Is the Google Pixel 5a 5G worth it? Short answer: No, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is not worth buying at its $449 MSRP. The Pixel 5a 5G is very similar to the Pixel 4a 5G, and you can also get a much better deal on a more powerful smartphone if you buy a gently used Pixel 4 from the Swappa marketplace.
Google unveiled the Pixel 5a 5G on August 17, and released it a short time later, on August 26, 2021. So, now that the once rumored Pixel 5a 5G has been available for a few months — you may be wondering whether it should be your next smartphone.
Read our Google Pixel Buyer’s Guide
Which Google Pixel is the newest?
The Pixel 5a 5G is the latest “a” model smartphone in the Google Pixel lineup. Google has traditionally split the Pixel line between flagships and the “a” models, which are often referred to as more affordable mid-range models. For example, the Pixel 5 and the Google Pixel 6 are the flagships, whereas the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5a 5G are the midrange models.
The Pixel 5 was released in October 2020 and it launched with an MSRP of $699. In comparison, the midrange Pixel 5a 5G has an MSRP of $449. Although the Pixel 5a 5G, released in August 2021, is newer than the Pixel 5, that doesn’t mean it is the best model in the Pixel lineup. It also doesn’t mean a midrange model is going to be the best bargain for your money.
What are the specs for the Google Pixel 5a 5G?
As noted, the Pixel 5a 5G is newer than the Pixel 5. But here at Swappa, we believe that the newest Pixel isn’t always the best value for your money. As you’ll see in the specs table, the Pixel 5a 5G is very similar to the Pixel 4a 5G. Not to mention, both the 5a 5G and the 4a 5G feature hardware specs that are a step below what is now considered the previous generation flagship model, the Google Pixel 4.
| Pixel 5a 5G | Pixel 5 | Pixel 4a 5G | Pixel 4 | |
| Display | 6.3″ FHD+ OLED display (at 413 ppi and 2400 x 1080) | 6.0″ FHD+ OLED display (at 432 ppi and 2340 x 1080) | 6.2″ FHD+ OLED display (at 413 ppi and 2340 x 1080) | 5.7″ FHD+ OLED display (at 444 ppi and 2220 x 1080) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 with Pixel Neural Core |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB | 6GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 64GB or 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 12.2MP dual-pixel and 16MP ultra-wide | 12.2MP dual-pixel and 16MP ultra-wide | 12.2MP dual-pixel and 16MP ultra-wide | 12.2MP dual-pixel and 16MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP | 8MP | 8MP wide-angle |
| Water Resistance Rating | IP67 | IP68 | N/A | IP68 |
| Battery | 4680 mAh | 4080 mAh | 3885 mAh | 2800 mAh |
| Charging | Fast charging | Fast charging, Fast wireless charging, and Battery Share | Fast charging | Fast charging and Fast wireless charging |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Network Connectivity | 5G | 5G | 5G | 4G |
| Size / Weight | 6.1 (H) x 2.9 (W) | 5.7″ (H) x 2.8″ (W) x 0.31″ (D) / 5.3 ounces | 6.06″ (H) x 2.9″ (W) x 0.32″ (D) / 6.0 ounces | 5.79″ (H) x 2.71″ (W) x 0.32″ (D) / 5.7 ounces |
Some of the key differences between the Pixel 5a 5G and the Pixel 4a 5G include a proper IP rating for water resistance, a bigger battery, and a metal unibody design. Putting the mid-range “a” lineup aside, here at Swappa, we’re leaning towards the Pixel 4 as the best Pixel to buy in October 2021. Of course, there is one hardware feature the “a” models have that you will not find on the flagship side of the Pixel lineup — a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Is the Pixel 5a 5G worth the money?
If you’re looking for an Android smartphone with a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the price is a concern, the Google Pixel 5a 5G is worth considering. If you want a Pixel 5a 5G, you should look for a gently used model on Swappa instead of a brand new model from Google because you’ll spend far less money.
An even better deal would be to consider the Google Pixel 4a 5G, which offers many of the same features as the Pixel 5a 5G — including the 3.5mm headphone jack. And, because you can get a gently used Pixel 4a 5G, you will be able to save quite a bit of money on a phone that is still great in 2021. The Pixel 4a 5G currently starts at around $335 in the Swappa marketplace.
This is why you should consider the Google Pixel 4 instead.
We recommend you check out the Google Pixel 4, which as of August 2021, offers better hardware specs at a better price than the Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5a 5G, and even the flagship Pixel 5. You get a significantly faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chip. And although the Pixel 4 display is slightly smaller, it does feature Smooth Display, which means a high refresh rate of up to 90 Hz. Smooth Display isn’t available on the “a” branded midrange models.
You also get fast wireless charging, a soft-touch glass back, Active Edge, and the Pixel Neural Core with the flagship model Pixel 4. The current starting price for a gently used Google Pixel 4 is around $200. You can view the current Google Pixel 4 listings by tapping the widget below.
Ultimately, whether you decide to go with the Pixel 4 or the Pixel 4a 5G — or even if you are holding out for a gently used Google Pixel 6 — you can rest assured knowing that you will get a great deal if you shop in the Swappa marketplace.
Swappa is the safest marketplace to buy used tech. The safety comes courtesy of a support team that vigilantly fights against scammers, and is available 24/7/365 if you ever have any questions or concerns. Swappa has policies that ensure only fully functional devices can be listed for sale, and our “No Junk, No Jerks” policy ensures you will be dealing with like-minded people who simply want to buy and sell used tech without any hassle.
