Pixel 5A

[Zarathustra[H]]

I'm getting the regular Pixel 6 for sure. The much better custom made processor and 12GB RAM and UFS 3.1 storage will make the phone super fluid smooth. Plus the size of the regular Pixel 6 is perfect to me, it's literally about the exact same size as the 4 XL identical width and height.

I like my 5a but it is slightly just a little bit laggy once in awhile, whereas my 4 XL is always smooth never lags.

The Pixel 6 Pro is just too big too much for me, I don't need all that.

I thought my 5A was kind of laggy now and then at first but it took a bit of new muscle memory on how and where exactly to interact with the screen properly. Got over that curve and it has been perfect.

I have heard lots of people complain that the 5a is "slow", but I'll be completely honest and say that I have never noticed any slowness.

Now, to be fair, I'm coming off of a Pixel 3, so maybe I'm just not used to newer faster flagship models, but the part I don't understand is in what way it is supposedly "slow". Some have suggested that "Oh, maybe you are just not a heavy phone user" but I don't even have a concept of what people doing with their phones that is tasking the system heavily...

I use mine for web browsing, email, messaging and the rare video stream. Apps open immediately and do what they are supposed to. Anything that requires more system performance gets done on the desktop. I don't even know what one could, or would want to do on a phone that is a heavier task.

 

[Zorachus]

Using both my Pixel 4 XL and 5a on Android 12 beta 5, the 4 XL is clearly smoother and more fluid.

Not saying my Pixel 5a is slow, no not all. But once in awhile there'll be a very minor hiccup or 1/10th of split second lag, which I don't see on my 4 XL.

I think I'm just hyper sensitive to this kind of stuff, I'm always looking out for any minor hiccups, even if it's just a blink of an eye lag I'll notice it and will bother me. I want my smartphone to be super smooth, and fluid as running water all the time, with no minor hiccups ever whatsoever.

Like I said my Pixel 5a isn't slow or laggy, no, but it does seem very slightly jittery just once in awhile, not often, but my Pixel 4 XL is never jittery at all.

 

[FrgMstr]

I have heard lots of people complain that the 5a is "slow", but I'll be completely honest and say that I have never noticed any slowness.

Now, to be fair, I'm coming off of a Pixel 3, so maybe I'm just not used to newer faster flagship models, but the part I don't understand is in what way it is supposedly "slow". Some have suggested that "Oh, maybe you are just not a heavy phone user" but I don't even have a concept of what people doing with their phones that is tasking the system heavily...

I use mine for web browsing, email, messaging and the rare video stream. Apps open immediately and do what they are supposed to. Anything that requires more system performance gets done on the desktop. I don't even know what one could, or would want to do on a phone that is a heavier task.

I came from a Pixel 4A, so I have not had a flagship phone for a long time. The cost just did not justify the usage to me.

Also worth mentioning is that I put a glass screen protector on mine day 1, so that might have contributed to some of the issues I was having. I have not put a screen protector on my last few phones so I was not used to using it with that installed either.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

I came from a Pixel 4A, so I have not had a flagship phone for a long time. The cost just did not justify the usage to me.

Also worth mentioning is that I put a glass screen protector on mine day 1, so that might have contributed to some of the issues I was having. I have not put a screen protector on my last few phones so I was not used to using it with that installed either.

Take a look at the settings.

If you go to Settings -> Display

Tap Advanced on the bottom to show more options, the very last option is:

Increase touch sensitivity
Improves touch when using screen protectors

I think this is new. I always go through all the settings when I set up a new phone, and I don't recall ever seeing it before. I haven't tried it yet (I haven't installed my screen protector yet) but maybe it will help?

 

[FrgMstr]

Take a look at the settings.

If you go to Settings -> Display

Tap Advanced on the bottom to show more options, the very last option is:

Increase touch sensitivity
Improves touch when using screen protectors

I think this is new. I always go through all the settings when I set up a new phone, and I don't recall ever seeing it before. I haven't tried it yet (I haven't installed my screen protector yet) but maybe it will help?

Just turned it on, will let you know what I think after a couple of days of usage.

