Article Summary
The Pixel 5 will launch in Canada priced at a conservative $799, undercutting flagship smartphones from Apple, Samsung and LG. The new Pixel 5 offers 5G connectivity on the Rogers, Bell and Telus networks.
Even though the Pixel 4a arrived behind schedule, Google announced the new flagship Pixel 5 smartphone right on time. The oversized "XL" model is now gone, but the 6.0" Full HD+ screen strikes a great balance between large, luscious display and palm-sized comfort. There's a lot to like about the new flagship smartphone from Google, but there are some compromises too. Read on to find out if this is the right Android phone for you and how to preorder it right now.
Pixel 5 Release Date Details
Google Pixel 5 is set to be releaesd October 5, 2020. The Pixel 5 costs $799 CAD through the Google Store. We expect to see every major wireless carrier offer the device on two-year plans around $33/month. At the moment, only Bell, Rogers and Telus customers can take advantage of 5G connectivity built into the new Pixel 5. Preorders for the new Google Pixel 5 are available now with delivery expected October 29, 2020.
Google Pixel 5 Hardware Specs
Google's 2020 update to flagship Pixel smartphone comes with a few major upgrades and three notable downgrades:
Google Pixel 5 Upgrades
The screen still features up to 90Hz refresh rate, HDR support and beautiful OLED display. The new 6.0" display is larger than previous models while the edge-to-edge screen reduces overall length. On top of that display, the new Pixel 5 uses Gorilla Glass 6 for extra durability.
The Pixel 5 enjoys a memory upgrade with a bump to 8GB. The storage options are limited to just 128GB. However, previous Pixel smartphones offered 64GB on base models, so this counts as an upgrade. Every new Pixel gets a free three-month subscription to Google One, which adds 100GB to your online storage. However, that's only three months and even 128GB can fill up fast with 4K videos.
The primary rear and front-facing cameras appear to be the same with all the real magic coming from Google's intelligent camera software. Of note, the rear telephoto lens on the Pixel 4 has been replaced with a 16MP ultrawide lens. This can be considered an upgrade or downgrade depending on whether you like to take group shots or landscape photography.
Google Pixel 5 Downgrades
The fingerprint scanner is back as the biometric security option on the Pixel 5. The Pixel 4 used sophisticated radar and camera technology to promote facial recognition as a security option, but adoption by third-party apps has been slow. An integrated fingerprint scanner seems oddly low-tech now, but it's fast and reliable. The only surprise is that Google chose to put it on the back instead of using an in-screen fingerprint reader as can be found in most other 2020 flagship smartphones.
One downgrade that many will not appreciate is the use of a more modestly-powered CPU. The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor is a striking balance between performance, power efficiency and price. The LG Velvet 5G uses the same chip and displayed impressive performance in casual use and camera effects, but 3D gaming suffers when compared to the 800-series CPUs found in previous Pixel smartphones. If playing Fortnite or Asphalt on your smartphone isn't important - or you prefer to game on Stadia - then you may value the lower price feature of the Pixel 5 over beefier smartphones.
Comparing the Pixel 5, Pixel 4a with 5G, and Pixel 4a
Google Pixel 4a (5G) Details
During Google's Launch Night In event, the discount Pixel 4a received an upgrade of its own. The new Pixel 4a with 5G increases screen size and battery life compared to the model released earlier in September, while also adding 5G connectivity and upgrading the CPU to the Snapdragon 765G. A lot of the hardware in the Pixel 4a with 5G makes it closer to the Pixel 5 in terms of performance, and the price reflects that. On the Google Store, the Pixel 4a with 5G is $200 more than the budget Pixel 4a. Is it worth considering? Jump over to our Google Pixel 4a page to find out.
Every Mobile Plan for the Pixel 5
Found the best Pixel for your needs? Now that the Pixel 5 is out, we may see discounts on the older Pixel 4. However, WhistleOut lists every make and model of Google Pixel smartphone available in Canada.
Not sure which 5G carrier is the right one for you? Read our guide to Bell vs. Rogers vs. Telus. Make sure to enter your address to see the best coverage and most relevant prices for your area. You can also choose how much you want to pay upfront; from $0 to the full sticker price upfront.
Google Pixel 5 Plans: 128GB
Google Pixel 4 Plans: 64GB - 128GB
Google Pixel 4 XL Plans: 64GB - 128GB
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