Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a: What’s the difference?

Google Pixel 4a is one of our favorite budget-friendly devices in 2020, and it shows that small Android phones may be hot again. Now, its successor appears in Pixel 5a, which contains a lot of changes. With two rear cameras, a larger display, and 5G connectivity, some people might call it the successor to Pixel 4a 5G.

If you have an older, affordable Pixel, is it time to upgrade? Let us compare the two in this contest between Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a and find out the answer.

Our verdict: Google Pixel 5a review

Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a

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Google Pixel 5a will not deviate from the established Pixel formula like the upcoming Pixel 6 series. It retains a wall-mounted punch-hole camera, a wall-mounted rear camera, and the headphone jack on the top. It looks very similar to the Pixel 4a (pictured above), although its overall footprint and camera module on the back are indeed slightly larger due to the additional sensors. It also has a higher-quality metal structure.

You can also take a look: The best Google Pixel 5a case you can get

The display size on the Pixel 5a is 6.34 inches, while the display size on the Pixel 4a is 5.81 inches. Both offer Full HD+ resolution, 60Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Pixel 5a is the first A-series Pixel to provide an IP rating, reaching IP67. The aspect ratio of Pixel 5a has changed slightly, from 19.5:9 of Pixel 4a to 20:9. You may notice that the Pixel 5a is also a lot heavier than its predecessor, although this is not surprising as the size increases.

Neither Pixel 5a nor Pixel 4a are equipped with flagship processors, but they never intended to do so. On the contrary, Pixel 5a retains the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G as last year’s Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. It is equipped with 5G below 6GHz, but does not support millimeter wave 5G. However, Pixel 4a skipped the 5G trend because it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset.

Learn more about SoC: Qualcomm smartphone processor explained

As for RAM and storage, these two devices may also be twins. Either way, you will see 6GB of RAM, and the 128GB storage option is your only choice. Neither model provides a microSD slot, so you must easily free up space through services such as Google One.

One of the biggest differences between the latest budget Pixel models is in the battery department. The 18W fast charging via USB-C has not changed, but the battery life provided by the Pixel 5a dwarfs the Pixel 4a. It is equipped with the largest Pixel battery ever, with a capacity of 4,680mAh, while the old model has a battery capacity of 3,140mAh. Although 5G does consume batteries at a faster rate, the increase in size should be enough to make up for it.

Google’s Pixel 4a is about to become the last model that only provides a rear camera. You can only find a 12.2MP shooting game on the machine, but it does have all the powerful image processing functions of Google. The 8MP selfie camera followed in the footsteps of the rear camera, and the new Pixel 5a is closer to the Pixel 4a 5G in this area. It retains the iconic 8MP front camera, but the 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera has added a 12.2MP lens.

related: The best budget camera phones you can buy

Although the image processing of the two devices should be roughly the same, the Pixel 5a has a clear advantage due to the extra lens on the back because it provides more features when taking pictures.

Price and color

• Google Pixel 5a: 449 USD / 51,700 Yen
• Google Pixel 4a: 349 USD / 349 GBP / 349 Euro

As mentioned earlier, only one version of Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a is available. No matter where you are, Pixel 4a will get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage space, starting at $349. Pixel 5a has a premium of $100, but considering the larger display, faster processor, IP rating and 5G connection, this is not surprising.

Read next: The best Pixel 5a case

Now you can get the fully unlocked Pixel 4a directly from Google. With the launch of Pixel 5a, it began to sell out at many retailers. As for the color options, Pixel 4a was only launched in pure black, and then Barely Blue was launched a few months later.

Pixel 5a pre-orders will begin on August 17, 2021, and pre-orderers should expect their phones to arrive around August 26, 2021. So far, it has mostly black to choose from, and it almost looks green under the correct lighting. Google currently only launched Pixel 5a in the United States and Japan, but it may enter new markets in the future.

There is no doubt that Google Pixel 5a is the best choice in 2021. It is bigger than Pixel 4a, lasts longer, and provides more impact. Considering the increase, a price increase of $100 is also reasonable.

Pixel 5a offers 5G connectivity, nearly half an inch of additional screen space, IP rating and additional cameras on the back. Not to mention the extra charge of a 1,500mAh battery.

If you want to get the powerful features of Pixel at an affordable price, then Pixel 5a is your best choice. It’s hard to ignore the $349 price of the Pixel 4a, but it comes with some sacrifices. As 5G is introduced to more and more places, the design of Pixel 5a can keep up with years of development, and Pixel 4a will eventually lag behind 4G LTE.

Check: Google Pixel 4a review

If you already own a Pixel 4a, the answer to whether to upgrade to Pixel 5a depends on how much you value all the extra features of the device. If you are satisfied with your current phone, then there is really no need to upgrade at this time. However, if you really want a larger display, a larger battery, and other features (such as 5G support), then go for it. Pixel 5a is indeed one of the most recommended smartphones in 2021.