As the world awaits the launch of the Pixel 6 and Tensor, Google has snuck in two new hardware products: one by the Pixel brand – the Pixel 5a 5G and another by its Fitbit division – the Charge 5. The former is the follow-up to the Pixel 4a 5G while the Fitbit Charge 5 succeeds the Charge 4.
Google Pixel 5a 5G
Priced starting at US$ 449, the Pixel 5a 5G arrives with a larger 6.34-inch FHD+ OLED display with 60Hz refresh rate, faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G octa-core mobile platform, 6GB of RAM, 128GB built-in storage, Titan M security module, IP67-rating (water and dust resistance), 5G connectivity (sub-6GHz) and 4,680mAh battery with fast charging (18W charger) but no wireless charging like the Pixel 5.
The rest of the specs include 8MP selfie camera, 12.2MP + 16MP dual main cameras, rear fingerprint scanner, headphone jack and Android 11 OS. The phone is available directly from Google store and Google Fi. The phone is available in Mostly Black colour (with Forest Green undertones and Olive coloured power button); and Google has also released a range of colourful cases (US$ 29) in Black Moss, Likely Lime, Maybe Moon and Partially Pink.
Fitbit Charge 5
Priced starting at US$ 179.95, the Charge 5 carries some of the features of the Fitbit Sense smartwatch and take design cues from the Fitbit Luxe fitness tracker. It comes with an AMOLED colour touchscreen instead of grayscale, Always-On display, stainless steel casing, built-in GPS, swim tracker, EDA and ECG sensors, skin temperature, SpO2 monitoring, menstrual cycle tracking, 20 workout modes and Daily Readiness feature.
It also has an ambient light sensor which adjust the display according to the environment and lasts up to seven days of battery life (depending on usage). Fitbit is also adding offering free six-month Premium membership (for new or returning customers). The Fitbit Charge 5 will arrive in Black (plus Graphite stainless steel), Lunar White (plus Soft Gold stainless steel) and Steel Blue (plus platinum stainless steel).
