Google’s new Pixel 5a has a lot of features like a bigger battery, an IP rating, and a lower price tag. But one thing I never do that It comes with unlimited Google Photos backup. According to the company, the Pixel 5a is the first Google phone that doesn’t come with free Google Photos backup at any capacity.
If you’re not familiar, Google Photos offers backups in two quality settings: original quality and slightly compressed storage quality (formerly called “high quality”). One of the perks of owning a Pixel over the years has been unlimited original-quality backups that don’t count against your Google Account storage. This advantage gradually diminishes over generations. Pixel 2 and 3 come with unlimited original quality storage for the photos you take. 3 years after release, during the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4 or later it completely removed the free original quality backup and superseded the compression option.
Pixel 5a (right) has no disclaimer for free storage backups on the 4a 5G and other Pixels (left).
Late last year, Google announced that Google Photos has free, unlimited compressed photo backups. Ending support on most phones, and Google later confirmed that it would also apply to future Pixel models. However, current equipment advance warranty details. On June 1, the rules kick in for non-Pixel devices, prompting users to start burning through precious Google Drive storage or shelling out money for a Google One storage subscription.
The company has come up with a new tool to make it easier to keep track of what’s taking up space in certain photo features of your photos, which is also a paid subscription benefit. But those who wish Google had changed their minds last year.
Google has confirmed that the 5G-enabled Pixel 5a will not get Unlimited Storage Saver/High Quality Google Photos Backup. Therefore, the promised unlimited compressed backup of the old pixel will be exempt, but the first pixels are without the benefits. For those who want to buy the original 2016 Pixel. Pixel 2 lost unlimited original quality photo backup on January 16, 2021 and Pixel 3 on January 31, 2022.