Google launched its A-series a few years ago to give users an affordable alternative to its expensive flagships. The Pixel 3a, Pixel 4a, and Pixel 4a 5G were all impressive devices that strike the right balance between price and features. The newest member of the series, the Pixel 5a, doesn’t change the existing formula. But it adds a handful of new features and improves upon others to create an even more compelling device in 2021. But how big is an upgrade compared to its predecessor? Let’s find out in this comparison between the Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G.
Our verdict: Google Pixel 5a review
Google Pixel 5a vs. Pixel 4a 5G
Specifications
| Google Pixel 5a | Google Pixel 4a 5G | |
|---|---|---|
| advertisement | 6.34 inch OLED 2,400 x 1,080 resolution 413 ppi 20: 9 aspect ratio 60 Hz refresh rate Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 6.2 inch OLED 2,340 x 1,080 resolution 413 ppi 19.5: 9 aspect ratio 60 Hz refresh rate Gorilla Glass 3 |
| processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| R.A.M. | 6GB | 6GB |
| storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| perfomance | 4,680mAh 18W fast charge No wireless charging | 3,800mAh 18W fast charge No wireless charging |
| Cameras | Mainly: – 12.2 MP dual pixels 1.4 μm pixel width Auto focus with dual pixel phase detection Optical + electronic image stabilization ƒ / 1.7 aperture 77 degree field of view Secondary: Front: | Mainly: – 12.2 MP dual pixels 1.4 μm pixel width Auto focus with dual pixel phase detection Optical + electronic image stabilization ƒ / 1.7 aperture 77 ° field of view Secondary: Front: |
| Audio | Stereo speakers Headphone jack | Stereo speakers Headphone jack |
| biometrics | Fingerprint reader attached to the back | Fingerprint reader attached to the back |
| software | Android 11 | Android 10 (upgradeable to Android 11) |
| Dimensions and weight | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm 183g | 153.9 mm x 74 mm x 8.2 mm (8.5 mm for mmWave variant) 168g (171g for mmWave variant) |
| Colours | Mostly black | Only black Clearly white |
Design and display
At first glance, it’s hard to tell the difference between Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G. Both have a hole in the top left corner. The design of the rear view camera module and the cameras themselves are identical. In addition, with the two inexpensive pixels, you get a capacitive fingerprint scanner on the back and a headphone jack.
See also: The best Google Pixel 5a cases you can get
The differences between them are barely noticeable. The display on the Pixel 5a is 0.1 inches larger and the phone is slightly thicker than the 4a 5G because of the larger battery.
At first glance, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the two phones.
However, one big difference is immediately noticeable as soon as you pick up the two phones. The Pixel 5a comes with a metal unibody case that is higher quality than the plastic case of its predecessor. It also retains the Pixel 5’s soft-touch coating that increases grip. The Pixel 5a is also noticeably heavier than the 4a 5G due to its metal construction.
The Google Pixel 5a is the first in the line of products to be rated IP67 for dust and water resistance. It’s not easy to find in this price range and is definitely a welcome addition.
The display and the viewing experience are identical across the board. Both phones are equipped with Full HD + displays with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The Pixel 5a’s screen is a bit bigger, but not enough to make a significant difference. Both are solid OLED displays and even if a higher refresh rate would have been nice, there isn’t much to complain about here.
Hardware and cameras
The similarities continue in the hardware area. Both phones are powered by the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, which is supported by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. With the same hardware and software experience, there shouldn’t be a huge difference in performance. However, the Pixel 5a clearly outperformed the 4a 5G in our tests and put it on an equal footing with the Pixel 5.
The battery is the only major upgrade in terms of hardware. Google packs a much larger 4,680 mAh battery into the Pixel 5a compared to the 4a 5G’s 3,880 mAh unit. In our test, we were pretty impressed with the Pixel 4a 5G’s six hours of screen runtime, but the 5a did a decent job. Our own Jimmy Westenberg managed to get more than eight hours of screen time with fairly heavy use, ending most days with almost 60% battery remaining.
Another hardware difference is the 5G support. The Google Pixel 5a only works on sub-6 GHz networks, while you get a version of the 4a 5G that supports mmWave networks. MmWave’s limited scope makes it hard to take seriously, so this omission may not be a big deal.
When we come to the cameras, we get identical hardware again. Both phones come with a 12.2 MP primary shooter and a 16 MP ultra wide angle lens, as well as an 8 MP selfie camera. In terms of camera performance, nothing really has changed. Both of them give you great photos, and they are still some of the best smartphone cameras out there. The whole thing is a bit dated though, so I’m looking forward to seeing something new with the upcoming Pixel 6 series.
Price and colors
- Google Pixel 5a: $ 449
- Google Pixel 4a 5G: $ 499 / € 499 / £ 499
The Google Pixel 5a was pre-ordered on August 17th. If you pre-order the phone, you should get your hands on it by August 26th, when general sales also begin. Given the general similarities and extras like an IP rating, it’s surprising that the Pixel 5a is $ 50 cheaper than the 4a 5G.
The 5a is available in Mostly Black, which looks almost green with the right lighting. With the Pixel 4a 5G, you get two options – Clearly White and Just Black. However, the 4a 5G is currently hard to come by. It’s out of stock on the Google Store and only the Clearly White version is available on Amazon.
Water resistance comes to the Pixel A series
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$ 449 on the Google Store
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G: Which Should You Buy?
If you already have the Pixel 4a 5G, there is no need to upgrade to the 5a. Yes, it comes with a few useful extras, but it’s basically the same phone at its core. You won’t notice a huge difference in performance, camera performance is the same, you get the same software experience, and they even look the same. This is an iterative update as it gets. So if something like waterproofness isn’t an absolute must, the 4a 5G is definitely good enough.
This is an iterative update as it gets.
However, if you can’t decide between the two, the choice is obvious. While both phones are identical in terms of hardware, the Pixel 5a offers higher quality build quality, dust and water resistance, and a larger battery. It’s cheaper too. However, availability can be an issue. The 5a will only be launched in the US and Japan, while you can get the 4a 5G in a handful of European markets too.