The Fujifilm X-A2 and Fujifilm X-A5 are both Fujifilm X-A bodies. The X-A5 is the newer of the two, arriving in 2018. At launch the X-A2 was 549 USD and the X-A5 499 USD, making the X-A5 the more affordable of the two.
On paper the X-A2 is the stronger body of the two. It gives you a lighter 350g body.
The X-A5 isn't far behind. It hits back with 24.2 MP of resolution, 6 fps continuous shooting, and face/eye-detection AF, with a couple more edges beyond that.
So which one? If you want a lighter 350g body, get the X-A2. If 24.2 MP of resolution is closer to what you actually need, the X-A5 is the smarter buy. And the X-A5 costs less — 499 USD at launch.
Where the X-A2 wins
+a lighter 350g body
Where the X-A5 wins
+24.2 MP of resolution
+6 fps continuous shooting
+face/eye-detection AF
+4K/15p video
+450-shot battery life
Who should buy the X-A2 or X-A5?
Buy the X-A2 if…
Pick the X-A2 if a lighter 350g body matters to you. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-A handling. Read the full X-A2 review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.
Buy the X-A5 if…
Pick the X-A5 if 24.2 MP of resolution, 6 fps continuous shooting matters to you. It also launched cheaper at 499 USD. It is the better fit for buyers who already lean toward X-A handling. Read the full X-A5 review for the use-case-specific pros and cons.
The X-A2 arrived in 2015 with a 16.3 MP Bayer sensor and 49 contrast-detect AF points. The X-A5 followed in 2018 with 24.2 MP and 91 points including phase detection, plus face and eye detection. On paper and in practice the X-A5 focuses faster and more reliably, especially on people, and it crops further. Neither body uses an X-Trans sensor, so both give you Fuji's film simulations on conventional Bayer files.
Video, honestly
The X-A2 records 1080/30. The X-A5 records 4K but only at 15 fps, which is a checkbox rather than a feature — motion looks wrong and there is no fixing it in post. Treat both as stills cameras that can shoot a 1080 clip when needed, and do not let the 4K line on the X-A5's spec sheet decide anything.
Handling and battery
Both are viewfinder-less bodies with flip-up screens and a single SD slot. The X-A5 is slightly heavier at 361g against 350g and lasts a little longer at 450 shots CIPA to 410. The X-A5 adds PRO Neg. Std to the film simulation list. Neither is weather-sealed, and both are long discontinued.
Which one to buy used
The X-A5 (499 USD at launch) is the better camera in every way that matters and usually the one to buy. The X-A2 (549 USD) makes sense only if it comes with a lens you want at a price that makes the body free. At this end of the market, spend the difference on glass — the lens will outlive both bodies.
Highlighted cells are best in class between these two. Specs sourced from public Fujifilm product pages.
In-depth reviews
For the full long-form review of each camera, see the Fujifilm X-A2 review and the Fujifilm X-A5 review. Each one carries the full spec breakdown, pros and cons, and where this body sits in the current Fujifilm lineup.