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

[Chuck Finley69]

I know the Pixel 5a was designed as a value proposition, but lack of wireless charging is a major flaw for me. Once you've gotten used to wireless charging its tough to go back to plugging in with a wire. I hope to be sticking with a Pixel 5 in the very near future.

I’ve never seen the big deal of wired charging since even wireless charging requires my device to be “attached” to charger pad? What am I missing?

 

[Chuck Finley69]

After all my talk about not needing to upgrade...I caved and got the Pixel 5A (barely used) on Swappa. Waiting for it to arrive. I will test it out and hopefully there won't be any green tint issues that I have been hearing about. I love my 4A and the size but the IP Rating and huge battery on the 5A really interest me.

I know I could have gotten the best of both worlds with the 5 but there's no headphone jack (yes I STILL use this as I don't have bluetooth headphones), and the under display speaker not being so good it didn't interest me. Sadly with the 6 Google is not doing smaller phones but given the reported specs I imagine they need a pretty big size battery so it can last longer, meaning bigger device.

There’s already 5a on Swappa, wow….

Unfortunately, the definition of smaller and larger devices simply keep creeping upwards in size.

 

[Chuck Finley69]

I hope you like your Pixel 5a! I agree with you about it being a bummer that Google isn't making any smaller phones with the 6 line.

Whadda ya mean? The 6 is smaller than 6 Pro ;-D

 

[anthonium]

Whadda ya mean? The 6 is smaller than 6 Pro ;-D

I feel bad for anybody with skinny jeans. I feel the bigger the phones get that may cargo pants/shorts will start becoming the trend with all the youngins! hahaha

 

[anthonium]

There’s already 5a on Swappa, wow….

Unfortunately, the definition of smaller and larger devices simply keep creeping upwards in size.

Yup there's already been multiple listings. Swappa (and other online merchants) have recently incorporated for the buyer to pay taxes so the really good deals you could get from other sellers are now less attractive. Luckily the person I bought it from (individual seller with good ratings) sold it at a really good price saving me around $60 and he only used it for 2 days to give Android a try (iPhone user). He also threw in a Caseology Vault case which was the one I wanted to get anyway! It's the same one I use with the Pixel 4A.

 

[ras47]

I’ve never seen the big deal of wired charging since even wireless charging requires my device to be “attached” to charger pad? What am I missing?

Wireless charging is a very minor convenience that grows on you more than you would imagine. Like Touch ID, or Face ID, it seems like a gimmick at first. Before long you're wondering how you lived without it.

 

[PowrDroid]

I had wireless charging on my Droid Turbo and I have it on my Nexus 7 (2013) tablet. There is a convenience factor of simply plopping it on the charger without fumbling with the old-style, insert one way USB connector. However, I found the wireless charging to take a lot longer and it seemed it wasn't as robust a charge as with wired chargers.

Since Pixel went to the USB-C connector which can be inserted without orienting it, wireless charging has lost it's luster with me. It's on the "it's nice to have list" but not on the deal breaker list.

 

[anthonium]

Well I just got my Pixel 5A and while going back to a big phone is taking some getting used to I really love the feel of this phone! It checks all the right boxes for me! I'll likely be selling my 4A soon on Swappa.

 

[ezdoit]

Well I just got my Pixel 5A and while going back to a big phone is taking some getting used to I really love the feel of this phone! It checks all the right boxes for me! I'll likely be selling my 4A soon on Swappa.

My thoughts exactly ^^^^^love the 5a. 4a and 5 already sold.

 

[anon(50597)]

Wireless charging is a very minor convenience that grows on you more than you would imagine. Like Touch ID, or Face ID, it seems like a gimmick at first. Before long you're wondering how you lived without it.

I’ve had it with other phones and rarely used it. Nothing I would demand when buying a new phone.

 

[bkeaver]

I’ve had it with other phones and rarely used it. Nothing I would demand when buying a new phone.

Yeah until wireless charging becomes faster it will not be a priority for me. The only time I use it is for convenience when I am not on the move, which is rare.

 

[anthonium]

My thoughts exactly ^^^^^love the 5a. 4a and 5 already sold.

My 4A just sold. I'm extremely happy with the 5A and absolutely love the battery life. Since the 3A I've been sticking with the budget line of Pixel devices and couldn't be happier. For some reason every flagship has had more issues and the budget lines not so much. I'm still interested to read about the upcoming 6 series but I'll hold off for months to even consider one until I've read on other's experiences with it.

Man do I love Pixel phones!!!

 

[Morty2264]

My 4A just sold. I'm extremely happy with the 5A and absolutely love the battery life. Since the 3A I've been sticking with the budget line of Pixel devices and couldn't be happier. For some reason every flagship has had more issues and the budget lines not so much. I'm still interested to read about the upcoming 6 series but I'll hold off for months to even consider one until I've read on other's experiences with it.

Man do I love Pixel phones!!!

I completely agree with you! And Pixel's budget line is still pretty premium! I absolutely love Pixel phones, too!

 

[Chuck Finley69]

I completely agree with you! And Pixel's budget line is still pretty premium! I absolutely love Pixel phones, too!

Until I actually think about it, both the Pixel a model and iPhone XX model of mid-tier devices seem premium to me. I can noticeably see the difference in flagships but never to a point that I’ll pay for it.

I’m also Ford versus Lincoln guy too so maybe I’m just value driven…

 

[Morty2264]

Until I actually think about it, both the Pixel a model and iPhone XX model of mid-tier devices seem premium to me. I can noticeably see the difference in flagships but never to a point that I’ll pay for it.

I’m also Ford versus Lincoln guy too so maybe I’m just value driven…

No, I totally see what you are saying. And I love your auto analogy!