 8GB of RAM. Indeed, Pixel 5a will have only a 128GB storage option with no expandable memory slot, which seems a bit drawback.
Battery and other Features:
Above all, the battery capacity of Pixel 5a 5G is 4680mAh, which is a considerable improvement from the previous-gen Pixel 4a 5G model. Last year Pixel 4a has a 3885mAh battery which is not less if you compare the other phones available in the market. Also, you can expect an 18W fast charger with standard packaging. However, it could have been better if they have thrown a 30W or 60W fast wall charger. Also, Google Pixel 5a may not have wireless charging support, which is relatively uncommon for the latest mobile tech.
Another notable difference is, Pixel 5a is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance. Moreover, the new 5a has all available sensors like Proximity, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Magnetometer and Barometer. But apart from these sensors, 5a has a back-mounted fingerprint sensor to secure your device.
Indeed, listening to music is an essential prerequisite for any brand’s mobile phone nowadays. And so, Google Pixel 5a is loaded with two options; one is a 3.5mm jack, and the secondly is USB-C audio support. So now you can enjoy the music or video sounds from any audio output source, including Bluetooth audio.
Indeed, Google Pixel 5a will come with a preloaded Android 11 operating system. But it’s expected to have Android 12 once available to upgrade. So let see who’s getting the first Android 12, Pixel 6 or Pixel 5a 5G?
Google Pixel 5a 5G Release Date and Price:
Google released the new Pixel 5a 5G on 17 August 2021 and taking pre-orders on the Google store. However, the expected delivery date is 26 August 2021 in the United States and Japan.
Certainly, the colour option for Pixel 5a is named “Mostly Black”, which is a kind of greenies black by the look. Whereas previous-gen Pixel 4a was named as “Just Black”. This time, Google reduced the price for Pixel 5a to $449 (USD), which is $50 less than the Pixel 4a model. So, the price tag seems affordable in terms of specs and features. But who knows, you might get an even better price from an online marketplace like Amazon or eBay.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Google Pixel 5a 5G sounds excellent phone with lots of features and better camera specs at a low price tag. But if you already own Pixel 4a 5G, it’s not worth upgrading as you have most of the privileges compared to the Pixel 5a 5G.