The Pixel 5a works on 5G networks, has a bigger screen and battery than the Pixel 5 and 4a, and arrives with Android 11 preinstalled.
Google Pixel 5 ReviewWhen Will the Pixel 5a Be Released?
The Pixel 5a looks basically identical to the Pixel 4a 5G, which is nearly a twin to the Pixel 5. In other words, the Pixel 5 and 5a are hard to tell apart by just looking from the outside. This phone has a 6.34" display, 12.2 MP dual-pixel camera, and punch-hole selfie camera.
It was officially announced on August 17, 2021, and began shipping on August 26.
Side note: Google released the Pixel 6 in October 2021, not long after the Pixel 5a.
Pixel 5a Pre-Orders
Pixel 5a pre-orders went live on August 17 via the Google Store. It's available exclusively in the US and Japan.
Pixel 5a Price
Early rumors turned out to be accurate: the Pixel 5a is listed at $450:
The Pixel 5 starts at $699. For comparison, at the launch of the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4 was $799 and the Pixel 4a was $349.
Pixel 5a Design
Unsurprisingly, the Pixel 5a looks essentially identical to the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5. With the same punch-hole camera at the top left and a square camera module on the back, it's hard to tell this phone apart from the last few iterations.
Like other phones with a fingerprint reader, the 5a positions it just below and to the center of the rear-facing camera.
Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a
It'd be pointless for Google to develop a phone that 100% mimics a previous phone. So, while they might sound similar, there are some differences between the Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a. That said, it is pretty similar, at least in looks, to the Pixel 5.