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Google unveils the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G
July 23, 2025
Two of Google’s most poorly-kept secrets are now official. Google hasintroducedthePixel 5andPixel 4a 5Gat itsLaunch Night In event, including their release dates and prices. The details won’t be surprising if you’ve been paying close attention, but these are still important devices — both as showcases forAndroid 11and a shift in Google’s Pixel strategy.
Unlike last year’s flagship-levelPixel 4, the Pixel 5 is an upper mid-range phone with a 6-inch, 90Hz OLED screen, a Snapdragon 765G chip, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of non-expandable storage. There’s IP68 water resistance, too. You won’t find a hand gesture sensor or other unique hardware tricks, although the Pixel 5 does offer wireless charging (including reverse wireless charging) and 18W fast charging. And yes, the rumors of a new color were true — you may get the Pixel 5 in a green Sorta Sage hue in addition to Just Black.
The cameras will be mostly familiar to past Pixel owners with a 12.2MP main rear sensor, a new 16MP ultra-wide shooter and an 8MP front camera. As usual, Google is counting on AI and other software features to deliver quality photos. A new Google Photos editor with Portrait Light lets you adjust the lighting for foreground objects even for photos you took years ago, while Cinematic Pan adds movie-like effects to your shots. Night Sight is finally available when capturing portrait mode shots.
See also:The best Android camera phones you may get
The Pixel 4a 5G, meanwhile, is considerably more than aPixel 4awith faster wireless data. At the event, Google confirmed the Pixel 4a 5G would have a larger 6.2-inch OLED (albeit at 60Hz) as well as the same Snapdragon 765G and cameras as the Pixel 5. You’ll have to be content with 6GB of RAM, a plastic body, and 18W wired charging, but it could be worthwhile if you want more than the no-frills 4a without spending much on features you know you won’t use.
Software and Google services play important roles beyond photography. Extreme Battery Saver helps wring up to 48 hours of longevity out your phone, while Hold for Me saves you from having to listen to hold music while you wait for customer service. These features will be coming to older devices in time.
The Pixel 5 is available topre-ordernow in the US and several other countries with a release date of October 15 and a $699 price. The Pixel 4a 5Gstartsat a $499 price with a release date of October 15 in Japan, and November 9 elsewhere. Buyers also get free three month trials forStadiaand YouTube Premium, 100GB ofGoogle Onestorage for three months,Google Play Passand Gold/Silver Play Points status.
Neither the Pixel 4a 5G nor the Pixel 5 is likely to make you jump ship if you have a Pixel 4 or earlier, but that’s probably intentional. Google’sPixel sales were strugglingas it chased flagships like Samsung’sGalaxy S seriesand Apple’shigher-end iPhones, and that was before the pandemic shifted the focusto lower-cost devices. Mid-range phones like the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G help escape those direct comparisons and put the emphasis on value for money.
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