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5 mistakes to avoid when buying a refrigerator

5 mistakes to avoid when buying a refrigerator

Buying a refrigerator is a big deal. If you make the wrong decision, you'll have to live with it for years, maybe even a decade or more. Don't freak out though. While it isn't everyday you shop for a large appliance, a little planning ahead of time goes a long way. This guide lays out the usual mistakes people tend to make when buying a fridge.

Not surprisingly, there are many pitfalls to avoid. On the list are things to consider before you step into the store, or click that buy button. One is choosing the wrong style and finish for your home's decor. Another is not thinking about capacity and your food storage needs. And sweating the details is important, too. Cantankerous interior drawers are never fun to live with. Are there compartments for cold cuts, cheese, dairy? Perhaps you don't care, but at least check before you commit.

Extras such as ice makers, water dispensers, and automatic water pitchers that you'll use every day can make a big difference, and even cameras and smarts are key factors too. And something that's a must-have feature for someone else might be a waste of money to you, so understanding what you're paying for matters.

Here are the biggest mistakes you can make when buying a refrigerator.

Think about what you want in a fridge before you buy.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Buying the wrong style

Refrigerators may be large boxes but they're far from monolithic. They come in a range of shapes, sizes, and designs. Each style has its specific strengths and weaknesses. Some fridge types generally cost less but won't offer many fancy features. Others tend to have all the latest bells and whistles plus a massive price and large size.

Buying the wrong style appliance could mean bad news. You might get stuck with a bloated bill, no frills at all, or something that won't fit where you want it. Here's a rundown of major fridge styles so you know what to expect

Top freezers

The classic fridge design, top freezer-style models have been around for decades. They have a main chiller section for fresh food and a smaller freezer compartment above it. If you need a lot of room to store frozen items this style of refrigerator isn't ideal. They're also pretty basic appliances and lack extras such as in-door water dispensers and automatic ice makers. The upside is they tend to be more affordable and more compact than other fridge styles.

Buy: If you want to save money, don't need fancy extras, and have a small kitchen

Don't buy: If you want high style, lots of storage and luxury features.

Bottom freezer

On average these refrigerators come in slightly larger sizes than top freezers. They have a reverse layout too with their larger freezer section on the bottom. The chilled section for fresh food sits above that. While bottom freezer models provide easier access to fresh items, frozen food will be tougher to reach. Even aided by drawer-style freezer doors, you'll still have to bend down to grab what you want.

Buy: If you want more room for frozen food than top freezers and easier access to fresh items.

Don't buy: If you can't stand bending down to reach frozen food.

Side-by-side

This style of refrigerator is all about compromise. Side-by-side models offer a balance between saving space and providing extra features. They're split down the middle with two doors, one for the freezer on the left and the other for the fridge on the right. Their doors are relatively narrow too since they don't swing out as far. Don't expect special drawers for quick drinks or easy access to kids' snacks. Side-by-side refrigerators do have lots of freezer and fridge storage. Some models also come with fancy add-ons such as in-door ice makers, water dispensers, and touch controls.

Buy: If you want ample storage and a handful of modern features, or if you have a narrow kitchen.

Don't buy: If you crave extra compartments for quick or kid-friendly access to drinks and snacks.

French door

A combination of side-by-side and bottom freezer models, French door refrigerators try to offer it all. They usually pack in the most advanced features including smart, connected functions and special compartments. French-door models are also the most popular fridge variety so they're available in the most colors and finish options. As a result, you'll pay top dollar for them too.

Buy: If you want all the bells and whistles you can get and have a big budget.

Don't buy: If you're hunting for a bargain.

Fridges are big and heavy so make sure it'll fit where you want it first.

Chris Monroe/CNET

Forgetting to check the fit

No matter what fridge style you choose, one massive misstep is not checking the fit. Make sure the new appliance will squeeze into the same spot as your current refrigerator. Do that by measuring the dimensions of your old unit. Then compare them with the new fridge you plan to purchase. Ideally the replacement appliance will be identical to or smaller than the current model. This is especially important if your current fridge lives in a recessed nook within built-in cabinets.

It's equally important to measure your counter depth. Some fridges can stick out far beyond your counters, jutting into your kitchen. If you have a kitchen island, measure how much clearance you have to open the fridge doors or walk past the fridge.

