Last year's Pixel 4A was one of the smallest Android phones around and was later joined by the larger Pixel 4A 5G. Typically, the affordable A-series Pixels come in standard and XL sizes.

What's more disheartening is that it only comes in one size. You should not expect a leap in performance. (There are some fun colored cases to make up for it.) This is also partly why Google is reusing the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G that was in the 5A's predecessor, as well as only loading the new phone with 6 gigabytes of RAM. The 5A is only launching in the US and Japan and comes in just one color-Mostly Black-due to supply chain woes. The pandemic has stymied Google's budget Pixel in many ways. For well under $500, you get an unrivaled camera system, a large OLED screen, smooth performance, smart software, and nearly two days of battery life between charges.

The new Pixel 5A 5G is nearly identical to the $499 Pixel 4A 5G that arrived late in 2020, but at $449, this new handset is now the best deal in Androidland. For the third year in a row, it has made the best smartphone that does everything most people need.

Pixel 5a 5g review