A few years ago, Google launched the A series to provide users with affordable alternative products to replace its expensive flagship products. Pixel 3a, Pixel 4a, and Pixel 4a 5G are all impressive devices that provide the right balance between price and features. The newest member of the series, Pixel 5a, will not change the existing formula. But it does add some new features and improve others in order to create more attractive devices in 2021. However, how much upgrade is it compared to its predecessor? Let us find out in the comparison of Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G.
Our verdict: Google Pixel 5a review
Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G
Glasses
| Google Pixel 5a | Google Pixel 4a 5G | |
|---|---|---|
| exhibit | 6.34 inch OLED 2,400 x 1,080 resolution 413ppi 20:9 aspect ratio 60Hz refresh rate Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
6.2 inch OLED 2,340 x 1,080 resolution 413ppi 19.5:9 aspect ratio 60Hz refresh rate Gorilla Glass 3 |
| processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
| Store | 128GB | 128GB |
| strength | 4,680mAh 18W fast charge No wireless charging |
3,800mAh 18W fast charge No wireless charging |
| camera | Mainly: -12.2MP dual pixels 1.4μm pixel width Autofocus with dual pixel phase detection Optical + electronic image stabilization ƒ/1.7 aperture 77 degree field of view secondary: front: |
Mainly: -12.2MP dual pixels 1.4 μm pixel width Autofocus with dual pixel phase detection Optical + electronic image stabilization ƒ/1.7 aperture 77° field of view secondary: front: |
| Vocal | Stereo speakers Headphone jack |
Stereo speakers Headphone jack |
| Biometrics | Rear fingerprint reader | Rear fingerprint reader |
| software | Android 11 | Android 10 (upgradeable to Android 11) |
| Dimensions and weight | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm 183 grams |
153.9 mm x 74 mm x 8.2 mm (8.5 mm for millimeter wave models) 168g (171g for millimeter wave variant) |
| colour | Mostly black | Just black Distinct white |
Design and display
At first glance, you can hardly distinguish Pixel 5a from Pixel 4a 5G. Both have a punch hole hidden in the upper left corner. The design of the rear camera module and the camera itself are the same. You can also get a rear capacitive fingerprint scanner and headphone jack with two affordable Pixels.
You can also take a look: The best Google Pixel 5a case you can get
The difference between them is almost insignificant. The Pixel 5a’s display is 0.1 inches larger, and due to the larger battery, this phone is thicker than the 4a 5G.
At first glance, it is almost impossible to distinguish the two phones.
However, as long as you pick up these two phones, you will immediately notice a big difference. Pixel 5a uses a metal one-piece body, which is better than the plastic body of its predecessor. It also retains the soft touch coating of Pixel 5, which increases the grip. Due to its metal construction, Pixel 5a is also significantly heavier than 4a 5G.
Google Pixel 5a is the first product in this series to achieve IP67 dust and water resistance. You can hardly find it in this price range and it is definitely a welcome supplement.
The display and viewing experience are exactly the same. Both phones are equipped with a Full HD+ display with a 60Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The Pixel 5a’s screen is slightly larger, but not large enough to make a significant difference. Both are solid OLED displays, and even if a higher refresh rate would be good, there is nothing to complain about here.
Hardware and camera
The similarities continue in the hardware part. Both phones use the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, equipped with 6GB of memory and 128GB of storage space. Using the same hardware and the same software experience, there should not be much difference in performance. In other words, Pixel 5a completely defeated 4a 5G and matched Pixel 5 in our test.
The battery is the only major hardware upgrade. Compared with the 3,880mAh unit of the 4a 5G, Google puts a larger 4,680mAh battery into the Pixel 5a. In our evaluation, the 6-hour screen on time of the Pixel 4a 5G left a deep impression on us, but the 5a performed well. Our own Jimmy Westenberg managed to get more than 8 hours of screen on time under fairly frequent usage, and ended up with nearly 60% battery power on most days.
Another hardware difference is 5G support. Google Pixel 5a is only available for networks below 6GHz, and you can get a 4a 5G version that supports millimeter wave networks. The limited scale of millimeter waves makes it difficult to take it seriously, so this omission may not be a big problem.
Continue to use the camera and we get the same hardware again. Both phones are equipped with a 12.2MP main shooter and a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens, as well as an 8MP selfie camera. As far as camera performance is concerned, nothing has really changed. Both can take great photos, and they are still one of the best smartphone cameras. However, the whole thing is a bit dated, so I am happy to see something new in the upcoming Pixel 6 series.
Price and color
- Google Pixel 5a: 449 USD
- Google Pixel 4a 5G: 499 USD / 499 Euro / 499 GBP
Google Pixel 5a will start accepting pre-orders on August 17. If you pre-order this phone, you should get it before August 26, when general sales will begin. Given the general similarities and additional features such as IP ratings, it is surprising that Pixel 5a is $50 cheaper than 4a 5G.
5a There are most blacks to choose from, and it almost looks green under the correct lighting. Pixel 4a 5G has two options-Clearly White and Just Black. However, 4a 5G is difficult to emerge now.It’s out of stock in the Google Store, and only the Clearly White version is available Amazon.
Pixel A series are waterproof
Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G: Which should you buy?
If you already have a Pixel 4a 5G, you don’t need to upgrade to 5a. Yes, it comes with some useful additional features, but its core is basically the same phone. You won’t see a huge difference in performance, the camera performance is the same, you get the same software experience, they even look the same. This is an iterative update. Therefore, unless something like waterproofing is absolutely necessary, 4a 5G is definitely good enough.
This is an iterative update.
However, if you are hesitant between the two, the choice is obvious. Although the two phones are identical in terms of hardware, the Pixel 5a has a better structure, dust and water resistance, and a larger battery. It is also cheaper. However, availability can be an issue. 5a is only available in the US and Japan, and you can also get 4a 5G in a few European markets.