Don't forget to measure entry points too, such as your front door, hallways, basement doors, and so on. Anticipate the path a delivery person will take to avoid any unexpected issues or complications.

Decide how much storage space you need.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Not accounting for storage and capacity

No refrigerator owner is the same. Choose a fridge that fits your particular storage needs. Do you tend to keep lots of items on ice for long periods? Make sure to select an appliance with plenty of freezer space. In this case a side-by-side model is probably best. If the opposite is true then a big French-door fridge is likely more your speed.

Of course your prospective purchase might serve as secondary refrigerator. Scenarios for this are small apartments, second homes, and basement kitchenettes. Likewise if you already own a stand-alone fridge or freezer, price is probably paramount rather than storage space.

The right fridge color can make or break your kitchen decor.

CNET

Discounting color and finish

The appearance of the fridge you ultimately settle on is no small matter. Outside of its functions and features, a refrigerator's (or any large appliance) exterior can have a huge impact on a room's decor. Pick poorly and a fridge can clash with its surroundings -- giving your kitchen a random, even cluttered aesthetic.

Depending on the look you're going for, you may decide that your new refrigerator should match the color (and texture) of other nearby appliances. You could do the opposite too and select a fridge with striking colors or a retro-inspired design. As long as the rest of the room is neutral, your distinctive appliance will serve as a positive focal point.

For a deep dive on how to choose the color and finish of your new appliance, read our full guide.  

Little details such as how easy (or hard) it is to use interior drawers are important.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Letting the small things slip

Another trap you may fall into when shopping for a new fridge is not considering other, smaller factors. For instance you may overlook details about the interior. How easy is it to open and close the crisper drawers? Are there any sharp edges anywhere that could scrape or scratch knuckles or forearms?

New LG Instaview fridges now make clear ice spheres for fancy drinks.

LG

Sometimes a refrigerator will lack dedicated compartments for meats, cold cuts, dairy, or cheese. And if you'd like to have an ice maker, water dispenser, or autofill water pitcher, check if there's a water line nearby. It's best to know this information before you commit to the purchase. 

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Buying a Home or Refinancing? Here's How to Find the Right Home Loan

Buying a Home or Refinancing? Here's How to Find the Right Home Loan

Navigating the world of home-buying could be an Olympic sport. There are so many different regulations, guidelines and fees to keep track of -- and by the time you master one part, there are new rules to learn. And, with mortgage rates predicted to continue rising, particularly as the Fed looks to increase rates as early as March, locking in a rate sooner rather than later may save you tens of thousands in interest.

When searching for the right home loan, you're bound to come across many options. But not every mortgage is right for every person -- you'll want to learn more about the different types of home loans to decide which one is right for you. This guide will help break down several of the most common home loan types, while explaining what's required for approval and who each type is best for.

Read more: Mortgages, Credit Scores and Down Payments: 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Home

1. Conventional loan

What it is: A conventional loan is a loan that isn't backed by a government agency. These are the most common type of loan. Conventional loan terms come in 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-year terms, with 30-year terms being the most popular option.

What you need: You can get a conventional loan with as little as 3% down payment and a 620 credit score. But the lower your credit score, the more money you might need for a down payment.

Who it's good for: The majority of home loans -- around 75% -- are conventional loans, so it's good for most people. You can use it for your first home, second home and even investment properties.

Who should skip it: Borrowers who don't have the minimum credit score requirements or need payment assistance.

2. FHA loan

What it is: An FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration, which provides mortgage insurance to lenders who provide FHA loans. It's the largest mortgage insurer in the world. Loans are administered by FHA-approved lenders. This can be local banks, credit unions and online lenders. Loans come in 15- and 30-year terms.

What you need: To secure a 3.5% down payment rate, your credit score will need to be 580 or above. If it's below 580, you can still qualify, but you'll need at least a 10% down payment. For down payments of less than 20%, your loan will require private mortgage insurance. PMI protects the lender just in case you default on your loan. PMI will get removed from your mortgage payments once you have at least 20% equity in your home.

Who it's good for: Borrowers who don't have strong enough credit to qualify for a conventional loan. FHA loans also offer down payment loans and grants through federal, state and local programs whereas conventional loans don't.

