Speed Test G: Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G

The Google Pixel 5a is the latest mid-range smartphone from the makers of Android. It costs just $449, and inside it has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor — the same chip found in the year-old Pixel 5. Interestingly, it’s also $150 cheaper than Google’s 2020 flagship. So how does the Pixel 5a compare to the older Pixel 5? Android Authority‘s Gary Sims decided to find out

Using the Speed Test G benchmark testing software, Gary pitted the Pixel 5a vs the Pixel 5. The final result? Both phones recorded nearly identical scores in the overall test, with the older Pixel 5 beating the new Pixel 5a by just 0.6 seconds.

Gary also pitted the Pixel 5a against its true predecessor, the Pixel 4a 5G, announced over a year ago. The Pixel 4a 5G uses the same Snapdragon 765G processor as the Pixel 5 and the new Pixel 5a. In this case, there was no contest when applying the Speed Test G benchmark. The Pixel 5a beat the Pixel 4a 5G by 11 seconds in the overall test.

See also: Our Google Pixel 5a review

So why did the Pixel 5a best the Pixel 4a 5G by such a margin? Gary speculates the Pixel 4a 5G’s processor might have been clocked just slightly slower for thermal reasons. It’s also possible that they slowed the processor to get it closer to the performance of the even older Pixel 4a and give it some room to go faster for the Pixel 5 and the new Pixel 5a.

The final result would seem to be a win for the Pixel 5a. It not only clearly beats its predecessor, but it comes very close to defeating its more expensive cousin as well.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for speed tests on Google phones. The already announced Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will use Google’s in-house Tensor chips for the first time. You can bet we will be using Speed Test G to compare the Pixel 6 phones against Google’s older Pixels when the time comes.