After Google discarded the possibility of launching any midrange smartphone with the Google Pixel 6 lineup announcement, users got underwhelmed. Google is going to introduce its in-house chip, Tensor, through the Google Pixel 6 series. However, the latest announcement regarding Google Pixel 5a has turned on the new hope with 5G connectivity. And, that’s too within the budget of a mid-range smartphone.

Google has meant the affordability factor through all the ‘a’ series smartphones. We hope that Google Pixel 5a won’t be any exception to this. On the other hand, users need not compromise on exclusive features when they would go with Google Pixel 5a. 

Let’s check out whether Google Pixel 5a can replace your smartphone for supersonic 5G connectivity and other smart features.

Pixel 5a 5G: Specifications

Before we leap to the detailed review of Google Pixel 5a, it will be better that we check out the specifications of the smartphone. According to Mobile Repair Dubai professionals, these are the technical specifications of Google Pixel 5a:

• Display: 6.34-inch OLED, 1080 x2400 pixels resolution, 60Hz, aspect ratio of 20:9, 415ppi
• Memory: 6GB RAM, 128GB ROM (non-expandable)
• Processor: Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G; Octa-core; Adreno 620
• Dimensions: 154.9 x 73.7 x 7.6 mm
• Weight: 183 gram
• Build: Plastic/Aluminum unibody; Gorilla glass front; IP67 dust/ water resistant (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
• Operating System: Android 11
• Front Camera: 8 Mp, f/2.0, 83-degree (wide), 24mm, 1.12μm
• Rear Camera: 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 77-degree (wide), 27mm, 1.4μm, dual pixel PDAF (main camera); 16MP, f/2.2, 83-degree (wide), 1.0μm, 119-degree (ultra-wide angle camera)
• Battery capacity: 4680 mAh, fast charging 18W
• Fingerprint Reader: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor

Build, Design, & Display

The signature build of the ‘a’ series from Google Pixel is that it comes in a minimalistic and compact design. This doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your preferences if you opt for Google Pixel 5a. The body might not feel premium, but it’s nothing less than that. The smartphone from Google comes with a metal unibody build, and that’s way better than all the mid-range available in the market. And, if you face any difficulty, Smart data Recovery is there to assist you.

The display appears pretty awesome, and the buttons seem to be durable enough. Although you might not like how the smartphone attracts all the fingerprints, especially on the black back cover. However, Google has included the IP67 technology. But, the plastic finish makes it difficult for you to erase the fingerprints from the Google Pixel 5a lineup.

The dual-camera getup of this smartphone appears classy, and the fingerprint reader resides below the camera setup. This 6.34-inch smartphone comes with thin bezels. If you compare this smartphone with Google Pixel 4a, then Google Pixel 5a is a better option. On the other hand, the display of this smartphone comes with a refresh rate of only 60Hz. This is quite disappointing as other mid-range smartphones are offering a 90Hz refresh rate in the same price range.

Therefore, the display of Google Pixel 5a is not up to the mark when you want to play high-end games. But, the screen is big enough to help you play standard games. The credit goes to the OLED technology that has made the screen appropriate for viewing even in the sun. The maximum brightness of this smartphone is 850 nits, and that’s enough for watching anything on this phone in bright daylight.

Cameras

The latest smartphones have become the replacement for DSLR cameras. Well, there is not much change in the camera setup since the last Google Pixel ‘a’ series. The primary lens of the rear camera is 12.2MP, and a 16MP ultra-wide camera has joined the primary camera. However, Google Pixel 4a had only the 12.2MP primary lens.

How’s the camera performance of the Google Pixel 5a range? Well, it’s almost similar to the Google Pixel 5 series. It has got the same camera hardware as Google Pixel 5. And, users will love the selfie experience due to the 8MP front-end camera. The colours of the image appear to be all-natural. Additionally, the night shots are quite excellent for such a mid-range smartphone from Google.

On the other hand, the portrait also comes out to be much better than expected. Not a single highlight goes missing with the selfie camera. You can expect sharp selfies to come out from your Google Pixel 5a. In addition, you will find perfect contrast and white balance for both front and rear cameras of Google Pixel 5a.

Performance & Software

Any review is incomplete without a complete overview of performance and smartphone performance aspects. Speaking about the chipset, frankly, it’s not a smart move. The chipset remains the same old processor from the Snapdragon 765. The RAM capacity of 6 GB is enough for the decent performance of the smartphone.

We won’t say that the Snapdragon 765G is a bad one, but definitely an improvement over the Snapdragon 730G used in Google Pixel 4a. Gamers can definitely use this phone. Yet, the smartphone might heat up a little bit. However, you’ll feel no cliche when running day-to-day tasks on Google Pixel 5a.

Currently, Google Pixel 5a is running on Android 11. But recently, Android 12 will be out in the market. And, no doubt, users will get the upgrade to the latest Android version. With Android 11, you can personalise a few features on your Google Pixel 5a.

Connectivity, Speakers & Miscellaneous

It’s not a secret anymore that Google Pixel 5a will be available in the 5G mode of connectivity. And, we all can expect a surge in connectivity and network terms when it comes to Google Pixel 5a. Apart from excellent 5G connectivity, Google Pixel 5a offers you, magnificent speakers. They are so powerful that you can experience seamless video calls, without plugging in any earphones. The same is true for enjoying your hard-core gaming experience.

Additionally, you already know that biometrics facilities are provided in the Google Pixel 5a and it has a fingerprint reader. This provides you with a snappy affair when you want to unlock your smartphone real quick. The position of the fingerprint reader is appreciable. You can easily reach it.

Battery

If you are a fan of a long-lasting battery for your smartphone, then you’re going to love Google Pixel 5a. It’s a 4860mAh battery that can last a phone call up to 2 hours, media consumption up to 3 hours, browsing for up to 2 hours, and much more inclusively. The smartphone is able to break the record of the Pixel 4a and we are happy about that.

Should you Go for Google Pixel 5a?

In case you like to go Android, then a smartphone from Google will keep you steps ahead. On the other hand, Google Pixel 5a is a mid-range, budget-friendly smartphone that comes with awesome camera features. Though it’s priced at $499, it has almost the same performance metrics of Google Pixel 5.

Google is delivering the top-notch processor, along with other hardware compatibility. However, you can dodge this option, if you don’t like the refresh rate of the display. But, the breakthrough is that you will get 5G connectivity with Google Pixel 5a. If these are enough to consider your technical requirements, then you can definitely go with Google Pixel 5a.