Google Unveils the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G
The budget-oriented Pixel 3a, then succeeded by the Pixel 4a, has been a runaway success for Google. However, their flagship didn’t exactly set the world on fire. In a drastic change of direction, the newly introduced Pixel 5 sheds its top-of-the-line chipset, in favor of the upper mid-tier Snapdragon 765G, which coincidentally is also onboard the affordable Pixel 4a 5G. The tradition of having a a great camera and timely software updates however still lives on with the price that appeals to the masses.
Pixel 5 – Snapdragon 765G, Full HD+, 90Hz refresh rate, IP68 water resistance
The Pixel 5 is deliberately created not to top any benchmarking tests out there. With a different outlook this time around, Google is aiming for price sensitive segment of the market. In order to do this, some features must go like the flagship chipset found in the previous Pixels. There is Snapdragon 765G this time around, which is a mid-range chipset tailored for high-speed connectivity. Though many eyebrows will be raised by this decision to scale back in the power department, the rest of the specs remains great and even improve upon some shortcomings of Pixel 4.
The 6-inch display of the Pixel 5 looks a lot like every other phones released these days. The front has a small punch-hole display that houses the camera and minimal bezel all around. Gone is the ridiculous notch, which every Android manufacturer are ditching the design aberration anyway. The overall design of the Pixel 5 is minimal at best, without any striking detail to make it stand out– even the choices of colors, black and Sorta Sage don’t scream for attention.
Other holdover feature from the previous Google flagship is the wireless charging. Even better, there is a reverse wireless charging capability which will draw power from the much bigger battery capacity than its predecessor – a 4,080 mAh battery this time around. Last year’s Pixel 4 was plagued with battery issue but the Pixel 5 is going to be way more conservative since it has a less power hungry processor and a more energy-efficient display to deliver more mileage out of the battery.
The Pixel 5 has an aluminum rear which was sourced from recycled material. It is also textured so it can repel smudges and adds more grippy feel to it. The IP68 rating means it is water and dust resistant. The good old rear-mounted fingerprint scanner is as reliable biometric as ever.
It is no secret that the Pixel phones’ strength is its excellent camera. The camera is able to produce stellar photos by utilizing computational photography magic even without having a state-of-the-art hardware. The point of contention is with regard to the dual cameras whereas the main 12MP is always safe bet for a great shooter in its price category. However, Google decided to ditch the secondary telephoto lens in favor of ultrawide camera which others may or may not like. It could have been better if the Pixel 5 has both.
The Pixel 5 is priced at $699 and is now available for preorder. It will be shipped on October 15.
Google Pixel 5 Key Specs
- Display: 6.0-inch OLED, Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), 90Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 6
- CPU / Chipset: Octa-core / Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7 nm)
- RAM: 8GB
- Internal Storage: 128GB (non-expandable)
- Main Cameras (Dual):
12.2 MP, f/1.7 (standard)
16 MP, f/2.2, ultra wide angle camera (107˚) - Selfie Camera
8 MP, f/2.0 - Video:
Main Rear Camera: 4K@ up to 60fps, 1080p@ up to 240fps
Front Camera: 1080p@30fps - Biometrics: Rear Mounted Fingerprint Sensor
- Battery: 4080 mAh, Fast charging (18W)
- Wireless Charging: Yes, with Reverse Wireless Charging
- Water Resistant: Yes, IP68 dust/water resistant
- OS: Android 11
Pixel 4a 5G – Snapdragon 765G, Full HD+, Dual Cameras
The Pixel 4a 5G is definitely a significant enhancement over its smaller sibling, the Pixel 4a. First off, the 6.2-inch 5G version is the ‘XL’ counterpart of the LTE Pixel 4 which measures 5.81 inches. The OLED screen still has Full HD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) resolution and protected by a Gorilla Glass 3. Unlike the Pixel 5, there is no smoother framerate here, as your eyes will be glued to the standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Just like its sibling, the back still has a Polycarbonate material that only comes in black color during its outing at least. There is no water and dust resistance rating as well but as a consolation, there is the legacy headset jack if you like to listen to music with plugged-in headset. A familiar sight is the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking the device.
The Pixel 4a 5G is rigged with a more powerful chipset than its non-5G namesake. It is fitted with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G and still has spacious storage room with 128GB with 6GB of RAM.
Camera quality is the Pixel line’s strong suit, as does the 4a 5G with its now dual cameras at the back. Aside from the 12.2MP dual-pixel F1.7 main camera, there is also the secondary 16MP ultrawide lens. Just like the Pixel 5, there are a chock full of camera goodness like Google’s AI-powered image processing software that produces excellent photos even without the high-end camera hardware. Features such as Night sight captures more details in the dark and for something more fancy, Astrophotography mode takes smartphone pictures of stars at night to the next level.
When it come to battery life, Google is not as stingy with the Pixel 4a 5G with 3885 mAh capacity to keep the lights on. Unfortunately, there is no wireless or reverse wireless charging unlike the Pixel 5.
The Pixel 4a 5G will start at $499 in the US and is going to be available sometime mid-October.
Google Pixel 4a Key Specs
- Display: 6.2-inch OLED, Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), Gorilla Glass 3
- CPU / Chipset: Octa-core / Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7 nm)
- RAM: 8GB
- Internal Storage: 128GB (non-expandable)
- Main Cameras (Dual):
12.2 MP, f/1.7 (standard)
16 MP, f/2.2, ultra wide angle camera (107˚) - Selfie Camera
8 MP, f/2.0 - Video:
Main Rear Camera: 4K@ up to 60fps, 1080p@ up to 240fps
Front Camera: 1080p@30fps - Biometrics: Rear Mounted Fingerprint Sensor
- Battery: 3885 mAh, Fast charging (18W)
- Wireless Charging: No
- Water Resistant: No
- OS: Android 11
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