Google Pixel 5a with 5G: release date, price and specs revealed
Everything that we know so far about the upcoming Google Pixel 5a with 5G phone, which releases ahead of the flagship Pixel 6 series.
Google has settled into a steady routine with the rollout of its Pixel smartphone series in recent years. The trend looks set to continue in 2021 with the release of multiple devices – including the newly-announced Pixel 5a with 5G.
After months of online speculation, Google confirmed on Tuesday (17th August) that the Pixel 5a with 5G would only be released in the U.S. and Japan. In the two regions, pre-orders are open now, with the handset priced from $449.
There are three Google Pixel phones currently available: the Google Pixel 5 (£599), Pixel 4a 5G (from £399) and the more wallet-friendly Pixel 4a (from £299). The company is also releasing its new flagship series, the Pixel 6, later this year.
Be sure to follow our coverage of the Google IO 2022 showcase on 11th May, which may be used to unveil the new mid-range Google Pixel 6a smartphone.
In terms of its specs, the Pixel 5a with 5G is essentially a refreshed version of last year’s Pixel 4a 5G, with an identical camera setup and the same storage options. The processor also hasn’t changed from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G.
But there are at least a few upgrades on the handset, which is now $50 cheaper than the 4a 5G. The previous iteration is priced from $499 (£499) on the Google store.
For one, the battery capacity has been given a boost – going from 3885 mAh on the Pixel 4a 5G to a much better 4680mAh on the new Pixel 5A with 5G. Looks-wise, it has also been given a slight refresh – but it firmly retains a minimalistic aesthetic.
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The frame housing the 6.34-inch OLED display is now of premium metal unibody construction over the prior model’s soft touch polycarbonate exterior. There is still a fingerprint scanner on the back of the phone, below the square camera module. Unlike the 4a 5g, the new version comes with IP67 water and dust resistance.
Ultimately, the 5A with 5G is a refresh rather than an overhaul. That’s not a bad thing, as the Pixel phones, in general, remain dependable Android handsets - but the limited availability of the 5a in the UK means attention now turns to the Pixel 6.
Google Pixel 5a with 5G release date
The Google Pixel 5a with 5G is releasing in the U.S. and Japan, and it's unclear if it will see a release in other regions of the world. Even in the U.S., the 5a with 5G is not appearing on major carriers. Instead, it's only available via the Google website. The pre-orders are open now in the U.S. store. It will start shipping on 26th August.
The Pixel 4a was released last August, which led to the (accurate) speculation that the new 5a with 5G would launch around a similar window in 2021.
For comparison, the Google Pixel 5 was released in the U.K last October, and the Google Pixel 4a 5G emerged last November. Unlike the Google Pixel 5a with 5G, the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 smartphones had a wider availability, also hitting Canada, Ireland, France, Germany, Taiwan and Australia alongside our own shores.
Google Pixel 5a with 5G phone specs
While the Pixel 5a with 5G is essentially a new 2021 version of the 4a 5G in a new shell, here are the main specs that you can expect from the new smartphone:
- Display: 6.34-inch OLED (2400 x 1080)
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
- Colours: Mostly Black
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
- Battery: 4680 mAh
- Camera: 12.2 MP main, 16 MP ultrawide
- Selfie camera: 8 MP
- Frame: Premium metal unibody
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Storage: 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
- Audio: USB-C, 3.5mm jack
- OS: Launches with Android 11
Still not sure which Google Pixel to buy? Be sure to check out our full Pixel 5 vs 4a 5G vs 4a comparison guide. If it's 5G you're after, try our best 5G phones round-up.