Who should skip it: If you have good or excellent credit that would qualify you for a conventional loan.

Check out our full guide to FHA loans.

3. VA loan

What it is: VA loans are offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Military veterans, those in active duty or in the reserves qualify for VA loans. 

What you need: There's no down payment or minimum credit score requirement to get a VA loan.

Who it's good for: Those who serve or have served in the military.

Who should skip it: Borrowers who aren't in the military, obviously. VA loans are only good on primary residences so if you need funding for a second home or investment property, you'll need to look at other options.

Check out our full guide to VA loans.

4. USDA loans

What it is: USDA loans are funded by the US Department of Agriculture. They're available in specific regions across the country. They're made for borrowers in mostly rural areas who might not otherwise qualify for a traditional loan. Loans are backed by USDA-approved lenders (similar to FHA-backed loans). You can check to see if you'd qualify by checking the eligibility site.

What you need: There's no down payment required for a USDA loan. Most lenders require at least a fair credit score.

Who it's good for: Families in rural areas as long as you meet income and location limits.

Who should skip it: Those who don't meet the location and income requirements. If you qualify for one and not the other, you also might want to look into alternative loan options.

Check out our full guide to USDA loans.

Other loan types to know about

As well as being based on a government (or nongovernment) program, mortgages can be categorized by interest rates and how much the home price is. Those are:

• Fixed-rate loans: These are the most common type of loan within a conventional mortgage. Fixed-rate loans means you'll pay the same interest rate every month for the life of the loan. The only time your interest rate will change is if you refinance your mortgage.

• Adjustable-rate mortgages: ARMs have a fixed interest rate for a set amount of time and then the interest rate fluctuates periodically. They usually start out lower than standard fixed-rate mortgages but can change over time based on a benchmark. A 5/1 ARM means the first five years have a fixed rate and then a variable interest rate that changes every year after that.

• Jumbo loans: This is a mortgage that finances a property that's too expensive for a traditional loan. The qualifications for jumbo loans tend to be more strict. For most lenders, you'll need a credit score of at least 700 and usually a 20% down payment. Jumbo loans start where conforming loans end, which is different depending on where you are. Jumbo loans can have fixed or adjustable rates. 

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TikTok Now Lets Viewers Turn Captions On or Off on Any Video

TikTok Now Lets Viewers Turn Captions On or Off on Any Video

TikTok, the popular video sharing social media platform, said Thursday that viewers can now choose to turn auto-generated captions on or off on all videos. Before, creators had to enable captions on their videos in order for people to use them. 

TikTok also offers to translate these captions, as well as video descriptions and text stickers, into English, German, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish. 

TikTok said these changes are meant to celebrate people from every community and make sure everyone feels welcomed, included and entertained. 

"We hope to see more people using these new tools to bridge culture and connection, and broaden their worlds," TikTok said.

The platform launched auto-generated captions for user videos in 2021. Creators could also edit those captions as needed.

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DIY: The string tripod (aka stringpod)

DIY: The string tripod (aka stringpod)

Sharon Vaknin/CNET

Three-legged tripods are the go-to accessory for steadying shots. Whether you're trying to achieve a high exposure or need to work with a shaky hand, propping your camera on a tripod is crucial to producing a clear image, especially in low light.

Thing is, tripods are bulky, making it difficult to carry them while you travel. So, how do you get steady shots without a tripod? With the stringpod, of course.

An old photographer's trick, the stringpod isn't exactly a tripod replacement, but it gets pretty close when you need to steady your camera in a pinch. Here's how it works:

You'll need:

• A 1/4" eye bolt
• A cord or string (the thicker the better)

Cut the cord or string to about three times your height. Tie the ends together. Then, pass the string through the eye of the bolt and create a loop knot to secure it in place.

To use the stringpod, screw the bolt into the tripod socket. Then step onto the string or cord with two feet spread about shoulder-width apart. Now, pull the camera up to put tension on the string and steady your camera.

Although the stringpod isn't ideal for very long exposure shots (your hands will eventually get shaky), the dirt-cheap accessory works well when you're in a low-light situation and need to crank up the ISO.

Check out the video above to see the difference in clarity when shooting with and without the string tripod.

