Google Pixel 5a 5G
Why should you buy it: The Pixel has a larger battery than the Pixel 4a, as well as the excellent camera you’d expect from a Pixel device and 5G connectivity.
Who it’s for: Anyone with a $450 budget looking for the greatest 5G phone available.
Why did we choose it: The Google Pixel 5a 5G costs right under $450 and offers a lot for the money. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G CPU with 6GB of RAM powers the device. Everything runs easily, and it can even handle demanding games like Genshin Impact, albeit the Pixel 6’s 90Hz refresh rate isn’t present here, only 60Hz. You also get a 6.34-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2400 x 1800 that looks fantastic both indoors and out.
The camera, which (on paper) is similar to the Pixel 4a, is maybe the most appealing feature. A 12.2MP single-lens camera with all of the same A.I. features as the Pixel 5, an 8MP front-facing camera, and a 16MP ultrawide lens with a 117-degree field of view. However, it is the software that distinguishes these cameras. The 5a 5G excels at low-light photography, with Night Sight automatically activated in dim circumstances. There’s astrophotography for stunning night sky photos, as well as 1080p and 4K video capture at 60 frames per second.
Battery life has improved over the Pixel 4a, with a 4,690mAh battery that should last one and a half to two days on typical use. There is 18W fast wired charging available, but no wireless charging.
The Pixel 5a 5G runs Android 11 and is assured to receive three years of OS and security updates. You’ll also receive Google Assistant smarts and integrations like “Hold for Me,” which allows Google Assistant to screen calls and hold callers.
This phone boasts 128GB of storage and IP67 water and dust resistance rating, so it’s suitable for a day at the beach or a fast dip in the bath.
If you have a $450 budget, the Pixel 5a 5G delivers on its promises, including better battery life over the 4a 5G, superb camera performance, and waterproofing.