Google Pixel 5 alternatives - 8 other phones to consider before you buy - Android
We’ve known about it for months, but the Google Pixel 5 is finally official. Coming in at $699, the new Google flagship sacrifices a bit of power on paper to deliver a lower price, 5G, and flagship-level features in other areas.
What if you want more value for money? Or maybe you simply want a world-class phone regardless of price? Join us as we look at some of the best Google Pixel 5 alternatives you can get your hands on.
The OnePlus 8 isn’t quite as big a leap as the OnePlus 7T was in the brand’s smartphone history, but you’re still getting a good flagship phone for the same price as the Pixel 5 in the US ($700). It matches the Pixel device by packing 5G, a 90Hz OLED screen, and 128GB of base storage.
OnePlus’ phone steps things up over the Google flagship by offering a more powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset, 30W wired charging (versus 18W charging), a slightly bigger battery, and higher resolution main and selfie cameras if you care about that. OnePlus also tends to offer three Android version updates to its flagships, in line with Google.
If you want more raw power, the OnePlus 8 is an affordable alternative
Google’s phone does have a few upsides compared to the OnePlus 8 though, such as wireless charging and a reputation for better image quality. It’s also worth noting that US carrier versions of the OnePlus device are the only variants to officially offer water resistance. Meanwhile, the Pixel 5 offers IP68 water and dust resistance.
The OnePlus Nord is another Google Pixel 5 alternative worth checking out, especially as its ~$350 to ~$460 price tag means it’s well under the Google flagship’s price. You do miss out on wireless charging and an IP rating, but it packs six cameras (a case of quantity over quality though), a 90Hz OLED screen, and a Snapdragon 765G 5G processor. Sadly, it’s unavailable in the US, but those in Europe or looking to import could do far worse than OnePlus’ first budget phone in many years.
There’s also the OnePlus 8T to consider if you’re prepared to wait. It’s expected to cost more than the Pixel 5 when it launches later this month, but shouldn’t break the bank.
The Pixel 4a 5G is arguably the most obvious and best Pixel 5 alternative, as it basically offers the core Pixel 5G experience without the flagship extras. That means you’re not getting a 90Hz refresh rate, wireless charging, or water resistance. Google’s cheaper 5G phone also skimps a little on battery size and RAM compared to the Pixel 5.
The two phones still share plenty of features though, such as a Snapdragon 765G chipset, the same dual rear camera setup (12MP main plus 16MP ultra-wide), and Google’s clean version of Android with three years of promised version updates.
Related: Google Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G vs Pixel 4a: Which should you buy?
Best of all, the Pixel 4a 5G comes in at $499, making it $200 cheaper than the Pixel 5. If you want to go even lower there’s the Pixel 4a too, though you’ll be further sacrificing some crucial features like 5G and a second camera, and that’s before you take into account the even weaker SoC.
So, if you want a bit more than the Pixel 4a but don’t want to splash out $700 on the Pixel 5, this is a great middle ground.
The Pixel 4 series is generally considered to be one of the more disappointing Pixel releases to date, with Google forgoing an ultra-wide lens and the standard Pixel 4 offering a tiny battery. That’s before you even consider the measly 64GB base storage, the less-than-stellar debut of Motion Sense, and the initially high price tags.
Related: Google Pixel 4 XL revisited — The good and bad
In saying so, the Pixel 4 series is still worth considering at the right price, as it offers a more powerful chipset than the Pixel 5, a 90Hz OLED screen, and a dedicated zoom camera. Otherwise, the Pixel 5 brings back the fingerprint scanner, offers 5G, and an ultra-wide shooter in lieu of the telephoto camera. Decisions, decisions.
The Pixel 4 series started at $800, but you’re likely to find it at a cheaper price now that the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G are out. As the phones have been discontinued they won’t be around for long, however.
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