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People of the Same Weight Can Look Different Based on These Factors

People of the Same Weight Can Look Different Based on These Factors

This story is part of Health by the Numbers, CNET's deep dive into how we quantify health.

The scale was viewed as the holy grail for determining how healthy you are for the longest time. With extensive research and understanding, we know that the scale doesn't take into consideration the many factors that can influence our weight. That means that weight isn't always the best indicator of health. 

What makes things more complex is when you meet someone who's the same weight, height and gender, but looks completely different than you. Weight is much more than what the scale tells you, and there are better ways to interpret your health instead of relying on a specific number. I spoke with registered dietitian and diabetes educator, Amelia Ti, to help break down the unique factors that influence weight, as well as a healthier approach we can take to understanding it. 

What determines your weight?

Getty Images/ Hiraman

First, it's important to understand the many factors that influence weight. These factors include genetics, hormone levels, stress and sleep levels, moods, trauma, any medications you're taking and health conditions. 

"Our weight is more than just calories consumed versus calories burned," said Ti. She said the number on the scale is not a reliable indicator of health, since our weight is influenced by various details. In fact, many of the factors that determine our weight, such as the environment, genetics, age and gender, are beyond our control -- they were either set before we were born or are inescapable. 

The same can be said when people are dieting and aim to set a goal weight determined by the scale. "Weight is not a behavior, therefore the number on the scale cannot directly be controlled," she said. Setting a specific goal weight is not realistic or sustainable, because it implies that we can control our weight through willpower. In that same vein, Ti pointed out that dieting to lose weight or change one's body shape, size or composition, is not effective in the long-term and usually results in weight regain and cycling. There are exceptions, but we know that many diets fail.

Then there's the set point theory, which implies that we all have a natural weight that our bodies prefer to maintain. The idea is that our bodies periodically adjust our food intake (such as eating more or less) and energy expenditure to keep it balanced. Although the concept is still up for debate, studies have shown that there may be some truth to a biological control of body weight at a set point. However, weight is more complex than that, so it isn't fully proven.  

Same weight, different body composition

Getty Images/FatCamera

What about circumstances where you find yourself weighing the same as a year ago, but you notice your clothes fit a little tighter (or looser)? "Your clothes may fit differently even when your weight has stayed the same due to changes in lean body mass," said Ti. How your clothes fit can also vary on a day-to-day basis due to weight fluctuations caused by bloating or fluid retention.

Similarly, you might compare yourself to others who are the same height and weight -- yet look different from you. For example, on TikTok, women are sharing photos of themselves and labeling their exact weight to celebrate body diversity. While this may seem harmless, this trend could easily be triggering for someone with a history of disordered eating or body image issues. 

"The intentions of this TikTok trend are good, but it still places an emphasis on appearance, such as body size and shape, which may cause people to have unrealistic expectations, become overly critical, and heighten body shame and dissatisfaction," said Ti, adding, "It's important to understand that you can weigh the same as someone else, but look different because each individual has their own genetic blueprint." 

Genetics determine where exactly our bodies carry our weight. Plus, body composition also plays a major role. Body composition refers to the ratio of body fat to muscle, bones, ligaments, organs and other tissue. Again, this varies by individual and can change over time, based on many different factors.

Another aspect Ti said we should be mindful of is that we can't make assumptions about someone's physical or mental health, diet, activity or relationship with food simply by observing their appearance.

BMI and weight

Getty Images/Tim Robberts

Usually when the topic of weight comes up, body mass index is also discussed.

BMI is a screening tool that measures your weight and height to estimate your body fat and then categorizes you as either underweight, a healthy weight or overweight. But for individuals, BMI is not a great indicator of health. "BMI was created by a statistician based on a population of white, European males -- not a representative sample of diverse populations -- and was meant to be used as a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool," Ti said. 

Furthermore, BMI was never intended to be used to evaluate the health of an individual and does not account for gender, age, body frame or body composition. "Continued use of BMI further contributes to weight stigma in health care," warned Ti, adding that even though the health care system probably won't move away from the concept, we can avoid relying on BMI as the sole indicator of our health because it doesn't tell the whole story. 

When weight matters

Getty Images/JGI/Jamie Grill

It would be remiss to say that weight never matters. There are certain circumstances when it's important to monitor your weight. For example, observing your weight during pregnancy is necessary to make sure you gain the right amount of weight for a healthy gestation.

