The Google Pixel 5 is finally here, along with a new budget-friendly option in the Google Pixel 4a 5G. However, the lines between Google’s high-end and mid-tier products are a bit blurred in this generation. With a more modest processor and lower cost, the Pixel 5 isn’t a flagship in the modern $ 1,000 sense of the word. This is certainly not a bad thing, but it does make it harder to figure out if upgrading is harder than usual.
The Pixel 4a and its 5G variant are clearly the upgrade path for value-conscious consumers, but the Pixel 5 still has a few bells and whistles for those looking for the best hardware from Google. If you’re rocking an older Google handset, should you upgrade to the Pixel 5?
See also: Google Pixel 5 Vs Pixel 4a 5G Vs Pixel 4a: Which Should You Buy?
Google Pixel 5 vs Nexus Phones
The modern Pixel series is the successor to Google’s Nexus brand – a line of mobile phones aimed more at developers than mainstream consumers. The 2015 Nexus 5X and 6P were the last smartphones in the line, so I’ll be very impressed if you still rock one as your daily driver.
If you do just that, like today, Nexus owners don’t have time to think about upgrading because the Google Pixel 5 is a great choice. Hardware reliability has improved since the Nexus days and the cameras are some of the best in the business. Better still, you can download the latest version of Android and three years of security updates without the hassle and delays of manual installs.
See also: Was the Nexus series really that good or is it just rose-colored glasses?
In typical Nexus fashion, the Pixel 5 does all of this without breaking the bank. With superior hardware in every category, there’s really no reason to hold onto an old Nexus handset anymore.
Google Pixel 5 versus Pixel 1
The original Google Pixel and Pixel XL debuted in 2016, packing high-end hardware and bringing Google to the forefront of mobile photography. The Pixel 5 builds on this formula with vastly improved hardware and new features.
For starters, the Pixel 5 offers a vastly improved display with a high refresh rate of 90Hz. Even the handset’s midsize Snapdragon 765G processor outperforms the previous high-end Snapdragon 821. It’s the superior handset for both general application performance and performance for games, not to mention the introduction of 5G connectivity.
Continue reading: Google Pixel Redux Review: Proof of Software Power
Google built on the hardware formula with IP protection, wireless charging, 5G data, Titan M security, a dual rear camera setup, and thinner bezels. The only feature that Pixel fans might overlook is the headphone jack. Otherwise, the Pixel 5 is an upgrade in every way. If that’s not a good reason, Google stopped software support for the original Pixel and Pixel XL back in October 2019. If you want to keep up to date, the Pixel 5 is a great way to go.
Google Pixel 5 versus Pixel 2
The Pixel 2 series refined Google’s early formula and ushered in the era of the modern Pixel series and its reputation for photography. The camera hardware hasn’t changed massively since then, but the Pixel 5 has a few updates, including a wide-angle camera and improvements to the main and selfie cameras. The real improvements come from new camera features like the wide angle lens and the new night vision device in portrait mode. Some of Google’s software smarts have been traced back to Pixel 2 over the years, but they work best on modern hardware.
Connected: The 10 best Google products you can buy
The Pixel 5 also offers many other hardware upgrades. Charging at 10W enables charging at 18W and wireless charging at 12W. The higher refresh rate display and thinner bezels have also been greatly improved. The Pixel 5’s performance isn’t up to date, but it’s still an upgrade of the dodgy Pixel 2. The latter’s 4GB of RAM was a notorious bottleneck. Additionally, the fifth generation Snapdragon 765G outperforms the older flagship series Snapdragon 835 processor. Although the Pixel 2 still has a bit of an edge when it comes to gaming.
The Pixel 2 series is also nearing the end of its life cycle. Support is expected to end in October 2020, making the upgrade to Android 11 the last the handset will see. Upgrading to Pixel 5 protects you from upcoming security issues. It’s definitely the more refined and future-proof package.
Google Pixel 5 versus Pixel 3
The decision to upgrade from Google Pixel 3 or 3 XL to 5 is less clear-cut. Switching to the 765G results in a slight decrease in performance for gamers compared to the Snapdragon 845 processor of the Pixel 3. That means the Pixel 5 is actually a bit faster with CPU and general system loads. It will run your daily applications just like any older flagship. Ultimately, you won’t feel a huge difference in performance when switching to the Pixel 5.
