In all eight markets where it was sold, Google’s flagship phone for 2020 has essentially been discontinued, following in the footsteps of the Pixel 4, which only lasted a year from launch to early retirement.

The reason for the Pixel 5’s discontinuation has yet to be revealed, but Google appeared to acknowledge the situation in an August statement following the launch of the Pixel 5a.

With our current forecasts, we expect Google Store in the U.S. to sell out of Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 in the coming weeks following the launch of Pixel 5a (5G). These products will continue to be available through some partners while supplies last.

It’s due to a global chip shortage, specifically the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor’s limited availability, sources say. The Pixel 5a, which had a more modest launch in the US and Japan due to the same supply issues, received the limited supplies that Google was able to secure.

As a result, in most countries where Google phones are sold, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, as well as the budget-friendly Pixel 4a, which debuted in summer 2020, are the only options. The 4a is powered by a different Qualcomm processor, the Snapdragon 730G, which protects it from Google’s 765G supply issues.

You could be forgiven if you noticed a Pixel 5-sized gap in Google’s current phone lineup. The 5 offers several key upgrades over the Pixel 4a as a mid-tier flagship, which may entice buyers who can’t afford the $599 base model Pixel 6.

In comparison to the 4a, the Pixel 5 has IP68 water resistance, better build quality, a slightly larger 90Hz display, wireless charging, 5G connectivity, and a better camera system. Furthermore, it stands out as one of the most well-balanced phones to have graced the Google Store — a welcome return to form following the Pixel 4’s disappointment.

It would make sense to price it somewhere between the 4a and the 6, and Google’s lineup is clearly lacking without it.

A Pixel 5 with a price tag of around $500 would still be one of the better Android miniphones on the market. The main camera on the Pixel 5 performs admirably for point-and-shoot photography, despite its video recording limitations. And Pixel 5 owners get a full-featured Android 12 software experience, with the exception of some key Pixel 6 features like magic eraser and live translation.

There is no ‘premium’ small Pixel for the first time in five years

For the first time in the series’ history, Google does not have a small-sized premium Pixel. In terms of sheer physical heft, the Pixel 6 is a significant step up from its immediate predecessor, while not as large as the Pixel 6 Pro. It may be one of the best Android phones for the majority of people, but it’s not one-handed.

Of course, the Pixel 5 hasn’t completely vanished. While brand new Pixel 5s are hard to come by, refurbished and used models can be found online. Used Pixel 5s in the UK, for example, go for around £350, which is about the same price as a brand new Pixel 4a.

Overall, if you can find a Pixel 5 in late 2021, you’ll be getting a good deal.