Weight can also matter if you have a known heart condition. Ti said those with congestive heart failure have to monitor their weight closely because fluid build up in the body causes weight fluctuations and changes that occur as a result of the disease itself.

Additionally, you should be aware of your weight if you have a health condition, such as diabetes, that requires a specific medication dosage. Your doctor will determine your dosage based on your weight to make sure you're being prescribed the right amount.

If you have a clean bill of health, Ti suggested you place less emphasis on having a specific weight. "Ultimately, the focus should be improving your health through changes in your behaviors, habits, thoughts, and how you feel throughout the day," she said. Improvements in mood, sleep, energy and strength will make a bigger difference than what the scale tells you in the morning. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Lenovo Yoga 9i gets rid of a traditional touchpad and slaps leather on its lid

Lenovo Yoga 9i gets rid of a traditional touchpad and slaps leather on its lid

Lenovo announced the new premium Yoga 7i and Yoga 6 two-in-ones earlier in the month and now it's pulled the wraps off the top-of-the-line Yoga 9i. The Yoga 9i two-in-one and Yoga 9i Slim laptop (called the IdeaPad 9i Slim in North America) replace the Yoga C940 and Yoga S940 (IdeaPad S940). 

Being the most premium of the premium Yoga lineup, the Yoga 9i -- available in 14- and 15.6-inch versions -- gets all the fun extras and is made from the nicest materials. For 2020's 14-inch model that includes an optional lid upgrade with black leather bonded to its aluminum chassis. It "begs to be touched," Lenovo panted. 

It'll also have an edge-to-edge glass palm rest with an encased touchpad that uses haptic feedback, allowing for a much larger touchpad area. There's also a new ultrasonic fingerprint reader that'll work even if your finger is slightly wet, such as after you wash your hands -- which we're all doing a lot more of these days, right? 

The new glass palm rest does away with the traditional touchpad.

Lenovo

The Yoga 9i will also have a new keyboard with "soft-landing dome-design keypads" that promises a more comfortable, bouncier typing experience, which is saying something since the C940's keyboard was already more comfortable than most. Its updated soundbar hinge will have improved audio, which, like the keyboard, was already pretty great. You can also expect enhancements to everything from screen options to ports (Thunderbolt 4!) to improved cooling to the tip of its included active pen for a better feel when writing on the screen.

Most of these features, including the leather cover, carry over to the Lenovo IdeaPad 9i Slim laptop. The IdeaPad also gets a sensor that automatically adjusts its keyboard's backlight for your room's lighting conditions as well as a kill switch for its webcam. (The Yoga 9i has a physical privacy shutter for its webcam.)

The IdeaPad 9i Slim is the clamshell version of the 14-inch Yoga 9i. 

Lenovo

While both of these will feature Intel's next-gen processors -- the i in the naming denotes an Intel CPU -- those who are more concerned with performance in a premium two-in-one body will be more interested in the 15-inch Yoga 9i. There's no leather option, but you can get it with up to a 10th-gen Intel Core i9 HK-series processor and discrete Nvidia GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q, plus up to 16GB of memory and 2TB SSD storage. 

The 14-inch Yoga 9i with the metal lid will start at $1,399 or $1,699 for the leather lid. The 15-inch Yoga 9i will start at $1,799. All three are expected in October. 

The IdeaPad 9i Slim is expected in November starting at $1,599. 

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Google Pixel 5A review: Snappy performance, familiar design

Google Pixel 5A review: Snappy performance, familiar design

Update, July 21, 2022: Google has since replaced the Pixel 5A with 5G with the Pixel 6A. You can read our full Pixel 6A review for the latest model. Last year's review of the Pixel 5A with 5G continues unchanged below.

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Google's $449 Pixel 5A with 5G is the second major Pixel announcement this year, hot on the heels of the Pixel 6 teaser earlier this month. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor that powers a 6.34-inch OLED display. The phone also has IP67 water- and dust-resistance.

So while Google's highest-end Pixel 6 and 6 Pro phones will include the new in-house Tensor chip, the 5A (as I'll call it from now on) will have more in common with last year's Pixel 4A 5G. For Pixel fans with deeper pockets, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro's chip and redesign could be exciting, but this Pixel likely will be shooting for a more budget-conscious crowd. 

