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Pixel 5a
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Google Pixel 5a is finally officially listed as a sequel to Pixel 4a 5G (not Pixel 4a, which is confusing). It seems that this new phone has some reasonable upgrades over last year’s equipment, such as IP67 rating, larger battery and a $50 price cut.
You like the idea of this phone, but do you find yourself curious about other products on the market? Maybe Google’s mid-range is not what you want to start? Or maybe you live outside the two launch markets of the US and Japan and want to see what other great cheap phones are there? Either way, we have provided you with some of the best Google Pixel 5a alternatives.
Our verdict: Google Pixel 5a review
The best Google Pixel 5a alternative
1. Google Pixel 4a 5G
David Immel/Android Authority
Now that the Pixel 5a is official, one of the more obvious alternatives is its predecessor. Yes, Pixel 4a 5G is still a good mid-range product, if you can find it. In fact, it has the same Snapdragon 765G chipset and dual rear camera system (12MP main camera, 16MP ultra wide angle) as the new Pixel device.
what’s the difference? Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G
However, Pixel 4a 5G does lag behind Pixel 5a in some aspects, such as battery size, IP rating and design (compared to the plastic here, the back of the new phone is metal). Nevertheless, you can still have a clear understanding of Android, some unique software features of Pixel, and three years of operating system updates.
Other notable specifications include a 3,885mAh battery, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage space and a rear fingerprint scanner. Perhaps the biggest obstacle is that Pixel 4a 5G has become difficult to find.
2. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
Eric Zeman/Android Authority
In the past, Samsung’s mid-range phones lag far behind competitors, but recent generations of phones have themselves been good devices. In fact, we would say that the Galaxy A52 5G is one of the better mid-range phones overall.
our thoughts: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G review
The horsepower of the A52 5G is not the largest, but the Snapdragon 750G barely beats the Pixel 5a’s Snapdragon 765G chipset. It also meets the IP67 rating of Pixel phones and brings a 120Hz OLED screen, which should be smoother than the 5a’s 60Hz OLED panel.
Samsung’s mobile phone also provides a four-camera system (64MP main camera, 12MP ultra wide-angle, 5MP macro, 5MP depth), 4,500mAh battery and 25W charging, and a 32MP selfie snapper. After three years of operating system updates, you will get one of the best Google Pixel 5a alternatives on the list.
3. OnePlus North 2
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
OnePlus Nord 2 is not available in the United States, but it is a good choice for consumers who cannot use Pixel 5a initially. After all, the new Pixel is only available in two markets. In any case, OnePlus has brought many welcome additions and changes to its second mainline Nord phone.
Our verdict: OnePlus Nord 2 review
Perhaps the biggest upgrade is to switch to the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset. Our own Speed Test G comparison shows that the Snapdragon 765G in Pixel 5a has been significantly improved. So those looking for more horsepower should consider this device. Other notable Nord 2 features include a 6.43-inch 90Hz OLED panel, 4,500mAh battery and 65W wired charging.
OnePlus also takes the less is more approach, offering a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP monochrome sensor. But our own reviewers found that the results of these sea breams were not entirely surprising. Therefore, if you absolutely must have a great camera experience, you should get a Gcam port or consider Pixel 5a.
4. Poco F3
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Redmi K40 was launched in China in early 2021, but the device entered the global market as Poco F3. Being loyal to the spirit of Redmi and Poco, this provides a lot of benefits for your mid-range price, making it one of the better Pixel 5a alternatives in the global market.
Check: Poco F3 review
Some of the more noteworthy Poco F3 specifications include Snapdragon 870 chipset, 120Hz OLED screen, IP53 splash water resistance and 4,520mAh battery, 33W charging. As for photography, you have a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle snapshot and a 5MP telephoto lens.
However, Poco’s mobile phone is not perfect, because we believe that the software has huge loopholes in our reviews and is not polished. Nevertheless, those who cannot use Pixel 5a should add this device to their watch list.
5. Apple iPhone SE 2020
David Immel/Android Authority
Do you mind leaving the Android ecosystem? Then the device worth seeing is last year’s iPhone SE. Apple’s cheapest iPhone costs $400 and usually focuses on necessities. This means that you have an A12 bionic chipset, which is still very beautiful, IP67 waterproof, just like the Pixel 5a, and provides good image quality through the rear camera system. You can even get wireless charging, which is missing from Google’s mid-range devices.
our thoughts: iPhone SE 2020 review
Unfortunately, iPhone SE 2020 does make a lot of compromises elsewhere. The iPhone 8 style design is a bit dated, a rear camera (there is no ultra-wide-angle or telephoto option here), an LCD panel instead of an OLED screen, and a small battery.
However, if you are looking for a good mid-range phone, iPhone SE 2020 is enough. In addition, if you are curious about it, this is the cheapest way to enter the Apple service ecosystem.
Honor Award
- Google Pixel 5 (699 USD): Pixel 5a and Pixel 5 have a lot in common, namely the rear camera system, chipset and water resistance. But the flagship products at the end of 2020 do provide some additional features, such as a 90Hz screen, wireless charging, a beautiful back cover with “bioresin” (plastic) on metal, and unlimited high-quality Google photos storage. In this way, the new Google phone actually has a larger battery and is $250 cheaper. But if you can find a good deal, the flagship is still worth considering.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (USD 549): Google’s mid-range products seem to be very popular, but we think the Galaxy S20 FE is also popular today because it is often well below the suggested retail price of $700. For money, you can get a lot of flagship products. There is a Snapdragon 865 chipset, a 120Hz OLED screen, a multi-functional triple rear camera system, waterproof and wireless charging. So if you want a high-end experience at a cheaper price, Samsung’s equipment is worth considering.
- Moto G100 (499 USD): There are no products like Realme and Xiaomi in the US, but Motorola is one of the more compelling alternatives on the market. The G100 is a very reliable alternative to the Pixel 5a, priced at $499. For cash, you can get a more powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset, a 90Hz display, a 5,000mAh battery, a solid triple camera setup (64MP main camera, 16MP ultra wide angle, 2MP depth, 3D ToF) and a beautiful dual selfie camera system. However, compared to the Pixel 5a, the device has some shortcomings, such as the lack of an OLED panel and the extremely dubious promise of updates. But those who value horsepower should pay attention to this.
This is what we think of the best Google Pixel 5a alternative. Do you think there are any noteworthy devices on the list? Let us know in the comments below!