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

The Google Pixel 4a was one of our favorite budget-friendly devices of 2020, and it showed that small Android phones could get hot again. Now the successor in the Pixel 5a is here and contains a number of changes. With two rear cameras, a bigger display, and 5G connectivity, some might call it a closer successor to the Pixel 4a 5G.

When you have the older, affordable Pixel, is it time to upgrade? Let’s compare the two in this Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a battle and find out.

Our verdict: Google Pixel 5a review

Google Pixel 5a vs. Pixel 4a

Specifications

The Google Pixel 5a does not deviate from the established Pixel formula, as is expected from the upcoming Pixel 6 series. On the top is a pinhole camera mounted on the corner, a corner mounted rear view camera, and a headphone jack. It looks very similar to the Pixel 4a (pictured above), although it has a slightly larger footprint overall and a larger camera module on the back due to the additional sensor. It also features a higher quality metal construction.

See also: The best Google Pixel 5a cases you can get

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

The Pixel 5a is the first A-Series Pixel to offer an IP rating of IP67. The aspect ratio of the Pixel 5a has changed slightly, from 19.5: 9 for the Pixel 4a to 20: 9. You may find that the Pixel 5a is also quite a bit heavier than its predecessor, although this is not unexpected when magnified.

Neither the Pixel 5a nor the Pixel 4a have flagship processors, but they were never meant to be. Instead, the Pixel 5a retains the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G as last year’s Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. It is equipped for 5G below 6 GHz, although there is no mmWave 5G support. However, the Pixel 4a skips the 5G train as it comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset.

Learn more about SoCs: Qualcomm smartphone processors explained

As for RAM and storage, these two devices can also be twins. Either way, you will see 6GB of RAM and the 128GB storage option is your only choice. Neither model has a microSD slot, so you have to conveniently free up storage space with a service like Google One.

One of the biggest differences between the latest affordable Pixel models is in the battery department. The 18W fast charging via USB-C hasn’t changed, but the Pixel 5a offers battery life that dwarfs the Pixel 4a. It contains the largest battery of any Pixel ever at 4,680 mAh compared to 3,140 mAh on the older model. While it’s true that 5G burns the battery out a bit faster, the increase should more than make up for it.

The Pixel 4a from Google is said to be the last model that only offers a rear camera. You’ll only find a 12.2 MP shooter on board, but it’s packed with all of Google’s powerful image processing capabilities. The 8-megapixel selfie camera is closely following in the footsteps of the rear-view camera, while the new Pixel 5a is moving closer to the Pixel 4a 5G in this area. It retains the signature 8 MP front shooter, but a 16 MP ultra-wide camera joins the 12.2 MP lens.

Related: The best budget camera phones you can buy

Even if the image processing should be about the same on both devices, the Pixel 5a has a clear advantage due to the additional lens on the back, as it offers more versatility when taking photos.

Price and colors

• Google Pixel 5a: $ 449 / Japanese yen 51,700
• Google Pixel 4a: $ 349 / £ 349 / € 349

As mentioned earlier, there is only one version of both the Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a. No matter where you are, you can get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage starting at $ 349 for the Pixel 4a. The Pixel 5a comes with a $ 100 premium, but that’s no surprise given the larger display, faster processor, IP rating, and 5G connectivity.

Next read: The best Pixel 5a cases out there

At the moment, you can fully unlock the Pixel 4a directly from Google. It will start selling out at several retailers as soon as the Pixel 5a becomes available. As for the color options, the Pixel 4a launched entirely in Just Black before launching in Barely Blue a few months later.

Pre-orders for Pixel 5a opened on August 17, 2021, and those who have pre-ordered should expect their phones to arrive around August 26, 2021. So far, it’s been available in Mostly Black, which looks almost green with the right lighting. Google has initially only launched the Pixel 5a in the US and Japan, but it could enter new markets in the future.

There is no doubt that the Google Pixel 5a will be the better buy in 2021. It’s bigger, lasts longer, and has more punch than the Pixel 4a. The $ 100 price hike is also justified given the additions.

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

If you want the performance of Pixel at an affordable price, the Pixel 5a is the way to go. It’s hard to ignore the $ 349 price tag for the Pixel 4a, but it does come with some sacrifices. The Pixel 5a is designed to keep up for years as 5G is rolled out in more and more locations, while the Pixel 4a will eventually fall behind 4G LTE.

Cashbox: Google Pixel 4a review

If you already have the Pixel 4a, the answer to whether or not you want to upgrade to the Pixel 5a depends on how much you appreciate all of the extra features in the device. If you are happy with your current handset, there is currently no need to upgrade. But if you really want the bigger display, battery, and other features like 5G support, then go for it. The Pixel 5a is really one of the easiest smartphones to recommend of 2021.