More than half of those polled believe the Google Pixel 5a was worth the wait

By Jeramy Johnson
last updated

Google Pixel 5a
Google Pixel 5a (Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • We polled our readers to ask if they thought the extended wait for the Google Pixel 5a was worth it.
  • Over half said that the budget-friendly flagship was exactly what they had hoped for, regardless of timing.
  • Fewer than 20% were disappointed by its design, features, and arrival date.

A few weeks ago, Google dropped the Pixel 5a on us, and I, for one, was thrilled to see such a complete smartphone at such an accessible price point. The Pixel 5a looks nearly identical to its immediate predecessor, the Pixel 4a 5G, but it improves on that device with a slightly larger screen, a much bigger battery, an IP67 water-resistance — a first for a Pixel a-series phone.

Even though the Pixel 5a is an iterative update, it's still an incredible value and is sure to be considered one of the best affordable Android phones of 2021. Like the 4a last year, the 5a was unveiled in mid-August, which is later than most expected it to arrive. So that got us wondering — did this wait mean the Pixel 5a didn't live up to the hype?

According to the poll, over 55% said that the Pixel 5a was indeed worth the wait, while just under 27% were indifferent to it. Only 18% called the device "underwhelming and too late."

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Our poll is now closed, but we'd still love to hear from you on the topic. Does the Pixel 5a interest or excite you at all?

Jeramy Johnson
Jeramy Johnson
Editor-in-chief

Jeramy is the Editor-in-Chief of Android Central. He is proud to help *Keep Austin Weird* and loves hiking in the hill country of central Texas with a breakfast taco in each hand. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeramyutgw.

6 Comments
  • Got it yesterday, for my wife, and she loves it!
  • Would have been nice to see it released elsewhere, instead of just the US and Japan this is my main gripe with this phone.
  • Mine to. The release is too limited countrywize. Can't buy it where I live and if you do import one you most likely will not get 5G, VoLTE, VoWiFi.
  • I'm waiting for the 6. Since I got my 3aXL for free I'm thinking I may spring for the 6 but if it's priced too high then I'm definitely getting the 5a.
  • I am more than happy with my 4a 5G, so I won't be looking for another phone for a while.
  • I have had mine since last Thursday and I'm very happy with it. I have a Galaxy S21 which I am now selling because the pure Android experience is so much better.