Released in August 2021, the Google Pixel 5a 5G offered an attractive mix of performance, refined software, and camera prowess at a budget-friendly price. Fast forward to 2025, and many tech enthusiasts and consumers might wonder: Is the Pixel 5a 5G still relevant today? The short answer is—it depends on your needs. Let’s dive into the specifications, performance, camera quality, and overall usability of the Pixel 5a 5G in the current year to determine if it’s still a viable choice.
Hardware and Design
At first glance, the Pixel 5a 5G still holds its own aesthetically. The matte unibody build with an aluminum frame offers a durable and minimalistic look that has aged well. It’s not flashy, but it’s functional, and the build quality is certainly a step above most modern budget smartphones.
The 6.34-inch OLED display, while capped at 60Hz, features vivid colors and deep blacks, maintaining the viewing quality expected from an OLED panel. Although high-refresh rate displays are now common, the Pixel 5a was never about specs on paper—it focuses on delivering a smooth and consistent user experience.
Performance in 2025
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor and 6GB of RAM, the Pixel 5a wasn’t exactly a powerhouse in 2021, and by 2025 standards, the hardware shows its age in heavier workloads. While users should not expect it to handle intense mobile gaming or multitasking with the speed of modern devices, day-to-day operations such as browsing, media playback, and communicating remain reasonably fluid thanks to excellent software optimization.
Battery life also continues to be one of the Pixel 5a’s stronger points, with its 4680mAh battery holding up well under moderate use. Users should comfortably get a full day’s usage, though the absence of wireless charging and fast charging speeds common in 2025 flagship models is noticeable.
Software Support and Security
As of 2025, the Pixel 5a 5G is no longer receiving official Android version updates from Google, having reached its software support cutoff in 2024. However, monthly security patches may still be available occasionally.
Although it runs Android 13 or 14 unofficially via custom ROMs, this makes it a less appealing option for users who prioritize seamless updates and out-of-the-box security. Users who are comfortable with sideloading updates or flashing custom ROMs can still breathe new life into the device, though this route is not for everyone.
Camera Quality
One area where the Pixel 5a continues to surprise is its camera. Sporting a main 12.2MP sensor and a 16MP ultra-wide sensor, the camera system leverages Google’s computational photography to squeeze out impressive results. In good lighting and even in some low-light scenarios, it can still outperform many newer mid-range phones.
Features like Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Super Res Zoom are still relevant in 2025, and the image output remains consistent with Google’s trademark processing quality—natural colors, sharp detail, and accurate exposure. While it lacks some of the advanced hardware sensors of newer models, its software smarts help it punch above its weight.
Who Is the Pixel 5a 5G Still Good For?
Despite showing its age, the Pixel 5a 5G remains a solid choice under certain circumstances. It is particularly suited for:
- Budget-conscious users unwilling to spend on new but lower-quality smartphones
- Minimalist users who value clean, distraction-free Android
- Photography enthusiasts seeking a good camera without the high cost
- Secondary phone users needing a reliable backup device
However, users who demand cutting-edge performance, frequent software updates, or features like wireless charging and high refresh rates may find the Pixel 5a limiting in 2025.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 5a 5G in 2025 is a tale of balance. It doesn’t shine in raw performance or flashy features, but its build quality, battery life, and top-tier camera software make it a valuable handset—even four years after launch. For users prioritizing practicality and photography in a dependable daily driver, it still delivers respectable performance in today’s landscape.
While it’s no longer the best choice for users seeking longevity and frequent updates, those who already own it or can find it at a significant discount might discover that the Pixel 5a 5G hasn’t quite reached obsolescence just yet.