Google Pixel 5a 128 GB / 6 GB

Traditional Pixel

Recently, Google has been releasing every year not only flagship-level smartphones, but also simpler (which does not mean cheap) models with the prefix “a” in the title. In 2021, it's the Pixel 5a, which has all the makings of a top-of-the-line gadget and just a few minor nuances to ignore given the not-too-high price tag. But first, about the design — we have a classic "pixel" in the spirit of maximum simplicity and minimalism. To be honest, the eye doesn’t even have anything to catch on, but this is the highlight: this design has its fans, and there are many of them, but if you give some frills, we advise you to pay attention to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, here there, for sure, Google designers diverged in earnest (in a good way, of course). But the younger “five” turned out to be not too overall and quite light, and even IP67 water protection was delivered – by the way, for the first time in a Google smartphone of a non-flagship level. Swimming with the phone is still not worth it, but it will definitely survive splashes and rain.

Almost the entire front panel is occupied by a 6.34-inch OLED display with small bezels and an inconspicuous circular cutout for the front camera. It seems that for the sake of economy, they did not add an increased hertz — here the image refresh rate is 60 Hz. But the manufacturer did not stint on the rest: here you have a 3.5 mm audio jack, stereo speakers, and a classic fingerprint scanner on the rear panel. Yes, this is not a fancy under-screen sensor, but it works quickly and reliably — almost like a Swiss watch. Perhaps, only the location of the lock / power button has become unsuccessful — it is located a little high, so it is often impossible to reach it with your thumb.

Great camera

Everyone loves Google smartphones for their cameras, and the Pixel 5a won't disappoint. He has a rather modest set: a rear camera with two modules (12.2 MP and 16 MP "wide") and optical stabilization, as well as an 8-megapixel front camera. Against the background of the now popular 108 MP and quad cameras, which are installed even in low-cost devices, it does not look very good, but do not judge a candy only by its wrapper. Such a modest camera produces excellent photos and videos, processes them quickly and efficiently, handles with any shooting conditions and can compete even with expensive flagships. In fact, this is the same camera as the predecessor Pixel 4a 5G, but you shouldn’t scold for it — why change something that works well anyway?

"Hardware" without flaws

You can’t find fault with the “hardware” of the smartphone either: it is well balanced, and the manufacturer saved where possible without sacrificing quality. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor (like the Pixel 5) works like a well-oiled mechanism, without lags and overheating, quickly completing all the tasks assigned to it. There is support for 5G and an NFC chip that has already become a must-have for contactless payment for purchases. The battery capacity has increased to 4680 mAh, and this is enough for one or even two days of battery life. However charging is not as fast as we would like — 18 W, but the charger is included, and nowadays, thanks for that. Before buying, please note that the model is available only in one version with 6/128 GB of memory, but, alas, there is no slot for a memory card. Finally, what we love about “pixels” is pure Android, that is, without unnecessary shells, add-ons and ads. And most importantly, Google smartphones are among the first to receive operating system updates.