A Review of the Google Pixel 5a

Best for a Streamlined Interface

Cell phones are a great way to keep seniors connected with family, caregivers, and emergency medical alert services. Some seniors also enjoy surfing the web, FaceTiming with grandkids and watching a movie on their phone. The best cell phones for seniors include senior-friendly options such as large displays, adjustable audio, an easy-to-grip size and simple navigation.

Because so many seniors now use cell phones, companies are designing their devices to meet this growing customer base’s needs. We reviewed the Google Pixel 5a and found this smartphone checked off many options that make it easier for seniors to use their phones, notably an interface that is streamlined and user-friendly. And at an affordable price of $449, the Google Pixel 5a is lower-priced than most Google Pixel models.

Overview of the Google Pixel 5a

The Google Pixel 5a comes loaded with easy-to-use Android software and Google apps, all streamlined in a simple-to-use interface. Google includes three years of support for software and security, which is a valuable bonus for an affordably priced phone. The Pixel 5a works with almost all major carriers and is 5G compatible.

How Much Does a Google Pixel 5a Cost?

The Google Pixel 5a is available in the Google Store and costs $449, with payments offered by Google’s Store Financing. Customers pay $18.71 a month for 24 months with a 0% APR and receive a credit if they trade in their old phone. Google’s Preferred Care subscription offers extra protection on cracks and other damages and costs $99 for two years if paid in full or $5 a month.

• Cost: $449
• Financing: $18.71 a month for 24 months with a 0% APR
• Preferred Care: $99 for two-year coverage or $5 a month

Full Review of the Google Pixel 5a Features

With its sleek design and elite features, the Google Pixel 5a is an upgrade to the Pixel 4a at a lower price. Google sells the Pixel 5a unlocked so that you can choose your own carrier. With its senior-friendly features and affordability, the Pixel 5a is a top contender as the best cell phone for seniors. 

The Pixel 5a Includes a Long-lasting Battery and Durable Design

The Google Pixel 5a is larger than its predecessor, the Pixel 4a, making room for a bigger 4,680 mAh battery. One charge allows for up to 10 hours of continuous use, and the included USB-C 18W charger ensures fast charging from zero to 100% in two hours. Google also includes an Extreme Battery Saver app that enables a fully-charged battery to last up to two days.

The phone features 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM under its Mostly Black (appears a bit green) colored metal chassis. All the previous A-series devices by Google were made with a plastic body, but the Pixel 5a’s bio-resin-coated metal body provides superior protection and durability. It’s less likely to crack when dropped and has a soft-feel, plastic coating that provides a secure grip for seniors with arthritic hands. For those who don’t enjoy trying to find the power button, Google switched to a tactile, ribbed button to make it easy to find. The Pixel 5a is also the first A-series cell phone to include a dust-tight and water-resistant body.

• 4,680 mAh battery for up to 10 hours of continuous use
• Bio-resin-coated metal body
• New ribbed power button
• Dust-tight and water-resistant

Superior Audio and Visual Features

The Google Pixel 5a has a large, bright 6.34-inch screen, making it a good choice for visually impaired seniors. The high brightness mode setting ensures the display doesn’t become washed out, even in direct sunlight, while maintaining its full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors. A Gorilla Glass 3 cover protects the display, made from a thin sheet of alkali-aluminosilicate with Native Damage Resistance (NDR) technology. The Gorilla Glass 3 makes the cover scratch-resistant and protects against breakage.

Seniors who enjoy photography and want to take photos and videos of their family, especially the grandkids, will appreciate the Pixel 5a’s front and rear cameras. The dual-camera setup takes exceptional pictures in almost any lighting using the rear-facing, extra-wide-angle camera and offers high-quality video calls from the front-facing camera.

The Pixel 5a comes with M4/T3 hearing aid compatibility that uses the phone’s Bluetooth so seniors can connect to their hearing aid. With noise suppression and high-quality audio, seniors can enjoy clear sound without feedback or extraneous noise.

• Large 6.34-inch screen
• High brightness mode setting
• Gorilla Glass 3 cover
• M4/T3 hearing aid compatibility

Additional Features of the Google Pixel 5a 

Who Should Consider the Google Pixel 5a?

Seniors Who Like to Travel

When traveling, a cell phone such as the Google Pixel 5a is handy to have around for pictures and to keep in touch with family and friends. The Pixel 5a has safety features and a vast app selection seniors can use if they need assistance, directions or a heads up about the weather.

Seniors Wanting the Capabilities of a Smartphone

While some seniors prefer a simplified flip phone with a camera and possibly a medical alert system, there are seniors who enjoy the array of features a smartphone offers. Benefits that tech-savvy seniors may enjoy include gaming, watching movies, video-calling or playing their favorite music.

What Are People Saying About the Google Pixel 5a?

Many reviewers are excited about the Google Pixel 5a’s impressive list of specs while costing half the price of more expensive Android phones. Often, reviews express appreciation for how easy it is to use the Pixel 5a because of the preinstalled applications and simple interface. Reviewers also share their satisfaction with the Pixel 5a’s smartphone functionality and excellent battery life, but some weren’t happy with the two-hour charge time. 

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