Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5

I'll have to keep my eye on this, although my expectations are low. Google is now taking preorders for the Pixel 4a (5.8" screen), but it has no 5G support. However, the Pixel 4a 5G is expected to launch this fall with a price of $499. The Pixel 5 (which will support 5G) will also be released in the fall, but pricing has not been set. The Pixel 4 currently sells for $799, so the Pixel 5 might be in the same ball park.

The biggest issue I see with the Pixel 4a is the lack of wireless charging, with no word yet if the Pixel 4a 5G will support it. My wife considered the Pixel 3a once, until she found out it lacked wireless charging and that was the end of that. The Pixel 5 will surely have wireless charging, but the screen size is expected to come in at 6.1". To make matters worse, the Pixel 4a 5G is expected to have a larger screen than the Pixel 4a. This is all frustratingly confusing.

It's tempting to buy a Pixel 4a for $349, just to ditch my Samsung Note 9 with it's sorry curved-edge screen. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate it? Lol

The Verge: Google announces Pixel 5, Pixel 4A 5G, and Pixel 4A all at once

YouTube: The Verge: Pixel 4a review...

I looked pretty hard at a Pixel just before I purchased the 6-T. I don't remember which iteration, but I do recall not being impressed and it was having wide spread Blue Tooth issues.  I haven't followed the Pixel line at all.  My sense is that Google is a software giant, not a hardware specialist - sort of like Microsoft Windows phones.

I could change my mind but the idea of a smaller size, at the right price, Apple is intriguing.
 

I'm right there with you. I'll look and consider, but the Pixel line has not been particularly impressive for the price. I know people make a big deal of its camera abilities, but that's low on my priority list. My Note 9 takes good enough photos, and that's good enough for me.

I haven't made up my mind, but I can already see we'll have the iPhone 12 (5.4") as soon as they are available. I really like the idea of a new iPhone being supported for many years to come. That's an area where Android phones are seriously lacking.

Support really should last more than a year or so for a $1000 gizmo. Even OnePlus new phones are now in the  $900 range.   
Your other point about Android versions by manufacturer is a solid argument for me.