The Pixel 4a is finally here: US$349 for the Snapdragon 730, 6GB of RAM and 128GB fixed storage

After what may have been a considerable delay, the Pixel 4a has finally made it onto Google's Store website. The OEM now touts its latest mid-ranger as its new "scammer-jammer" and "star-catcher". However, it has little to distinguish it from its predecessor in truth - except, of course, for its SoC and its price.

Indeed, the updated phone has single rear and selfie cameras, as with the Pixel 3a series. However, the former is now found in a (somewhat redundant) larger square housing. It also has much the same specs as that of its forebear, albeit with a 1.7 f-stop and a 77-degree field of view (compared to 1.8 and 76 degrees in the 3a).

Therefore, its capabilities may not change much compared to the 2019 Google main shooter; although, as earlier leaks have shown, they are not bad. The 4a is also equipped with the exact same secondary camera as the 3a, although it is found in a "transmissive hole" this time around.

Google has also decided to refine the 4a's purchase and finish options this time around - and to the bone, too. It has only 1 6GB RAM SKU and no XL variant - however, the internal storage has been elevated to a more reasonable 128GB this time.

Its battery now has 140mAh more in terms of capacity than that of the 3a, although 18 watt (W) PD charging is still the best it can do. Nevertheless, Google is adamant that this can last the user all day thanks to intelligent Adaptive settings in its Android 10 OS.

This singular Pixel 4a is available on Google's own website from now. It is being sold as an unlocked or Fi device for US$349: $50 less than the base 3a model on its launch.

However, Verizon is also carrying the phone, for $10 a month over 24 months plus a device fee. The Mountain View giant is also throwing in 3 month's worth of free YouTube Premium, Play Pass and One cloud storage with every Pixel 4a sold.

There is also a single colorway for on offer: Just Black (with added minty power button), even though others have allegedly been in the offing. Perhaps they have been reserved for the upcoming 5G variant. Rumors as to this new phone's existence has also been confirmed today (August 3, 2020).

Google has prepared us for this eventuality by letting slip the phone will be sold for $499. It will be released later this year, alongside the Pixel 5, which will also have this connectivity. Given its new release window, it now seems more certain than ever that the 4a 5G will launch with Android 11.