For the value, it's hard to not like what Google has done with the Pixel 5A. The only real thing holding it back is Google's inability to commit to supporting upcoming 5G networks that are set to start coming online in a few months. 

Like

• Nice screen
• Speedy performance
• IP67 water-resistant
• Affordable price

Don't Like

• No wireless charging
• 5G support in the US is unclear

If you're looking for a cheaper Pixel, you won't have to wait for the Pixel 6's release date sometime this fall, as the 5A will be released on Aug. 26 and can be bought in the US carrier-unlocked directly from Google or with Google Fi. The phone will also be available in Japan. (While it's not coming to the UK or Australia, the price converts to roughly £320 or AU$630.)

I've spent the past few days with Google's new phone. While it feels like a worthy successor to the Pixel 4A 5G so far, here's what you'll want to keep in mind if you want a cheaper 5G Pixel or Android phone on a budget. 

Snappy performance, familiar design

The 5A's chip is the same as the one used in last year's 4A 5G: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor. The similarities don't end there, as both phones also have 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. They each have similar front and rear cameras with a hole punch for the front camera, and both have a fingerprint reader on the back and a 3.5mm headphone jack on top. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

The camera system is nearly identical to last year's Pixel 4A with 5G (and the Pixel 5). It has the same lenses and all the same features, including a portrait mode, Night Sight and an ultrawide lens. In my week with the phone, the cameras proved versatile and more than capable of taking crisp photos during the day and at night.

For more on the Pixel's cameras, see our Pixel 5 review last year.  

In daylight, the Pixel 5A does a nice job capturing details and colors. 

Eli Blumenthal/CNET

Night Sight isn't the sharpest but it remains an impressive -- and capable -- feature for a $449 phone. 

Eli Blumenthal/CNET

The differences begin with a larger 6.34-inch OLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio that's similar to the Galaxy S21. That's compared to a 6.2-inch display on the 4A 5G at a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, which we've seen on devices such as the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12. 

The 5A is running Android 11 in my tests, but if past Pixel trends hold true the phone will likely be among the first to get Android 12. The new OS will include the new Material You design, refreshed notifications and even more customizable options that could be exclusive to the Pixel series.

Watching videos on YouTube, Netflix or Disney Plus worked fine. Games on Stadia or Xbox Game Pass also played well, though some (particularly those on Xbox) were letterboxed and wouldn't play in full screen. I encountered a similar issue with YouTube TV (though not the regular YouTube app). 

The Pixel 5A letterboxes certain apps like YouTube TV. 

Eli Blumenthal/CNET

Performance, however, was solid and it was certainly playable with a good internet connection. More intensive localized games such as Call of Duty: Mobile also worked largely as expected. 

The stereo speakers, however, lack clarity. While they can get loud they aren't as full or rich at maximum volume as other devices. 

The phone's IP67-rated water and dust resistance should help withstand the elements and features a significantly larger battery (4,620 mAh compared to 3,800 mAh) that can be fast-charged using the included 18-watt USB-C wall charger. 

The Pixel's fast charging wasn't particularly speedy in my tests, going from empty to 21% in 20 minutes and needing around 47 minutes to hit 50%. The OnePlus Nord 2 can go from zero to 70% in an hour using its 30-watt fast charger. 

Getting up to a nearly full charge took around two hours on the Pixel. I do like that the battery indicator in the notification tray continues to show how much battery you have left, as opposed to a vague percentage. 

Google claims the battery should be able to run a full day, and from my limited testing these few days the phone seems to hold up to that estimate even after I was taxing it with gaming, video watching, hotspotting and photo taking.

Impact of the chip shortage

The global chip shortage appears to have affected the Pixel line's tradition of offering a bounty of colors, with the 5A just coming in "mostly black" (which to me looked a little green in certain light). Brian Rakowski, vice president of product management at Google, told reporters that this was a result of "supply chain challenges."

"It's an industry-wide shortage," he said, noting that the limited chips available has also meant limiting the places Google will sell the 5A as opposed to offering a wide distribution through a variety of carriers and retailers. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

"We definitely could not get as many chips as we wanted for this." 

