Google Unveils Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G

Google on Wednesday announced its latest Android flagship, the $699 Pixel with a mid-range processor, an ultrawide camera and 5G support.

The Pixel 5 is Google’s new top phone, which slots in above the well received but heavily delayed Pixel 4a and the new Pixel 4a 5G, which also launches today.

Announced during a live-streamed event, the new Pixel 5 replaces the Pixel 4 with a cheaper, simplified design, ditching its face recognition system for the older fingerprint scanner mounted in the back of the device.

The new phone has a 6in 90Hz OLED screen with a selfie camera poking through a hole in the top left and a dual-camera setup with wide and ultra-wide lenses on the back, but no optical telephoto zoom camera.

Differing from top-spec rivals, the Pixel 5 has Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G mid-range processor, rather than the Snapdragon 865 used in the latest Samsung and OnePlus phones. It has 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, wireless charging, water resistance and 5G support. The phone’s case is made of 100% recycled aluminium and it costs £599 in the UK or $699 in the US shipping on 15 October.

The new Pixel 4a 5G is a larger, 5G-enabled version of Google’s excellent mid-range smartphone the Pixel 4a. It features a bigger 6.2in screen, larger battery, the same two cameras on the back and the same Snapdragon 765G chip as the Pixel 5, but has the same plastic body and design as its smaller, cheaper sibling.

The Pixel 4a 5G costs £499 in the UK or $499 in the US shipping on 19 November.

The Pixel 4a 5G, meanwhile, is considerably more than a Pixel 4a with faster wireless data. At the event, Google confirmed the Pixel 4a 5G would have a larger 6.2-inch OLED (albeit at 60Hz) as well as the same Snapdragon 765G and cameras as the Pixel 5. You’ll have to be content with 6GB of RAM, a plastic body, and 18W wired charging, but it could be worthwhile if you want more than the no-frills 4a without spending much on features you know you won’t use.

Software and Google services play important roles beyond photography. Extreme Battery Saver helps wring up to 48 hours of longevity out your phone, while Hold for Me saves you from having to listen to hold music while you wait for customer service. These features will be coming to older devices in time.

The Pixel 5 is available to pre-order now in the US and several other countries with a release date of October 15 and a $699 price. The Pixel 4a 5G starts at a $499 price with a release date of October 15 in Japan, and November 9 elsewhere. Buyers also get free three month trials for Stadia and YouTube Premium, 100GB of Google One storage for three months, Google Play Pass and Gold/Silver Play Points status.

October 01, 2020