Google 5G Phones

About Google

Google is historically more interested in software than hardware, having created the Google search engine, and then slightly more recently creating Android, among loads of other services.

So you’ll find Google’s influence in every Android smartphone, but the company has also created some of its own phones, initially with the Google Nexus range, and now with the Google Pixel range.

Despite Google’s importance to smartphones on the software side, its handsets have never reached the popularity of those from the likes of Samsung and Apple. But if you buy a Google Pixel you can be confident of a great software experience, coupled with impressive cameras, and the promise of speedy updates to new versions of Android.

Which Google phones support 5G?

Just two Google phones support 5G at the time of writing – the Google Pixel 5 and the Google Pixel 4a 5G. The former is a fairly high-end handset, while the latter is a mid-range phone. Note that there’s also a 4G version of the Pixel 4a, and there’s a Pixel 5a – but this isn’t available in the UK.

Which 5G Google phone should I choose?

As there aren’t many 5G Google phones, choosing the right one for you is easier than with some companies. If you want the best possible specs then the Pixel 5 is the best choice, while if you’re happy with a slightly lower end phone for less money, then go with the Google Pixel 4a 5G.

These two phones have a lot in common too though, so whichever you go with you’ll get similar software, power and screen specs, and even similar camera hardware.

Top 5G Google phone

The Google Pixel 5 is the best Google phone at the time of writing. It’s a fairly high-end (but not quite top-end) handset, which gives you great hardware and software at a more affordable price than most flagships.

You get a 6-inch 1080 x 2340 OLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a mid-range Snapdragon 765G chipset, an aluminium body, and a dual-lens camera, with a 12.2MP main snapper and a 16MP ultra-wide one. While that’s fewer lenses than many phones have, the quality of the shots it can take is impressive, even in low light. Of course, you also get 5G and Google’s excellently intuitive take on Android.

Most affordable 5G Google phone

The most affordable 5G Google phone is the Pixel 4a 5G, yet despite its mid-range price it’s almost a match for the Pixel 5 in many ways.

It has a 6.2-inch 1080 x 2340 OLED screen, a Snapdragon 765G chipset, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and the same camera hardware as the Pixel 5, with a 12.2MP main snapper and a 16MP ultra-wide one. It has the same great software too, with the main savings made through a plastic body and a slightly smaller battery.

Top value 5G Google phone

The Google Pixel 4a 5G is the clear winner here. As noted, it’s a lot like the Pixel 5 in many ways, including its resolution, cameras and chipset, yet it costs less, so if you can live without a 90Hz refresh rate and an aluminium build then it’s a great choice – and definitely great value.

Latest 5G Google phones

The Google Pixel 5 and the Google Pixel 4a 5G were both announced in September 2020, and at the time of writing that makes them the latest Google phones (at least of those available in the UK, as the newer Pixel 5a isn’t headed for these shores).

That said, Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 6 range in or around October 2021, so new models are on the way.

Google in summary

Google is a reliable, high-quality smartphone brand aimed at those who put the software experience first. If you want a smooth, bloat-free take on Android, paired with regular software updates, then a Google phone is the best choice.

With solid hardware too though – especially when it comes to the cameras – Google’s Pixel range are great all-rounders, and while they lack the big name appeal of the iPhone or the Galaxy S range, they don’t lack the quality.