Google Pixel 5a review
The Google Pixel 5A is a mid-range phone that builds on the success of its predecessor with minor yet significant updates. While it may not seem exciting at first, these changes make it an important and desirable device in its class. One of the key improvements is the larger screen size, IP-rated waterproofing, and a significantly bigger battery. The phone also retains many of its predecessor's features, including the capable Snapdragon 765G processor, same cameras, and headphone jack. However, it does not support millimeter wave 5G or C-band, which may be a concern for some users. The Pixel 5A's camera capabilities remain one of its strongest selling points, with excellent low-light performance and software-driven features like night sight mode and portrait mode. The phone's user interface is simple and functional, with quick updates and three years of OS upgrades and security support. While the Pixel 5A may not be the most exciting update, it effectively replaces both the Pixel 4A and Pixel 4A 5G models. Its price point of $449 is also competitive, being $50 less than its predecessor's launch price. Overall, the Google Pixel 5A is a solid choice for anyone looking for a mid-range phone with a good camera, long battery life, and timely software updates. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more premium devices, its simplicity and focus on what matters make it an appealing option in this price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Google Pixel 5A is a mid-range phone that builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Pixel 4A and 4A 5G. One area where it excels is in its build quality and design. Firstly, the Pixel 5A has a metal unibody, which makes it feel reassuringly solid in the hand. This is a welcome change from the plastic skins found on many mid-range devices. The matte finish carried over from the Pixel 5 also helps to reduce smudging and fingerprints. Although there's only one color option this year - black - I appreciate that it's a clean and minimalist look. Another notable feature is the phone's IP67 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in about three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. This is a rare sight in the mid-range class, where water resistance is often sacrificed for cost savings. The metal unibody and IP67 rating give the Pixel 5A a premium feel that's hard to find at this price point. In terms of design, the Pixel 5A follows in the footsteps of its predecessors with a clean and simple aesthetic. There are no unnecessary bells or whistles here, just a well-executed phone that gets the job done. The lack of a stylus, wireless charging, or fancy curve display might be a turn-off for some, but for those who value substance over style, the Pixel 5A is a great choice. Overall, the Google Pixel 5A's build quality and design are two areas where it truly shines. With its solid metal unibody, IP67 rating, and clean aesthetic, this mid-range phone feels like a premium device that won't break the bank.
Battery Life
One of the most significant upgrades in the Google Pixel 5A is its battery life. With a massive 4,680 milliamp hour cell, this mid-range phone finally puts itself on even ground with the competition. Gone are the days of mediocre battery performance, as the Pixel 5A can easily get through a couple of days of moderate use. In my testing, I was able to squeeze out around four hours of screen-on time before dropping to 70%. This is a significant improvement over its predecessors and shows that Google has been paying attention to user feedback. The bigger battery also means you can enjoy more time away from the charger, which is always a welcome feature. While specs don't tell the whole story when it comes to battery life, the Pixel 5A's large cell size definitely helps. It's not uncommon for budget and mid-range phones to include 5,000 milliamp hour batteries, but this one feels like a worthy competitor in its class. The IP-rated waterproofing and metal unibody also contribute to the phone's overall durability, making it feel more premium than some of its competitors. Overall, the battery life of the Google Pixel 5A is a major highlight, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mid-range phone that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. 4/5
Display
The Google Pixel 5A boasts a slightly bigger 6.34-inch display, which is just big enough that it doesn't look out of place next to its competitors. The screen is a 1080P OLED panel, offering plenty of detail and vibrant colors. This is in contrast to some budget phones that may offer lower resolutions or lower contrast LCDs. While the display isn't huge by any means, its size is perfectly suited for a mid-range phone. It's not too big, but still provides an immersive viewing experience. The 1080P resolution ensures crisp text and images, making it ideal for watching videos or browsing through your favorite websites. One of the standout features of the Pixel 5A's display is its OLED panel. This type of screen offers superior contrast ratios and deeper blacks compared to traditional LCDs. As a result, the colors appear more accurate and vibrant, giving the phone an overall premium feel. The only drawback to the display is that it still uses a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This may not be as smooth as some other mid-range phones that offer higher refresh rates, but for most users, it's unlikely to be noticeable. Overall, the Google Pixel 5A's display is a solid offering in the mid-range market. While it may not blow you away with its size or resolution, it provides a crisp and vibrant viewing experience that's perfect for everyday use. If you're looking for a phone with a great screen without breaking the bank, the Pixel 5A is definitely worth considering.
