The launch of the Google Pixel 4A 5G and Pixel 5 sets the stage for a battle between mid-range devices priced $400 to $700 as a rocky economy means less love for premium smartphones and more 5G value plays.
Google’s primary argument for the Pixel franchise is that you can get pure Android, regular updates, and a strong 5G device for not a lot of money. Sure, Google has a more premium approach with the Pixel 5, but Pixel 4A 5G will also garner attention.
You can see where the market is headed, but it’s soon going to be a buyer’s market for relatively inexpensive 5G devices. The budget considerations behind these mid-range 5G devices is compelling: You can buy a new smartphone annually if you choose and spend money elsewhere.
According to IDC, the price brand between $400 and $600 is the sweet spot in the smartphone market. IDC projected that global smartphone value is expected to fall to $422.4 billion, down 7.9% from a year ago. Tech buyers aren’t going for premium devices and even Apple entered the mid-range segment with the iPhone SE.
Here’s a look at your options:
Google Pixel 4A 5G
Stock Android and the latest and greatest updates
Google Pixel 4A 5G. Starting at $499, the Pixel 4A 5G enters the budget device fray with a few unique advantages such as stock Android and the latest and greatest updates. The Pixel 4 launch is already raising questions of why Google is going for the premium category.
The catch here is that Google can be flighty about its devices. It wasn’t that long ago that the Pixel 4 came and went out with a thud. Nevertheless, Google is packing some key features into the Pixel 4A 5G.
Good value for the money, plus a 6.7-inch display
This device is 5G and includes a lot of key features and specs for under $500. Motorola, owned by Lenovo, has a full range of devices, but this mid-range smartphone is compelling.
Simply put, it’s a good value for the money and the 6.7-inch display feels good in one hand. The camera system–four cameras on the back and two for selfies in the front–is solid in my tests.
One key item here is that the Motorola One 5G has 4GB of memory with 128GB of storage with microSD card support. Typically, budget phones scrimp on storage and memory. The microSD card support in Motorola One 5G allows you to bulk up a bit if necessary.
Like Google’s Pixel 4A 5G, Motorola is committed to speedy Android updates so that means Android 11 is landing soon.
Solid choice if looking for a sub-$300 5G phone
The OnePlus Nord 10 5G recently launched through T-Mobile in the US and costs $200 less than the mid-range Google Pixel 4A 5G. It features a large 6.49-inch 90Hz display, Warp Charge 30T, a quad-camera system, 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage, a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and more.
It’s made of plastic materials, and the cameras won’t challenge high-end flagship phones, but as ZDNet’s Matt Miller noted, the back Midnight Ice blue color is lovely, and you can certainly capture decent photos with this $300 5G device. It’d make a great first phone and is solid for someone looking for a sub-$300 5G handset.
T-Mobile is the only wireless provider in the US where you can pick up the OnePlus Nord N10 5G. New and existing T-Mobile customers can snag the device for free when they add a line. Plus, it’s available for prepaid customers. Check out our review of the Nord N10 5G for a closer look at what the phone can do.
Dual-screen productivity device
LG flies under the radar in the 5G smartphone landscape, but it’s coming in with a device that has a stylus and 5G for $600. LG Velvet also has a dual screen.
Matthew Miller noted:
When I first heard about the LG Velvet, I was expecting a device full of compromises and a launch unworthy of LG. I’m pleased to report that the LG Velvet is an excellent 5G smartphone and a great value at $600.
The cameras performed very well; the battery took me through more than a full day… Business customers looking for a productivity device will love the capability of the LG Velvet with the Dual Screen cover.
ZDNet’s Cho Mu-Hyun also gave the LG Velvet high marks for the money.
Just a little more than the Pixel 4a 5G
In an interesting twist, Google priced the Pixel 5 at $699, the upper range of the mid-tier price band.
The Pixel 5 shares the same camera setup as Pixel 4a 5G as well as memory and storage specs. The big difference is Pixel 5 has fast wireless charging and battery share as well as Corning Gorilla Glass 6 cover glass compared to the soft touch Polycarbonate unibody on the Pixel 4a 5G.
In addition, Pixel 5 has water resistance and 8GB of memory relative to the 6GB on Pixel 4a 5G.
Are those differences between Pixel 5G and Pixel 4a 5G worth $200? Probably not, but the big takeaway is Google sees its smartphone future in the middle of the 5G market.