However, Google’s latest flagship has a few more improvements over the Pixel 3. There’s faster storage and RAM. The bulky notch makes room for a hole selfie camera, there’s a bigger battery and a wide-angle camera on the back to fit more into your shots. The two have IP68 water and dust resistance, as well as 18 W fast and Qi wireless charging functions. There’s not much of a difference between the two, but if you’re into the latest camera features, better battery life, and a slightly more modern package, the Pixel 5 may have just enough to be upgraded.
Probably the most obvious reason to upgrade is if you want to upgrade to a 5G plan. Google fans currently only have two options for 5G: the flagship Pixel 5 and the slightly cheaper Pixel 4a 5G. The Pixel 5 is by far the more rewarding upgrade of the two when you get off the Pixel 3.
Google Pixel 5 versus Pixel 3a
The Pixel 3a is only a little over a year old, so it might feel like talking about an upgrade here. Frankly it is. However, customers who want better performance, 5G, or additional premium features might consider switching. Even so, it’s difficult to justify spending on another phone this quickly. Especially since the Pixel 3a remains a very good handset. Personally, I would stay with 3a for another year.
Ultimately, the cheaper Google Pixel 4a 5G is likely the more attractive upgrade option for Pixel 3a owners. But the only real reason to upgrade would be if you really want 5G connection and live in a compatible area.
Google Pixel 5 versus Pixel 4
Two years is the typical length of time between handset upgrades these days as the technology is only moving so quickly. Such a quick switch would be rather unusual, especially given some of the hardware decisions made by this generation.
Last year’s Pixel 4 is the more powerful of the two due to its Snapdragon 855 processor. It also shares most of the key benefits of the Pixel 5. Wireless charging, IP68 rating, and the latest Android and assistant features are shared across both models. The Pixel 4 also offers two years of guaranteed Android updates.
See also: Google Pixel 4 XL redesigned: the good and the bad
If you’re looking for a great handset, Google doesn’t have a direct replacement for the Pixel 4 XL here. With its 6.3-inch QHD + display, the smaller 6-inch FHD + panel of the Pixel 5 looks like a downgrade. Google has also removed the Soli Radar, gesture features, and Face ID security from its latest model. No doubt to cut costs. If you love these features, you definitely won’t want to switch.
Why might you want to grab the Pixel 5? Better battery life is one of the biggest benefits. The larger 4,080 mAh battery and economical processor looks more promising than the Pixel 4’s tiny 2,800 mAh cell for a full day. The Pixel 5 also offers reverse wireless charging and a wide-angle rear camera that some might Prefer telephoto lens to 4.
The Pixel 5 is an upgrade in some ways and a downgrade in others.
Another obvious reason to upgrade is again 5G. As before, we only recommend this option if you have a strong 5G connection nearby and really need data faster than 4G.
Overall, the Pixel 5 offers less in some areas and more in others. The decision to upgrade will be limited to these small settings. If you don’t have any cash to spare or a burning desire for 5G or one of the few new features, sticking to Pixel 4 is probably your best option.
For more information on Pixel 5 and Pixel 4, see our in-depth comparison.
Google Pixel 5 Vs Older Google Phones: Should You Upgrade?
The Pixel 5 represents a change in strategy for Google’s flagship smartphones, and the move to a cheaper price point leaves Pixel fans a bit of a mystery. Owning the latest Google offering is cheaper than ever. However, there isn’t much that is new compared to the previous generation, and in some ways there are also some downgrades.
Switching to Google Pixel 5 is a breeze if you’re using a Pixel 2 or older handset. Switching from Pixel 3 is only really worth it if you’re looking for 5G, better battery life, or the wide-angle camera. It definitely feels too early to move on from the Pixel 4, but some die-hard fans may be able to justify the comparatively lower cost than previous generations for a taste of Google’s latest version.
Google Pixel 5 Google’s first 5G smartphone
The Google Pixel 5 might not be the high-end Pixel you expected, but it’s a pretty compelling mid-range option. Google is going back to basics with the Pixel 5 and foregoing high-end features like face recognition and the quirky Motion Sense gestures.
Are you going to upgrade from an older Google device to the new Pixel phone? Let us know in the comments!
