Google’s Pixel 5a will succeed the Pixel 4a this year. While the launch is slated for later this year, it’s worth setting our expectations now that we’ve tasted what to expect from this year’s affordable Google Pixel smartphone.
Google first launched the Pixel series almost five years ago. Far removed from the earlier Nexus series, the first generation Pixel and Pixel XL were presented as premium products to compete with the iPhone and Samsung’s flagship range. The Pixel series – as the name suggests – is intended to deliver high-quality smartphone photography, which is mainly achieved using machine learning algorithms to enrich images. But without any distinguishing feature or a reliable track record in making trendy smartphones, Google is struggling to ensure profitability in the smartphone business.
After the disappointing response to the Pixel 3 series, Google decided to launch an affordable Pixel that offered the same camera prowess but without many other premium features such as an IP rating, wireless charging, glass design, etc. This decision boosted Google’s smartphone sales. with two-fold and confirmed a spot for the A Series in Google’s hardware portfolio.
The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL were succeeded the following year by the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G. We expect Google to launch the Pixel 5a (codenamed Barbette) in 2021, and here’s everything we know and expect from the smartphone.
Google Pixel 5a: expected release date
The Google Pixel 3a was unveiled at the Google I / O 2019 developer conference held in May of that year, and the Pixel 4a was expected to be released around the same time in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench. in these plans and resulted in the cancellation of a physical Google I / O event. The pandemic also delayed the usual launch timeline for the products, and the Pixel 4a was launched in August 2020 instead of May. Later in October, at an online event, Google announced the Pixel 4a 5G in addition to the more premium Google Pixel 5.
Google Pixel 5a leaked renderings, Source: @OnLeaks
Based on last year’s launch timeline, we expect Google to unveil the Pixel 5a in or around August 2021. In particular, we look at how Google doesn’t usually rush the launch of its hardware products.
We have not yet witnessed a leak or official announcement from Google regarding this release, but we will be updating this section as soon as possible.
Variants
For the first generation of affordable Pixel devices, Google launched the Pixel 3a in two different sizes. Despite their different dimensions, the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL had the same specs – except for display size. The company strayed from the usual running of two different sized devices with the Pixel 4a, which had a 4G variant and another 5G variant. Aside from running on different internal chipsets, the vanilla Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G had different rear camera configurations – despite identical camera bumps.
The standard Pixel 4a had only one camera, which is a 12MP camera that Google has used since the Pixel 2 series. The Pixel 4a 5G, on the other hand, had a dual rear camera, including a standard 12MP camera – the same as the other Pixel devices – and an ultra-wide 16MP camera, just like the Pixel 5.
Notably, while the Pixel 4a got two devices under its banner, the Pixel 5 had a single variant. With 5G becoming more mainstream in 2021, it would be disappointing if Google only released a 4G-only model of the Pixel 5a. Both Qualcomm and MediaTek now have entry-level chipset offerings with 5G connectivity, so we expect (hope) Google will use one.
Design
We’ve discussed the changes seen in the history of the affordable Pixel lineup above. According to a recent leak by the seasoned leaker, OnLeaks aka Steve Hemmerstoffer, the Pixel 5a will use the same camera as the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5. In fact, no visible changes have been made to the design as Google appears to be recycling the same design for the Pixel 5a.
OnLeaks notes that the Pixel 5a is 2.3mm longer, 0.8mm narrower and 0.6mm thicker than the Pixel 4a 5G. The alleged dimensions of the Pixel 5a are 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8mm (9.4mm thick including the camera bump). The increase in length appears to be due to the chin appearing slightly larger in the leaked renders than the previous devices.
Google Pixel 5a leaked renderings, Source: @OnLeaks
Despite these minor changes in dimensions, the Pixel 5a will inherit a 6.2-inch OLED display from the Pixel 4a 5G. The screen is expected to have a Full HD + resolution and a cutout in the top left corner, just like the Pixel 4a 5G. While the leaker doesn’t mention it, we hope the Google Pixel 5a’s screen has a 90Hz refresh rate, which would be an upgrade over the 60Hz screen on the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G. As with the previous devices, this is a flat screen with no curves around the screen.
Despite using an OLED display, Google seems to be eager to stick with a capacitive fingerprint scanner on the back of the phone, rather than resorting to under-display fingerprint technology. The volume buttons and power button with color accents also seem unchanged.
Fortunately, the Pixel 5a is being suggested to keep the 3.5mm headphone jack even nearly three years after Google removed it from its flagship Pixel devices. The layout of the stereo speakers also remains intact.
Camera
As we mentioned above, the Pixel 5a has been proposed to have a dual rear camera – a first for the affordable Pixel range. This includes a 12 MP primary camera and a 16 MP ultra wide angle camera. These cameras will likely remain unchanged from what we’ve seen on the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5.
Google Pixel 5a leaked renderings, Source: @OnLeaks
Still, we can expect generation upgrades in terms of image processing, in addition to probably some exclusive features. Just like the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5, the two camera sensors on the Pixel 5a are arranged horizontally along the center of the square camera bump. According to the leaked renderings, there is another sensor under these cameras, and it could be a PDAF sensor or a flicker sensor.
The selfie camera is nested again in the recess in the display. While the leak didn’t reveal the resolution of this camera, Google traditionally uses 8MP cameras, and that has served well. We can expect the same to be carried over to the Pixel 5a.
Google Pixel 5a: Expected price
The Pixel 3a launched for $ 399 in the US, while it was more expensive in certain markets such as India. For that stunning camera, the Pixel 3a wasn’t a bad investment at all, but it had mediocre performance. Google has made the Pixel 4a more accessible and attractive by lowering the price to $ 349. Meanwhile, the Pixel 4a 5G cost $ 499, which is good for its more powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset with 5G capabilities.
While there aren’t any specifics about the Pixel 5a’s price yet, we wouldn’t be surprised if it also costs between $ 450 and $ 550.
We will keep updating this article with more details as we learn about it in the coming months, until the official launch of Pixel 5a.
Featured Image: Google Pixel 5a Leaked Renderings, Source: Voice @OnLeaks