Camera
The Google Pixel 5A's camera is a highlight of the mid-range phone, and for good reason. Despite being an iterative update to its predecessor, the Pixel 5A's camera remains one of the best in its class. Google has wisely stuck with what worked before, rather than trying to revolutionize the camera experience on this budget-friendly device. As a result, the Pixel 5A's 12-megapixel main camera is just as capable as its predecessor, producing excellent results in good light and even better low-light performance. The inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main camera is particularly impressive at this price point, allowing for sharper shots in lower-light conditions. The ultra-wide-angle lens also holds up well, capturing decent photos when you need them. But what really sets the Pixel 5A's camera apart from its mid-range peers is Google's exceptional software expertise. Night Sight mode remains a standout feature, producing convincing low-light images that few other phones can match. Portrait mode and high-contrast scene handling are also handled with aplomb by Google's clever computational tricks. Colors may be slightly more subdued than what you'd get from some Samsung devices, but this is largely a matter of personal preference. For those who value a more natural color palette, the Pixel 5A is the clear winner in its price range. While it's true that other phones in the mid-range category – like the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G or TCL 20 Pro – may offer faster refresh rates or wireless charging, these features are not particularly relevant to camera performance. In terms of raw image quality and camera capabilities, the Google Pixel 5A is one of the best you can get for under $500. If you're in the market for a mid-range phone with an excellent camera, the Pixel 5A should be at the top of your list. Its proven track record and impressive feature set make it hard to pass up – especially when considering the benefits of timely software updates and three years of OS upgrades and security support.
Price and Value
The Google Pixel 5A is a mid-range phone that has been making waves with its affordable price tag of $449. This is a smartphone that has managed to impress without breaking the bank, offering a well-rounded package of features and performance. While it may not be the most exciting update, the Pixel 5A represents a thoughtful refinement of what was already a good device. The addition of IP-rated waterproofing, a bigger battery (4,680 milliamp hours), and a slightly larger screen (6.34 inches) are all welcome upgrades that demonstrate Google's commitment to delivering value for money. In terms of price and value, the Pixel 5A is a compelling choice in its class. It offers a capable camera system, with features like optical image stabilization on the main camera and an excellent night sight mode. The phone also boasts a simple and functional user interface, with timely software updates and three years of OS upgrades and security support. Compared to other mid-range phones in the $400-$500 range, the Pixel 5A is a solid option that balances performance, features, and price. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors (like wireless charging or a faster refresh rate screen), it more than makes up for these omissions with its excellent camera capabilities and generous software support. Ultimately, the Pixel 5A is a phone that checks most of the right boxes without overextending itself. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone without breaking the bank, and its price point only adds to its appeal.
Performance
The Google Pixel 5A is a mid-range phone that's been tweaked with some minor but meaningful updates. One of the key areas where it stands out is in its performance. Under the hood, the Pixel 5A still uses the capable Snapdragon 765G processor as its predecessor, the Pixel 4A 5G. This means you get a solid and efficient performance that's suitable for everyday tasks. The phone also comes with 6GB of RAM and 128 gigs of storage, which should be enough for most users. One area where the Pixel 5A excels is in its battery life. Google has finally caught up with the competition by including a much bigger battery - 4,680 milliAmp hours to be exact. This means you can expect to get through a couple of days of moderate use without needing to recharge. In terms of actual performance, the Pixel 5A delivers smooth and responsive results. The phone's processor handles demanding tasks with ease, and you won't experience any significant lag or slowdowns even when running multiple apps simultaneously. While it may not be the most exciting update on paper, the changes made to the Pixel 5A's performance are substantial and make a real difference in the user experience. Whether you're a casual user or someone who wants a reliable mid-range phone, the Pixel 5A is definitely worth considering. The phone's processor may not be the fastest out there, but it gets the job done without breaking a sweat. And with the added benefit of a larger battery, you can enjoy seamless performance and extended use on a single charge. Overall, the Pixel 5A's performance is a major highlight that should give potential buyers plenty to think about.