 

[Vengance_01]

I'm curious. How many of you actually use the new Android gestures, vs. immediately go in and switch back to the traditional three button controls?

I been using snice my 7pro day 1

 

[FrgMstr]

I'm curious. How many of you actually use the new Android gestures, vs. immediately go in and switch back to the traditional three button controls?

Honestly, I did not know that you could still get the three buttons interface when I got my 4A, so I was "forced" to use the new gesture system. Now that I have learned to use it well, I will not go back. It makes using the phone so much easier when you get the muscle memory.

 

[Zorachus]

I hated the gestures at first, always went back to the 3 dot keys, but after using my iPhone 12 Pro Max for 8 months and going back to Android and the gestures I totally love them. And Android does it so much better. I can't go back to the old school 3 buttons anymore, I love stock Android's gesture navigation, it's just so smooth and fluid and way faster to move around the UI compared to the old 3 dot keys.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

Honestly, I did not know that you could still get the three buttons interface when I got my 4A, so I was "forced" to use the new gesture system. Now that I have learned to use it well, I will not go back. It makes using the phone so much easier when you get the muscle memory.

I hated the gestures at first, always went back to the 3 dot keys, but after using my iPhone 12 Pro Max for 8 months and going back to Android and the gestures I totally love them. And Android does it so much better. I can't go back to the old school 3 buttons anymore, I love stock Android's gesture navigation.

That is interesting to hear. The path of least resistance for me was yo change back to the three button system. I've done that a few times in a row.

First they tried to push some interim 2 button solution, and I switched back to 3 button.

Then the gestures came along, and I switched back again.

The fixed back button in the same place no matter what App I'm in, and the double tap on the square to switch between the two most recent apps have become so ingrained in my muscle memory that overcoming it would be a bit frustrating. I've been torn between whether the gestures are actually better, or if they are just newer and different, which is why I have not made the transition yet.

You know the whole "equal but different, use whatever you are most familliar with" vs. "one has a clear and objective advantage over the other" kind of thing.

Based on your takes, it sounds like it is actually an improvement once you get over the hump.

I guess one of the downsides of "going through every setting when you get a new phone" is the temptation to revert to the old, and not learn the new

 

[Mad Maxx]

I'm curious. How many of you actually use the new Android gestures, vs. immediately go in and switch back to the traditional three button controls?

I didn't care for gesture navigation at first, but quickly got the hang of it. The 3-button method feels clumsy to me now. I still like the home button, though. On my iPad Pro, however, gestures are not nearly as intuitive as Android.

 

[FrgMstr]

That is interesting to hear. The path of least resistance for me was yo change back to the three button system. I've done that a few times in a row.

I gave my wife a 4XL after I got my 4A. I made her use it for a week without telling her she could go back to 3-button. After a week, she did not go back.

She very much likes getting the finger print sensor on the back with the 5A.

 

[TheSlySyl]

I immediately put my 4a into 3 button, maybe i'll give the gestures a go.

 

[Supersnake]

Have installed Nova Launcher on my Pixel 4XL and use the three button navigation.
My girl friend also uses Nova Launcher and 3 button navigation.

 

[kirbyrj]

I'm curious. How many of you actually use the new Android gestures, vs. immediately go in and switch back to the traditional three button controls?

Well, Google kind of forced you into their 1st gen "pill" gestures with the Pixel 3 without an option to go back to 3 button which initially made me mad. Then they changed it again to the current gestures after I was used to the "pill" gestures as you only had new gestures or 3 button with the 4a. At this point, I learned the new system, and going back to 3 button doesn't feel right anymore. If the Pixel 3 allowed 3 button right off the bat, I probably wouldn't be using gestures now.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

Well, Google kind of forced you into their 1st gen "pill" gestures with the Pixel 3 without an option to go back to 3 button. Then they changed it again to the current gestures after I was used to the "pill" gestures as you only had new gestures or 3 button with the 4a. At this point, I learned the new system, and going back to 3 button doesn't feel right anymore. If the Pixel 3 allowed 3 button right off the bat, I probably wouldn't be using gestures now.

When I got the Pixel 3 I recall having an option between all three, three button, pill and gesture.

