Now, there’s a chance that Google will announce more than one Pixel 5a device this year, as it did in the past, but the likelihood of that is really low. For the time being, only one has been rumored, and that almost certainly won’t change. In this article, we’ll talk about all the information that surfaced thus far, as we’re coming closer to the launch of Google’s mid-ranger(s). We’ll kick things off with the design, and more from there. This article will be regularly updated with new information on the Google Pixel 5a (this is a preview article) — both official teasers and credible leaks, rumors, and insider claims — as it becomes available in the run-up to the release of the upcoming Android smartphone. The last update was made on August 13.
The Google Pixel 5a will offer an extremely familiar design
The Google Pixel 5a did leak in several CAD-based renders, so we know what to expect in terms of its design. Much like its predecessors, this phone will be made out of polycarbonate (plastic), and it will even resemble the Pixel 4a series quite a bit. In fact, this smartphone looks basically the same as the Pixel 4a 5G. That’s not even an exaggeration, it seems like the same materials are used, the rear camera setup looks the same, the fingerprint scanner is in the same place, as is the display camera hole. Presuming that the leaked renders are accurate, the Pixel 5a will be made out of plastic. It will include rather thin bezels, while its bottom bezel will be the thickest. A display camera hole sits in the top-left corner, while the phone’s display is flat The power / lock key is located on the right side, above the volume up and down buttons. That power / lock key is in a different color compared to the rest of the phone. Its rear-facing camera housing does protrude a bit, while Google’s logo is visible on the back. A Type-C port is located at the bottom of the phone, while the fingerprint scanner is on the back. The phone’s display comes with rounded edges, and the same goes for the device itself. If Google ends up releasing the Google Pixel 5a XL, or something of the sort, chances are it will look the same as the regular model.
5G connectivity will be included, along with a larger display
Information regarding the Google Pixel 5a specifications is quite limited at this point in time. What we do know, however, is that it’s expected to feature a 6.4-inch fullHD+ OLED display. That information got shared along with the CAD-based renders you can see above. That is the same display size the Pixel 4a 5G offered. It could indicate that the Pixel 5a base model will be larger than the Pixel 4a base model, quite a bit. That may not sit well with users who want to upgrade. Judging by its display size alone, it will be very similar to the size of the Pixel 4a 5G. The two devices look pretty much the same, and it seems like they’ll feature the same display as well, so… there you go. For those of you who are wondering, the Pixel 4a 5G measures 153.9 x 74 x 8.2mm, and weighs 168 grams. That’s probably what we’ll get with the 5a model.
Don’t worry, an audio jack is not going anywhere
Another spec-related detail that was mentioned was the audio jack. The Pixel 5a will follow in the Pixel 4a and 4a 5G’s footsteps, and include a 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s pretty much everything that surfaced regarding its specs, though we can guess some additional ones. We’re expecting to see Snapdragon 700-series SoC here, though an upgrade over the Snapdragon 730 in the Pixel 4a. The Snapdragon 750G or 765G seem like a logical choice, and they would also enable 5G connectivity. Well, it seems like the Snapdragon 765G will be Google’s choice, at least according to a recent report. The company plans to use the same SoC that fuels the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5. Google will almost certainly stick to a 60Hz display in the Pixel 5a. The phone may also retain 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, unless Google pushes its RAM up to 8GB, we’ll see. The device likely won’t offer an official IP rating, while it may also retain 18W wired charging. It is quite likely that it won’t offer wireless charging. We’ll talk about its cameras in the next chapter of this preview.
Google may, yet again, use its trusty 12.2-megapixel sensor
Google’s Pixel smartphones have always been focused on providing excellent camera quality. One of the main reasons people buy them is because of their cameras. Google has been using the same main camera sensor for its smartphones since the Pixel 2, and the company’s latest phones can still provide excellent images, amongst the best out there. That camera sensor is starting to show its age, though, despite Google’s software magic. So, the company is expected to replace it with the Pixel 6, but the Pixel 5a will likely still use it. We’re talking about the Sony IMX363, a 12.2-megapixel camera sensor. In fact, it’s possible Google ends up retaining the same camera setup as on the Pixel 4a 5G. This means that a 12.2-megapixel main camera may get joined by a 16-megapixel ultra-wide unit with a 107-degree FoV. An 8-megapixel camera may be included on the front. Google actually accidentally shared a camera sample that points to the same camera setup. It does not exactly confirm it, but it does point in that direction. Which would make this presumption correct.
The Google Pixel 5a is expected to launch in August
So, when will the Google Pixel 5a launch? Well, Jon Prosser, a well-known tipster, hinted that it’s coming in June. He said it’ll launch on June 11. That date has passed, and we’re close to July at this point, so chances are it’s not coming this month. Even though Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, promised “significant” product announcements at Google I/O, the Pixel 5a didn’t arrive. Some rumors did indicate it may, but that didn’t happen. The Pixel 5a may arrive in August, though, if the latest report is to be believed. A separate report tipped August 26 as the launch date, though we don’t know if that’s for the announcement, or release. When it comes to pricing, the device is tipped to cost $450. So, it will cost less than the Pixel 4a 5G. The phone did surface on BIS authority in India, as it got certified. That’s another indicator that the phone is coming soon.
The device will have limited availability
The Google Pixel 5a will launch, but it won’t launch in all markets, its availability will be limited to some regions. Google actually confirmed that the device is coming, contrary to some reports. The thing is, it will be available only in the US and Japan, according to a recent report. European and Indian users won’t be so lucky to be able to get the device.
