Google discontinues the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
Left to right: Google Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 4a 5G
TL; DR
- Google has confirmed that the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 have been discontinued.
- The two phones will be available through official channels until stocks last.
- The Pixel 4a and the new Pixel 5a will be Google’s affordable options in 2021.
Soon after the introduction of the Google Pixel 5a, it wasn’t long before eagle-eyed netizens noticed that the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 appeared to be sold out on the Google Store and other retailers. All signs indicated that the two phones had been discontinued, and today Google confirmed that it was indeed the case. A Google spokesman confirmed Digital trends that the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 would only be available until the current supply runs out.
It makes perfect sense for Google to discontinue these phones. The 4a 5G and the new Pixel 5a are pretty similar, and all the differences favor the latter. The Pixel 5a has a higher quality build, a much larger battery, better performance despite the same processing package, and an IP rating for dust and water resistance. And it’s cheaper too.
Surprisingly, Google’s 2020 flagship doesn’t offer all that much more with the Pixel 5. You get the same processor, cameras, and build. In fact, the Pixel 5a has a bit of a head start with its larger battery and headphone jack. The only major differences are that the Pixel 5 comes with wireless charging and a display with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. That would certainly not have been enough to justify the significant price difference.
However, availability could be the problem. It looks like Google will discontinue the Pixel 4a 5G and 5 in every market that these phones have been available in. However, the Pixel 5a only hits the US and Japan. The older, smaller Pixel 4a will be the only affordable Pixel you can get your hands on in most places. Of course, when you’re ready to splurge, the upcoming Pixel 6 series gets very enticing too.
The Google Pixel 5a is currently available for pre-order, with general sales starting August 26th.
