Google Pixel 5a - A tempting value option or just left over old tech?

[Matty]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to get your opinion on this. Google is rumoured to be launching the Pixel 5a 5G later this month.

Sporting many of the same internals as the previous flagship Pixel 5 such as the 765G professor and a camera that's nearing 4 years old already.

Do you think it's worth the rumoured price of $450 as a compelling budget option or would you rather spend the extra and go for the Pixel 6 with it's all new cameras, processors & screen?

Thanks for all the feedback

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to get your opinion on this. Google is rumoured to be launching the Pixel 5a 5G later this month.

Sporting many of the same internals as the previous flagship Pixel 5 such as the 765G professor and a camera that's nearing 4 years old already.

Do you think it's worth the rumoured price of $450 as a compelling budget option or would you rather spend the extra and go for the Pixel 6 with it's all new cameras, processors & screen?

Thanks for all the feedback

I believe they have upgraded to the 780G processor this year. But yes it is left over tech. Getting the 4a 5G for $50 less. Which is excellent value. I love my 4a 5G very much and it does everything I need it to do. But I am not a heavy gamer.

 

[J Dubbs]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to get your opinion on this. Google is rumoured to be launching the Pixel 5a 5G later this month.

Sporting many of the same internals as the previous flagship Pixel 5 such as the 765G professor and a camera that's nearing 4 years old already.

Do you think it's worth the rumoured price of $450 as a compelling budget option or would you rather spend the extra and go for the Pixel 6 with it's all new cameras, processors & screen?

Thanks for all the feedback

I think that's a pretty good deal for a quality pure Android 5G phone made by Google, with their legendary software support which might be going out to 5 years if the rumors pan out, and a camera that still takes great pictures unless you're a professional photographer lol. Seems like a lot of solid phone for $450.

I always wait a year or so and pick up last years flagships for around the same price as the mid-rangers. I like my flagships, I just don't like the flagship prices

 

[mustang7757]

I believe they have upgraded to the 780G processor this year. But yes it is left over tech. Getting the 4a 5G for $50 less. Which is excellent value. I love my 4a 5G very much and it does everything I need it to do. But I am not a heavy gamer.

Good point kizzy , also depends what the 6 is going for but any pixel thats a 3a ,4a ,5a are pretty good priced and good option.

 

[Morty2264]

I think it's a great budget alternative for those who want to have the Pixel experience but don't want to spend the money on a flagship or mid-range phone.

Were you on CrackBerry a few years back? You look familiar!

 

[Jeremy8000]

I think that's a pretty good deal for a quality pure Android 5G phone made by Google, with their legendary software support which might be going out to 5 years if the rumors pan out, and a camera that still takes great pictures unless you're a professional photographer lol. Seems like a lot of solid phone for $450.

I always wait a year or so and pick up last years flagships for around the same price as the mid-rangers. I like my flagships, I just don't like the flagship prices

Smart tactic - can upgrade every year or so for the same cost as upgrading every other year at release.

As to the rumored 5 years of software updates, that would almost certainly not apply to the 5a if it is using Qualcomm, as Google can only support it effectively for as long as Qualcomm will, which has been for 3 years for many generations, if memory serves.

That said, most people on these forums tend to update a bit more frequently which makes it a moot point other than having a minor impact on resale value.

 

[Matty]

I think it's a great budget alternative for those who want to have the Pixel experience but don't want to spend the money on a flagship or mid-range phone.

Were you on CrackBerry a few years back? You look familiar!

Hello Morty! We meet again lol.

Yeah, previous Crackberry member and now moved over to AndroidCentral. Always nice to see familiar names.

I think I'm going to pick up the Pixel 5a when it launches. While the new Google Tensor processors and all new camera design is awesome.

Would have to agree with others here that, even though it's "old" tech. It still takes great photos, and for that price, it's very good value.

 

[Matty]

I believe they have upgraded to the 780G processor this year. But yes it is left over tech. Getting the 4a 5G for $50 less. Which is excellent value. I love my 4a 5G very much and it does everything I need it to do. But I am not a heavy gamer.

Thanks for the feedback Kizzy. Sounds like it should be perfect in the performance department. The only game I really play on my phone is Pokémon Go (yes it's still going lol) so wouldn't considered that "heavy use".

I do like to take photos but not overly concerned about the small details. As long as the photo is decent and looks clear, I'm happy. Keen to try out the Night sight and taking photos of the moon.

