Is Google Pixel 5 and 5a Same?


Google Pixel 5a and 5d are the same.

There are two devices officially released by Google, the Pixel 5. One is the handset, and the other is the device with a built-in smart speaker called the Google Home Mini. The latter has been on sale for a while in the United States but is only limited to people living in New York City who selected it last winter. The Google PixelOpens in a new tab. 5a and 5d are the same devices. At the end of September, it was officially released to the rest of the world.

It’s quite similar to the Pixel 5 but has a larger screen and battery life. The GoogleOpens in a new tab. Pixel 5a is the superior buy. However, the Pixel 5 features improved memory, a faster refresh rate display, and the ability to charge wirelessly.

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Google Pixel 5a or 5d?

For those who do not understand, there is a difference between Google PixelOpens in a new tab. 5a and Pixel 5d. However, the design and hardware part is the same. Of course, one uses Android Pie while the other operates on Android 8 Oreo, but that’s the only discernible difference.

Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 5a

Google Pixel 5 is a smartphone that runs on Android 8 Oreo, while the Google HomeOpens in a new tab. Mini built-in runs on Android 9 Pie. The price difference between the two is quite extensive; in other words, Google Pixel 5 costs $599, whereas the Google Home Mini costs only $49. But if you buy both of them together, it will cost you $649. The price of the Google Home Mini is even lower than the regular Home smart speaker, which costs $129.

Why is Google Pixel 5a or 5d?

If you want to buy a Pixel handset, why don’t you go for the official Google Pixel 5? Why do you have to buy the smart speaker, even if it does not make sense from a cost-effectiveness standpoint? The answer is simple. The Google Home Mini built-in with Google Pixel 5a or 5d is much better than the standard smart speaker sold by Google. So it is undoubtedly worth going for it, especially if you have a family and want a device that can be used as a primary speaker and a smart assistant.

Specs:

As mentioned earlier, Pixel 5a and 5d have similar hardware specifications since they run almost the same operating system, i.e., Android Oreo. On the other hand, there are two new Google smartphones, both called Pixel 5, but one runs Android Pie, and the other uses Android 8 Oreo; therefore, they have different names.

Specs of Pixel 5a

  • CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 670.
  • GPU: Adreno 615.
  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X.
  • Storage: 64GB or 128GB, expandable up to 2TB with a MicroSD card slot.
  • Screen size and resolution: 5.2-inch, FHD+ (1,920 x 1,080) at 409 pixels per inch and 18:9 aspect ratio. The screen is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3. Because of its design, it also functions as a “squircle” indicator light. 
  • Cameras: 12.2-megapixel rear camera with f/1.8 aperture and a pixel size of 1.4um (Sony IMX363) and a secondary 8-megapixel f/2.2 telephoto lens (IPIX) with a 1.12um pixel size and a 120-degree wide-angle field of view to take better group selfies.
  • Portrait mode is available with the Google Pixel 5a.
  • Video recording in 4K UHD with electronic image stabilization, Google Lens, and AR Stickers by Google. Slow Motion mode is present as well.
  • Selfie camera: 8-megapixel with a 77-degree field of view, includes facial recognition technology called Face Unlock.
  • Battery: Non-removable 2,915mAh; Charging is done by the USB Type C port, which provides 18W fast charging support via a 27-watt charging adapter.
  • Connectivity: WiFi 2×2 802.11ac; Bluetooth 5 LE; GPS/GLONASS, NFC and eSIM support.

Specs of Pixel 5d

  • The CPU is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (or Qualcomm Snapdragon 845).
  • GPU: Adreno 540.
  • RAM: 6GB LPDDR4X.
  • Storage: 128GB or 256GB, expandable up to 2TB with a MicroSD card slot.
  • Screen size and resolution: 5.5-inch, FHD+ (1,920 x 1,080) at 441 pixels per inch and an 18:9 aspect ratio. The screen is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3. Also, due to its design, it functions as a ” squircle” alert lamp. 
  • Cameras: 12.2-megapixel rear camera with f/1.8 aperture and a pixel size of 1.4um (Sony IMX363) and a secondary 8-megapixel f/2.2 telephoto lens (IPIX) with a 1.12um pixel size and a 120-degree wide-angle field of view to take better group selfies
  • Portrait mode is available with the Google Pixel 5d.
  • Video recording in 4K UHD with electronic image stabilization, Google Lens, and AR Stickers by Google. Slow Motion mode is present as well.
  • Selfie camera: 8-megapixel with a 77-degree field of view, includes facial recognition technology called Face Unlock.

The Good and Bad in Pixel 5a or 5d?

Both Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 5d are impressive devices that bring the AI smart assistant from Google to another level. More than that, they have excellent performance and hardware specifications. With their price tag, you can get twice the price of many rival handsets, but you are getting more than twice the quality.

Some of the best features of both Pixel 5a and Pixel 5d is that it has a large screen size to work with. Also, it can be attached to your head or put on your face to use as a phone camera in portrait mode. It will take better photos and videos than most smartphones in its class. The Google Assistant smart assistant also works well with this phone by making phone calls and sending messages using your voice command.

Sure, there are some things that Google Assistant doesn’t do well. But they can be easily fixed when paired with a smart speaker like Google Home Mini.

There is a problem with both devices, which is the unlock speed. It has to wait several seconds to unlock the phone, use voice commands, or even click on the home button on the device to wake it up. You have to manually wake up your phone if you want it to work as a smart speaker and as an assistant simultaneously.

Another issue is the storage capacity. The Pixel 5a comes with less storage than the other one. 

Many things can be improved in both devices, like the fingerprint scanner, which is relatively slow, and not as fast as some rivals despite being built-in with the device and the facial expression detection distance. Still, they are both fantastic smart devices from Google and should be on your list if you love AI assistants or buying a good quality phone at a cheap rate.

Google Pixel 5a or 5d: Which One Should You Choose?

It can be tough to decide between the two since Google has explicitly said they are both made for different people. The Google Pixel 5a is made for those who love the brand-new experience on a small screen. It is also good to use as a smart speaker with Google Assistant. On the other hand, those who want more screen size, a better camera, and better performance should choose the Google Pixel 5d.

When comparing costs, there is a negligible distinction between the two options. The Pixel 5a is just for those who want something small, light, and cute with a great camera inside. Those who wish for more screen size, more screen resolution, better performance, and a better camera can get the 5d model.

However, we still think both phones are worth the money you pay. It’s a good phone with an affordable price and excellent hardware specifications, and it also comes with Google’s latest AI smart assistant. In addition, you can use it to take great photos, and it can help you with many things and sometimes even make you laugh. So, if you choose either one of them but still have some doubts, check out our review of the Google Pixel 5a.

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Shop Google pixel 5aOpens in a new tab. on Amazon

Conclusion

Many tech websites have reviewed the Pixel 5a, giving it a great rating and positive feedback. However, the cost of each option is an important consideration when weighing your options. For example, you’re looking at free or $649 for Google’s newest phone, which comes with a deep discount, versus Apple’s $999 starting price for its iPhone 7s and iPhone X models. The Pixel 5a has a lower price tag than most smartphones in its class. 

Charles

Charles is a freelance writer whose areas of expertise include home renovation, gardening, and design. A graduate with a degree in Digital Marketing and Business Management. Charles is currently a freelance writer. Charles is always typing away on his laptop or tackling his newest home improvement project. He likes to spend quality time with his family, riding, and working out at the gym.

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