Now on the 5a they have eliminated the pill option, but the other two remain.

 

[kirbyrj]

When I got the Pixel 3 I recall having an option between all three, three button, pill and gesture.

Now on the 5a they have eliminated the pill option, but the other two remain.

I had the 3 at launch and there was no option for 3 button at all. I looked for a long time and filed numerous complaints to the android team to give the option to go back to 3 button. I don't think the current gestures were around that early.

I use phones as reference points, but it's probably more accurate to say the version of Android being run at the time (and I don't remember that far back ). With recent updates, the 3/3a can run all 3 types of navigation. I didn't see the pill navigation with the 4a (only gesture and 3 button), so I'm guessing they were phasing that out with newer phones. IIRC, I could still select it with my 3a before I traded it in, so that generation would still allow pill gestures.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

I had the 3 at launch and there was no option for 3 button at all. I looked for a long time and filed numerous complaints to the android team to give the option to go back to 3 button. I don't think the current gestures were around that early.

I use phones as reference points, but it's probably more accurate to say the version of Android being run at the time (and I don't remember that far back ). With recent updates, the 3/3a can run all 3 types of navigation. I didn't see the pill navigation with the 4a (only gesture and 3 button), so I'm guessing they were phasing that out with newer phones. IIRC, I could still select it with my 3a before I traded it in, so that generation would still allow pill gestures.

I didn't buy mine at launch, which probably explains it. Maybe too many people complained about the pill buttons so they added the option to go back down the road.

My Pixel 1 unexpectedly died on me a little less than 2 years ago, and they were having fire sales on the Pixel 3 in advance of the Pixel 4 launch at that point, so I picked one up for cheap.

 

[BlueLineSwinger]

For those who think the 5a feels slow, try turning down the animation scale settings.

I did this with my Pixel 2 shortly after buying it and it felt better (currently set to 0.5x for each, IIRC the default was 1x). But then I dislike flashy, ornate transitions on any OS (just switch to the new window!).

 

[Mad Maxx]

For those who think the 5a feels slow, try turning down the animation scale settings.

I did this with my Pixel 2 shortly after buying it and it felt better (currently set to 0.5x for each, IIRC the default was 1x). But then I dislike flashy, ornate transitions on any OS (just switch to the new window!).

That's one of the first things I do with any Android phone I buy.

 

[FrgMstr]

Battery on this 5A is crazy good.



Very much liking the cases and screen protector I bought.
apiker Screen Protector for Pixel 5a 5G, [4 Pack]
Spigen Tough Armor Designed for Google Pixel 5a 5G Case (2021) -Heavy Duty with the kickstand for the wife.
Spigen Rugged Armor Designed for Google Pixel 5a Case for Pixel 5a 5G (2021) - Lighter weight and thinner, easier on the hands for me.


Also, the increasing the screen touch sensitivity was a good change for me.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

Batter on this 5A is crazy good.

View attachment 394950

Very much liking the cases and screen protector I bought.
apiker Screen Protector for Pixel 5a 5G, [4 Pack]
Spigen Tough Armor Designed for Google Pixel 5a 5G Case (2021) -Heavy Duty with the kickstand for the wife.
Spigen Rugged Armor Designed for Google Pixel 5a Case for Pixel 5a 5G (2021) - Lighter weight and thinner, easier on the hands for me.

I got the Rugged Armor as well. I had the version of it for both my Pixel 3 and my original Pixel and loved it. The damn thing just never wears out. There is something special about those Spigen cases.

Also, the increasing the screen touch sensitivity was a good change for me.

I'm glad that improved things!

 

[Vengance_01]

Batter on this 5A is crazy good.

View attachment 394950

Very much liking the cases and screen protector I bought.
apiker Screen Protector for Pixel 5a 5G, [4 Pack]
Spigen Tough Armor Designed for Google Pixel 5a 5G Case (2021) -Heavy Duty with the kickstand for the wife.
Spigen Rugged Armor Designed for Google Pixel 5a Case for Pixel 5a 5G (2021) - Lighter weight and thinner, easier on the hands for me.


Also, the increasing the screen touch sensitivity was a good change for me.

