Google's Pixel 'a' line of smartphones haven't sold particularly well. However, that doesn't seem to have deterred the company from making more. There appears to be a Google Pixel 5a in the works, and we now have our first glimpse at it thanks to renowned leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer aka @OnLeaks. Steve was also kind enough to shed light on some key Google Pixel 5a specifications, such as its screen size and camera layout.
Prima facie, little has changed between the Google Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5a. The latter will use the same 6.2-inch OLED panel that debuted alongside the former. The hole-punch selfie camera's position remains unchanged, too. Even the dual-camera setup will be carried forward, although we can expect to see some improvements in the sensors used. One of the few things Pixel-branded smartphones have going for them it impeccable camera performance. Google would do well to use some modern-day sensors to maintain its hegemony over the competition.
The Google Pixel 5a will come with a 3.5mm audio jack, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and stereo speakers. The smartphone will come with the same polycarbonate body found on several mid-range smartphones. There are talks about the Google Pixel 6 bringing back Face Unlock. Unfortunately, the Google Pixel 5a cannot offer that functionality due to the lack of sensors near the front camera.
To round things off, Steve also voices concerns about the Google Pixel series in general. It is in dire need of a complete overhaul, otherwise, it runs the risk of losing to the likes of Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE cooked the Google Pixel 5's goose last year thanks to its objectively better hardware and affordable price. Things are only going to get worse from here on, as Samsung has promised four years worth of software updates for over 130 of its devices; a full year longer than Google supports its Pixels.