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Google Pixel 4a 5G: Review results

By and large, the Google Pixel 4a 5G has the same hardware as the Pixel 5.
By and large, the Google Pixel 4a 5G has the same hardware as the Pixel 5.
The Pixel 4a 5G is a cheaper alternative to the flagship Pixel 5. However, both smartphones feature the same SoC and the same dual-camera system.
5G Android Smartphone Touchscreen

The Pixel 4a 5G is the largest Pixel smartphone, thanks to its 6.2-inch screen. With the 6-inch Pixel 5, Google goes against the current trend by not considerably increasing the screen size.

The 499-Euro (~$590) Pixel 4a 5G shares a lot of features with the 630-Euro (~$743) Pixel 5. Both smartphones have very restrained design. However, the polycarbonate housing of the Pixel 4a 5G does not provide as much grip as the housing of the Pixel 5. Nonetheless, the Pixel 4a 5G still feels very good in the hand. And there are surprises: The Pixel 4a 5G comes with a 3.5-mm headphone jack unlike the more expensive Pixel 5. 

Unofficial successor to the Pixel 4a

There are not many differences in terms of the screen, performance, cameras and battery life between the Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5. Both Pixel smartphones have an OLED display with HDR support and an octa-core Snapdragon 765G. Both smartphones have the same dual-camera system with a 12.2-MP main sensor, which produces very good photographs in daylight and can record 4K video at 60 frames per second. Despite a slightly smaller battery (3880 vs 4080 mAh), the Pixel 4a 5G comes very close to the exceptional battery life of the Pixel 5.

At the end of the day, it is not things of utmost import that separate from the Pixel 4a 5G from the Pixel 5. The Pixel 4a 5G has 6 GB of RAM instead of 8, a 60-Hz screen instead of a 90-Hz display. When compared to the Pixel 5, it also supports fewer 5G frequency bands and lacks wireless charging and an IP certification.

While the Pixel 4a 5G is very similar in terms of hardware to the Pixel 5, it is well ahead of the smaller 5.8-inch Pixel 4a in some areas: Better performance, better camera, 5G support as indicated by the name. This makes the Pixel 4a 5G a sort of unofficial XL variant of the Pixel 4a.

You can read our full review of the Google Pixel 4a 5G here.

Buy Google Pixel 4a now on Amazon

The 6-inch Google Pixel 5 on the left, the 6.2-inch Google Pixel 4a 5G on the right
The 6-inch Google Pixel 5 on the left, the 6.2-inch Google Pixel 4a 5G on the right
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Manuel Masiero, 2020-11-16 (Update: 2020-11-17)