As with last year's Pixel 4A 5G, there's no wireless charging on this new model. Google also appears to have dropped the "spectral and flicker sensor," which could impact taking pictures or videos of screens or shooting under artificial lighting like fluorescent lights. (These changes may not necessarily be related to the chip shortage.)

The good news is that the 5A keeps most of Google's Pixel software features, including call screening for fighting robocalls, car crash detection and a recorder app that can transcribe in real time, as well as photography features like Night Sight for improved images in low light.  

Google is promising three years of Android software and security updates in addition to the feature updates it has routinely offered for Pixel phones. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

5G… with a catch 

5G support is indeed part of this cheaper Pixel, but the details of that support get complicated. You should be able to connect to low-band 5G networks from T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. 

But whereas last year's Pixel 5 included support for higher-frequency millimeter-wave 5G networks, the 5A does not. This means faster speeds, from what Verizon calls Ultra Wideband and what AT&T calls 5G Plus, won't be supported. For a midrange phone this isn't a deal-breaker, but it isn't ideal. 

Since Google Fi runs on T-Mobile's network, it works fine on that carrier's low-band as well as its faster midband 5G offering, which it calls Ultra Capacity 5G. 

Looking into 5G's future, the 5A's support will be even more complicated. The phone's support of 5G networks running on the C-band is unclear. This is wireless spectrum that Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile spent billions on earlier this year. For Verizon and AT&T, that should provide a significant speed boost beyond just a handful of city blocks. 

The first of these networks from AT&T and Verizon should arrive later this year, with Verizon stating earlier this year that this C-band network will allow it to offer peak download speeds of 1 gigabit per second. The Pixel 5, ironically, was announced as one of the first phones to support Verizon's C-band network. 

On a hardware level, the 5A should support these forthcoming networks as it has the proper band support inside (what's known as band N77 or N78). The issue is that Google won't commit to updating the software on the Pixel 5A with 5G to enable it. 

"The hardware is capable but there hasn't been a lot of deployment yet in the US so the software work would still need to be done," Rakowski said. "We don't have any plans to announce on that front." 

When pressed, Rakowski added that Google will "stay in touch with the carriers and evaluate" future support but added that "we're not going to commit, we're not going to make a statement now about future support for what might come in an update."

We already know that more people are holding onto devices for longer, so the lack of support from Google for this upcoming network upgrade -- especially when the physical hardware supports it -- is concerning. 

If you're with T-Mobile or a carrier that runs on its network (like Google Fi) you have less to worry about when it comes to accessing a speedy midband 5G network. As for prospective buyers who have AT&T or Verizon, that lack of future support could muddy what's otherwise a solid $449 phone.

Pixel 5A 5G specs

	Pixel 5A 5G	Pixel 4A 5G	Pixel 3A
Display size, resolution	6.34-inch OLED, 2,400x1,080 pixels	6.2-inch OLED, 2,340x1,080 pixels	5.6-inch OLED, 2,220x1,080 pixels
Pixel density	413ppi	413ppi	441ppi
Dimensions	156x73x8.8mm	154x74x8.2mm (Sub-6 only); 154x74x8.5 mm (mmWave + Sub-6)	151x70x8.2mm
Weight	6.45 oz; 183g	5.93 oz; 168g (Sub-6 only); 6.03 oz; 171g (mmWave + Sub-6)	5.19 oz; 147g
Software	Android 11	Android 11	Android 9.0
Camera	16-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (dual pixel)	12.2-megapixel (standard), 16-megapixel (ultrawide)	12.2-megapixel
Front camera	8-megapixel	8-megapixel	8-megapixel
Video	4K	4K	4K
Chipsets	Snapdragon 765G (processing power chip), Titan M chipset (security chip)	Snapdragon 765G	2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 670
Storage	128GB	128GB	64GB
RAM	6GB	6GB	4GB
Headphone Jack	Yes	Yes	No
Battery	4,620 mAh	3,800 mAh	3,000 mAh
Special features	5G, IP67 water resistance, dual SIM (nano-SIM and e-SIM), stereo speakers, 18W fast charging	5G, dual-SIM (nano-SIM and e-SIM), fast charging	AR in Google Maps, time-lapse video shooting
Price (USD)	$449	$499	$399

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