The Pixel 5a with 5G is the newest affordable phone and the first device of the wider 2021 lineup. Here’s everything you need to know.
While the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro could provide the biggest leap for the Made by Google smartphone series in years, the Pixel 5a with 5G is the newest affordable phone, and the first device as part of the wider 2021 lineup. Here’s everything you need to know. You might think you know everything about this latest affordable Android device — much like ourselves — but like many things in life, there is far more nuance here that needs to be explained. Working out just where this follow-up to the Pixel 4a fits is also a confusing prospect with the Pixel 6 series on the horizon. Subscribe to 9to5Google on YouTube for more videos This is the kicker right up top, as the latest Pixel is getting an even more limited release than normal. Only the US and Japan will be able to buy the handset. Pre-orders have opened on the Google Store in both nations, with the official launch day posted as Thursday, August 26. Limited releases are nothing new, but the Pixel 4a saw a similar launch last year before coming to further regions shortly after the Launch Night In event. However, unlike last year, Google has not confirmed whether this will be the case this time around. Sadly, those of us in global markets won’t be able to get hold of this mid-range, affordably focused Pixel this year. That is, unless you’re happy to import a device and deal with any associated complications. A quick glance at the spec sheet of the Pixel 5a with 5G and you’ll struggle to see the difference between the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G. The design is practically identical to the Pixel 4a 5G but with a notable difference — a metal chassis. If you’ve held the Pixel 5, the experience is fairly similar. It has a bio-resin coating over a metal unibody with five layers of forest green paint. This means it weighs more — around 15 grams more, to be precise. Like with the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G, there is only one color available. Google calls this “Mostly Black,” but as we note it’s a very deep green. Another touch that indicates this is a Google-designed device is the return of a playful ridged lighter green lock button.
