Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5
Shop Google Pixel
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00
Google Pixel 5
Starting at
£122.00What's the difference between the Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 5?
Google Pixel 3a vs 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 5 starts at £122, £33 less than the Google Pixel 3a. The Google Pixel 5 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Software updates
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 5.
- The Google Pixel 5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Google Pixel 5 has a bigger battery: 4080 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5 specs
The Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 5 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Pixel 3a has 4 GB RAM and 64GB storage, suitable for everyday use and lighter tasks. The Pixel 5 offers 8 GB RAM, 128GB storage, and supports 5G, making it a better fit for multitasking and faster mobile networks. The Pixel 5 also has a larger screen and a bigger battery that keeps it going longer between charges. Both have the same camera resolution. In short, the Pixel 3a suits users who want a compact, straightforward phone, while the Pixel 5 is aimed at those needing more power and a longer-lasting battery.
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5 price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
- 128GBSold out
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software updates. The Pixel 3a and Pixel 5 differ in battery size and update support, which affects how long they last and stay current.
Battery Capacity
The Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery which suits users with average daily usage who do not mind recharging more often. The Pixel 5 has a larger 4080 mAh battery, ideal for users who want longer battery life between charges, especially if they use their phone heavily throughout the day.
Software Updates
This is suitable for users who want to keep their phone up to date.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5 performance
Performance differences affect how smoothly the devices run apps and handle multitasking. These are shaped by chipset, RAM, and storage capacity.
Processor and RAM
The Pixel 3a runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 chipset with 4 GB RAM, which is well suited for everyday tasks and basic app use. The Pixel 5 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset with 8 GB RAM, keeping more apps open and running smoothly, and supporting faster network connections.
Storage Options
The Pixel 3a comes with 64GB of storage, which is enough for typical daily use such as apps, photos, and music. The Pixel 5 offers 128GB storage, which suits users who want to store more apps, media, or files without needing external storage.
Chipset
RAM
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5 screen
Screen quality impacts how much space you have for viewing and the clarity of images. Both devices use OLED screens but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The Pixel 3a has a 5.6 inch screen, which fits easily in one hand and suits users who prefer a compact phone. The Pixel 5 has a larger 6 inch screen, offering more room for video, browsing, and gaming.
Resolution
The Pixel 3a has a resolution of 1080 x 2220, while the Pixel 5 has a slightly taller 1080 x 2340 resolution. This means the Pixel 5's display is a bit taller, providing extra vertical space for content.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5 camera
Audiovisual features focus on the camera capabilities. Both devices share the same front and main camera megapixel counts, so photo and video quality will be similar.
Camera Resolution
Both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 5 have an 8 megapixel front camera and a 12.2 megapixel main camera. This makes them equally capable for selfies and general photography, suitable for users who want good quality pictures without extra camera features.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5 size and design
Other differences include physical dimensions, network support, and SIM options. These affect how the phones feel in hand and what mobile networks they can use.
Network Compatibility
The Pixel 3a supports 4G mobile networks, which is suitable for most everyday users. The Pixel 5 supports 5G, offering faster mobile internet speeds where 5G is available. This suits users wanting quicker downloads and streaming.
Dimensions and Weight
The Pixel 3a measures 151.3 mm in height, 70.1 mm in width, and is 8.2 mm deep, weighing 147 g. The Pixel 5 is slightly smaller in height at 144.7 mm, a bit wider at 70.4 mm, and thinner at 8 mm, weighing 151 g. Users who prefer a more compact phone may find the Pixel 5 easier to hold despite its larger screen.
SIM Options
Both phones offer a physical SIM slot plus eSIM support. This flexibility suits users who want to use two numbers or switch carriers without changing physical SIM cards.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Google Pixel 3a or Google Pixel 5: which should you buy?
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want a lighter build (147 g vs 151 g)
Buy the Google Pixel 5 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £122, £33 less than the Google Pixel 3a
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4080 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers say the Google Pixel 3a is generally reliable with many praising its condition as excellent and working perfectly for their needs. Some note that it can run slow at times and mention issues like charging problems or a faulty power button. Others highlight its suitability for everyday use, and some have used it successfully with alternative operating systems. Overall, buyers appreciate its straightforward setup and good condition when refurbished.
Reviews of the Google Pixel 5 highlight satisfaction with the battery life and condition, with several customers saying it looks like new and works well for their daily use. Some mention the larger battery as a key benefit and praise the phone's performance. A few customers report issues such as screen burn-in or unexpected restarts, but most find the device to be in very good condition and recommend it. The Pixel 5 is noted as a good choice for those wanting a phone with a strong battery and up-to-date software.
In summary, the Pixel 3a suits buyers looking for a simple, reliable phone for everyday tasks, while the Pixel 5 appeals to those who want longer battery life, better multitasking, and faster mobile networks.
Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 5 FAQs
Google Pixel 3a vs 5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 (10 nm) on the Google Pixel 3a, Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) on the Google Pixel 5. The Google Pixel 5 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The Google Pixel 5 is cheaper refurbished, from £122 compared with £155 for the Google Pixel 3a.
The Google Pixel 5 has a bigger battery: 4080 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1. Updates for the Google Pixel 5 ended in Nov 2023. Its last version is Android 14.
The Google Pixel 5 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4080 mAh vs 3000 mAh) and a bigger screen (6 inch vs 5.6 inch). Refurbished, it costs £33 less (from £122 vs £155).
Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a comes in 64GB, and the Google Pixel 5 in 128GB.