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

Hey no worries. I don’t get any stutter and the cameras are still excellent. Same quality as the flagship 4xl which my husband uses.

I am running beta Android 12 and it is lovely and smooth on this phone.

 

[livetovacation60]

I love the "A Series" Pixels! Almost 2 years ago I moved from 2XL to a 3a XL and to this day I'm still really happy with it. I think it all comes down to what you use it for. For me battery life, Camera and software experience says it for me. I looked at the 4a 5G and almost bit, but decided to hang with this another year. Curious about the 5A but I'm thinking next year or maybe waiting for a better price. As previously mentioned I tend to wait awhile after a new phone is released hoping for better pricing down the road.

 

[Morty2264]

Hello Morty! We meet again lol.

Yeah, previous Crackberry member and now moved over to AndroidCentral. Always nice to see familiar names.

I think I'm going to pick up the Pixel 5a when it launches. While the new Google Tensor processors and all new camera design is awesome.

Would have to agree with others here that, even though it's "old" tech. It still takes great photos, and for that price, it's very good value.

Hi! Yes, I thought you were from CrackBerry! Welcome to Android Central - we have green cookies! LOOL.

That sounds like a great purchasing choice! I am sure that you won't be disappointed with the Pixel 5a's camera! What phone are you using currently?

 

[amyf27]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to get your opinion on this. Google is rumoured to be launching the Pixel 5a 5G later this month.

Sporting many of the same internals as the previous flagship Pixel 5 such as the 765G professor and a camera that's nearing 4 years old already.

Do you think it's worth the rumoured price of $450 as a compelling budget option or would you rather spend the extra and go for the Pixel 6 with it's all new cameras, processors & screen?

Thanks for all the feedback

I'm not a Google phone person, but depends what you're looking for. I'm used to flagship devices so Pixel 6 would be my thought

 

[Morty2264]

I'm not a Google phone person, but depends what you're looking for. I'm used to flagship devices so Pixel 6 would be my thought

What phone are you using again - it's a Samsung one, yes?

 

[amyf27]

What phone are you using again - it's a Samsung one, yes?

S21 Ultra

 

[Morty2264]

S21 Ultra

Right! Thank you for reminding me! That's a great phone!

 

[Matty]

I'm not a Google phone person, but depends what you're looking for. I'm used to flagship devices so Pixel 6 would be my thought

According to Google's SVP of Devices and Services, Rick Osterloh. He went on a interview with a German publication called Der Spiegel where he stated the high end specs will be matched with a high end price.

So I'm assuming we are talking $849 for the regular and maybe $949 for the Pro model. I can't see them going higher since the Z Flip 3 is at that $999 price tag currently.

 

[pseudoware]

According to Android Police:

"Through our source we were also able to confirm the Pixel 5a will be announced on Tuesday, August 17."

They're also reporting a 4,680mAh battery.

Although I have my mind set on the 6 Pro, I'm still tempted to pull the trigger on this. Just because. ??????

 

[Matty]

According to Android Police:

"Through our source we were also able to confirm the Pixel 5a will be announced on Tuesday, August 17."

They're also reporting a 4,680mAh battery.

Although I have my mind set on the 6 Pro, I'm still tempted to pull the trigger on this. Just because.

The main attraction for me is the battery size. Increasing from 3,800 (4a) to 4,700mAh is quite a significant improvement.

Very exciting. Everyone loves a long battery life. Charging has become faster these days but if you don't need to charge during the day no matter how heavily you use your phone. Thats perfect. Can just use a slow charger overnight.

Hopefully the rumours are true. $450 is so nice. Especially when you getting 5G , Headphone jack & 128gb of storage.

 

[Morty2264]

The main attraction for me is the battery size. Increasing from 3,800 (4a) to 4,700mAh is quite a significant improvement.

Very exciting. Everyone loves a long battery life. Charging has become faster these days but if you don't need to charge during the day no matter how heavily you use your phone. Thats perfect. Can just use a slow charger overnight.

Hopefully the rumours are true. $450 is so nice. Especially when you getting 5G , Headphone jack & 128gb of storage.

Long battery life and all of those specs for such a great value - I can understand why you'd want to jump on that offer!

 

[pseudoware]

So, I just bought the 5a at the Play Store. $450. Should arrive this wknd or early next week