Now that the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 are official, we have 3 different pixels to choose from this year. There's the Pixel 4a, which costs a cool $ 349, the 4a 5G, which has a faster network, processor, and extra camera for $ 499, and the Pixel 5, which is a premium, wireless charging and a 90 Hz display. Water resistance and a bigger battery for $ 699.
Between these three, the 4a 5G seems to be the middle ground that many people are looking for. At 6.2 inches, it has the largest display of the three, the wide-angle camera everyone wanted last year, and a chip that is absolutely future-proof with 5G connectivity. While the Pixel 5 still lacks extras like wireless charging and a 90Hz display, a lot of people don't care about those things and just want something that works for a good price.
Fortunately, we currently have a 4a 5G in hand. Let's take a look.
What's in the box?
In the packaging of the Pixel 4a 5G, the phone is next to a quick start guide, an 18 W power adapter, a power cord and a USB-A male USB-C adapter. This is pretty much the standard tariff for Pixels these days, although some may be a little baffled to find that other devices often come with extras like headphones.
We should note that while it is 18W fine In terms of charging speed, it is gradually lagging behind other devices. Even budget devices like the OnePlus Nord usually see 25W, 30W, or more, and it would be nice to see Google charging faster soon. Even so, the sizeable 3,885 mAh battery should hopefully last longer than the Pixels of the past. Cough Pixel 4 cough.
How is the processing quality?
Aside from the Pixel 4a, the Pixel 4a 5G feels pretty massive. There's a big difference between the 5.8-inch screen on the 4a and the 6.2-inch screen on the 4a 5G, but otherwise they look pretty similar. They're both made from the same polycarbonate material, which I think feels pretty nice. While they may not feel quite that way bonus As glass phones, they definitely feel sturdy and of higher quality than the plastic of the Pixel 3a. Plus, if you drop them, they most likely won't break. I'm a fan.
Probably the more notable difference between Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G is the rear camera module. While both are basically the same shape, the Pixel 4a 5G has two cameras, a 12MP main sensor and a 16MP width sensor, while the Pixel 4a just rocks that 12MP main shooter. If you're someone who takes a lot of landscape photos or enjoys photography a lot, this can be a big deal, especially considering that astrophotography is generally taken with wide-angle cameras.
Otherwise, the structure of Pixel 4a 5G is almost identical to that of Pixel 4a. They have a USB-C port and speakers on the bottom, a SIM card slot on the left, a power button and volume rockers on the left, and even a headphone jack on top! The main difference is that for at least the black model, the power button on the Pixel 4a 5G is purple, while the power button on the 4a was teal.
What's the screen like?
Just like the Pixel 4a, the Pixel 4a 5G has a fantastic display. It's a bright and beautiful AMOLED with fantastic color and brightness. The Pixel 4a had one of the best displays we've tested over the last year, and the Pixel 4a 5G seems to be continuing that trend, albeit in a larger size of 6.2 inches.
If you were hoping for a 90Hz display for this model, you will likely be disappointed. The Pixel 4a 5G retains the 60Hz display of the Pixel 4a, and you'll have to jump to the Pixel 5 if you want a faster refresh rate. At the top left of the display there is an 8 MP pinhole camera.
Overall, I am very satisfied with this display. It's just as good as the Pixel 4a, which means very, very good.
What about the internals?
Inside, the Pixel 4a 5G is practically a direct mix of the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5. It shares the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor as the Pixel 5, which makes it 5G connectivity and higher overall speeds. If you look at RAM, you'll find 6GB, which is the same as the Pixel 4a, but less than 8GB in the Pixel 5. While 6GB of RAM is mostly fine in 2020 for Android devices, the extra 2GB is in the Pixel 5 gives you a bit more confidence in the device's longevity.
For storage, the Pixel 4a 5G is sold in just one 128GB SKU. This is the same amount of storage that you'll find in both the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5, and I think it's a great size for the price. While it would have been nice for Google to put expandable storage in this phone, 128GB should be a good amount for most people, especially when it comes to things like backing up Google Photos images.
display
6 inch OLED
Resolution of 2,340 x 1,080
90Hz refresh rate
6.2 inch OLED
Resolution of 2,340 x 1,080
60Hz refresh rate
5.81 inch OLED
Resolution of 2,340 x 1,080
60Hz refresh rate
processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
warehouse
128 GB
No microSD card slot
128 GB
No microSD card slot
128 GB
No microSD card slot
camera
Back:
Main:
12.2 MP, 1: 1.7, 1.4 µm pixels, optical + electronic image stabilization
Secondary:
16 MP, f / 2.2, 1 micron pixel, ultra wide (107 degrees FoV)
Front:
8MP sensor, f / 2.0, 1.12 µm pixels, fixed focus, 83 degree field of view
Back:
Main:
12.2 MP, 1: 1.7, 1.4 µm pixels, optical + electronic image stabilization
Secondary:
16 MP, f / 2.2, 1 micron pixel, ultra wide (107 degrees FoV)
Front:
8MP sensor, f / 2.0, 1.12 µm pixels, fixed focus, 83 degree field of view
Back:
12.2 MP, 1: 1.7, 1.4 µm pixels, optical + electronic image stabilization
Front:
8MP sensor, f / 2.0, 1.12 µm pixels, fixed focus, 83 degree field of view
Should you buy the Pixel 4a 5G?
At $ 499, the Pixel 4a 5G is the perfect Goldilox phone for people who want a bigger display, faster processor, and network, plus an extra camera alongside the $ 150 cheaper Pixel 4a. However, if you're looking for things like wireless charging, metal construction, IP68 water and dust resistance, or a 90Hz display, you'll have to spend the extra $ 200 on the Pixel 5.
Overall, I think Google did a great job this year at balancing price and features between its three pixels. While I think $ 649 would have been a better price for the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4a 5G is very cementing itself if you want a good Pixel at a good price.
As always, our reviews for both the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 will be published soon. So you should prepare for these before making a judgment. Until then, let us know what you think of the Pixel 4a 5G in the comments below!