Between the Pixel 3, Pixel 4A, Pixel 5 and Pixel 5A, which Google cellphone is smart to purchase now?
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Recently, I confronted a dilemma: My Google Pixel 3 XL was on its final legs. Its battery was a pale shadow of its former self. Its USB-C port failed to hold a cost half the time. Both sides of the cellphone, display screen and glass again, had been a spiderwebbed mess of cracks and chips. And in line with Google, the cellphone would not be assured any extra Android updates after this October. I wanted a brand new cellphone, pronto.I do know the brand new Pixel 6 ought to arrive this fall (listed here are all of the rumors we have heard about Google’s subsequent Pixel). However, that will be manner too lengthy for me to attend. At first look my choices seemed easy. Long in the past, I’d thrown in my lot with Google’s pure Android platform again within the days of the Nexus 5. Since then I’ve moved on to the unique Pixel XL and the Pixel 3 XL. So the considered switching to an iPhone like the brand new iPhone 13 was ludicrous. And the thought of utilizing a Samsung Galaxy cellphone was equally alien.Read extra: 6 tempting causes to purchase a Google Pixel nowMy plan was to go together with a brand new Pixel — the issue was selecting which one. Scoring a refurb Pixel 3 XL is one technique to go. But there’s additionally the Pixel 4A and Pixel 5. The Pixel 4A and Pixel 5A with 5G are additionally attention-grabbing choices. Confused but? I do not blame you. Ultimately although, I settled on the precise Pixel for me. If you are like me and wish a Google handset proper now, learn on. The cellphone I selected and (and why I picked it) will probably make sense to you, too.Current Pixel telephones ought to get the most recent software program first.
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Straight Android, no chaserAfter I went pure Android, the best way Google meant, I may by no means return. Duplicate apps and tons of nonremovable provider bloatware are however a distant reminiscence. Pixel telephones are additionally the primary to get Android OS and safety updates. That’s not often the case with Samsung or OnePlus units. And the truth that I’m a Google Fi mobile subscriber usually narrows my cellphone alternative choices. All that makes getting a Pixel, any Pixel, my chosen path.It’s time for me to maneuver on from the Pixel 3.
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Choice 1: Pixel 3, 3 XLGoogle not formally sells the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL. That stated, you will discover each fashions on Amazon. To exchange my present Pixel 3 XL (128GB) although, I’d must shell out $470. That’s an excessive amount of to pay for an older processor (Snapdragon 845) and a measly 4GB of RAM. More importantly, Google will finish assured software program updates quickly. That’s why this cellphone is not value it irrespective of how a lot the value could drop.The Google Pixel 4A.
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Choice 2: Pixel 4AThe Pixel 4A comes with the Snapdragon 730G, a greater processor than the 3 XL. You additionally get 6GB of RAM, 128GB of inner reminiscence and promised software program updates from Google up till August 2023. Not a foul deal for $349 — it is a compelling possibility. Still, I may do higher.The Google Pixel 5
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Choice 3: Pixel 5Representing the last word Google-branded Android cellphone (at the least for now) is the Pixel 5. It’s powered by a respectably muscular Snapdragon 765G processor alongside a sturdy 8GB of RAM and 128GB of inner storage. Google will even preserve the system’s software program recent till October 2023. Other welcome options embody wi-fi and reverse wi-fi charging, plus IP68 water and mud safety. The Pixel 5 hyperlinks to 5G mobile networks, too.But even at $699, this cellphone is costly. The Pixel 6 can be right here quickly too, and it is rumored to price $749. Paying prime greenback now for final 12 months’s mannequin is not a shrewd transfer. But I believe it is higher to be frugal and probably splurge as soon as Google releases the complete Pixel 6 particulars. Depending on how a lot it prices and what it could do, it’s possible you’ll determine to move on it or snap one up.The Pixel 4A 5G presents a pleasant compromise between worth, energy and potential. 
Pixel 4A 5G
Choice 4: Pixel 4A 5GThis is the cellphone I in the end chosen as a result of it is an ideal compromise of worth, efficiency and potential. At least that is what I assumed again after I ordered my Pixel 4A 5G in June. With the current launch of the $549 Pixel 5A, all bets are off. My recommendation now could be to get that handset as a substitute (extra on that beneath). Still, on the time I used to be in a position to snatch one for $500 by Google Fi. Right now, Amazon has it in white for $499. It’s out of inventory for the second however could come again quickly.With the identical Snapdragon 765G processor because the Pixel 5, 128GB storage and 6GB of RAM, the Pixel 4A 5G additionally packs a punch. It helps 5G wi-fi and has a much bigger battery than the traditional Pixel 4A, too.Google expects to supply Pixel 4A 5G software program updates till November 2023 (oddly, one month longer than the Pixel 5). All that made this cellphone the clear selection for me — till earlier this week. If I had to decide on immediately although, I’d get the Pixel 5A 5G with no hesitation. Of course, I’ll probably expertise bitter grapes as soon as the Pixel 6 launches.The Google Pixel 5A is a good Android deal.
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Choice 5: Pixel 5AWhat a distinction just a few months makes. Now that Google has unveiled the Pixel 5A, my calculus has shifted, massive time. Priced at $449, this new cellphone is actually $50 lower than the Pixel 4A 5G. Even so, just like the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G, the 5A comes with a beefy Snapdragon 765G processor. Likewise it is decked out with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. You additionally get 5G mobile comparability with the Pixel 5A.What actually units the Pixel 5A aside, at the least for now, is its 4,680-mAh battery and 6.34-inch show (2,400×1,080-pixel decision). Both are greater than what both the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G supply. Better but, Google plans to produce the cellphone with software program updates till August 2024. All that at present makes the Pixel 5A the most effective Pixel deal round.

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For extra, this is how you can determine between a Pixel 5, Pixel 4 and Pixel 4XL, the Pixel 5 versus the Pixel 4A 5G and the Pixel 5 versus the iPhone 11, Galaxy S20 FE and OnePlus 8. Plus, six causes to purchase a Pixel and the way the Pixel 6 may examine to the Pixel 5.