Very nice. Seems like very light use. Whats your SOT for that shot?

 

[FrgMstr]

Very nice. Seems like very light use. Whats your SOT for that shot?

Dunno, I took it this morning, did not post till now.

 

[Zorachus]

Battery life is incredible on the 5a. Even last year's regular Pixel 5 had pretty good above average battery life. Both phones being leaps and bounds better than the Pixel 4 and Pixel 3 battery.

Hopefully the upcoming Pixel 6 line continues the battery king award.

 

[Vengance_01]

One thing I will say is I am disappointed in wifi coverage. Is not as good as my old opo 7pro.

Edit** throughput is solid just not as good of range despite both phones being AC 2x2 setups. Antenna design must not be as solid

 

[Zorachus]

Anyone try this on your Pixel 5a, or 5 or 4a?

https://www.thecorrectblogger.com/2021/08/google-pixel-4a-notifications-led.html

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.aodnotificationledlight&hl=en&gl=US

 

[Supersnake]

Anyone try this on your Pixel 5a, or 5 or 4a?

https://www.thecorrectblogger.com/2021/08/google-pixel-4a-notifications-led.html

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.aodnotificationledlight&hl=en&gl=US

I don't trust it, it's an app in development. In addition I found this in the about notes.

"Although we never experienced any screen burn in issues on our test devices, we recommend to not keep the notification light / LED active for a long time! Use at your own responsibility!"

 

[FrgMstr]

Anyone try this on your Pixel 5a, or 5 or 4a?

https://www.thecorrectblogger.com/2021/08/google-pixel-4a-notifications-led.html

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.aodnotificationledlight&hl=en&gl=US

Hard pass.

 

[Zorachus]

Ok won't install, thanks.

 

[DWolvin]

If you really want a notification wouldn't it be better for the whole screen to flash (If OLED)? That way the screen wear would be uniform.

Which actually makes me realize, does the always on clockface move around to minimize bur-in?

 

[Supersnake]

Zorachus, I posted this three years ago and you gave me a thumbs up for it.
After you read what I wrote below, refer to this ---> post

Regarding visual notifications. Try NoLED, it is a free app. Screenshot shows how a notification will display on your screen. The appropriate icon(s) will move around the entire screen to draw your attention. No screen burn in.

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

Anyone try this on your Pixel 5a, or 5 or 4a?

https://www.thecorrectblogger.com/2021/08/google-pixel-4a-notifications-led.html

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jamworks.aodnotificationledlight&hl=en&gl=US

I don't really feel like I need or want a notification LED, real or on the OLED screen.

I'm happy to see notifications when I unlock my phone.

Actually, I don't even want most of those notifications.

 

[Zorachus]

Pixel 5a Portrait;

 

[Zorachus]

iPhone 12 Pro Max portrait;

 

[Zorachus]

Took 2 photos of each, lights off and lights on in the room. I've always thought the 12 Pro Max took crap portrait pics, and yep this camera kinda blows actually compared to a Pixel.

But video a different story, but I rarely take videos.

Except this last night;

 

[Vengance_01]

Anyone notice where there top ear peice speaker stops playing media audio. Only way to get it back is to restart the phone.

 

[Zorachus]

Went back to the 5a, and it is a slick smooth device to use. Stock Android can he so minimal but super cool;

 

[Zorachus]

Tried the stock theming in Android 12 for fun;

 

[somebrains]

I'll wait until I see deals in Dec.
Milk the last update and pay off the last few months of my 3a XL.
Was waiting to see if there were any early adopter issues.

 

[BlueLineSwinger]

I'll wait until I see deals in Dec.
Milk the last update and pay off the last few months of my 3a XL.
Was waiting to see if there were any early adopter issues.

I'm also waiting for possible Black Friday or other holiday deals. Either the 5a or the 6, depending on where pricing for the latter actually lands.

The only 5a "issues" I'm aware of:

• It's unknown whether Google will actually update it to support C-band. The hardware is there, it just needs a software update.
• Only threes years of software updates.
• The SoC is adequate, but dated (in benchmarks it's barely faster than the four-year-old Pixel 2).