The Google Pixel 4a 5G sits in a really awkward place in Google’s 2020 smartphone lineup. As the latest member, the 4a 5G would possibly initially appear to be a no brainer buy over the Pixel 5 or the Pixel 4a. And for some it is going to be. But a more in-depth inspection by a discerning purchaser will reveal equally compelling arguments to improve or downgrade to both of its siblings—until you positively desire a Pixel with 5G.
The Pixel 4a 5G is the awkward center baby in Google’s Pixel household.
Everything’s a trade-off. If show issues, the 4a 5G has a barely bigger show than the Pixel 4a and 5 (6.2 inches versus 6 inches), however a slower refresh fee than the 5 (60Hz vs 90Hz). The 4a 5G has a headphone jack just like the 4a, but it surely doesn’t have wi-fi charging just like the 5. Got all that?
Even that 5G function has its caveats. If you need Verizon’s speedier mmWave, it’ll price you an additional $100, bringing the cellphone’s price even nearer to that of the $699 Pixel 5. 5G connectivity locations a better demand on battery life, too.
Basically, Google has made it so consumers have to examine a really particular set of packing containers earlier than they resolve to purchase a 4a 5G. While anybody who opts to purchase one in all probability received’t remorse it, the Pixel 4a 5G isn’t as clear-cut of a purchase order because the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE or Apple’s iPhone 12.
Pixel 4a 5g Design: Bigger, generally higher
Based on its design, the Pixel 4a 5G is principally the Pixel 4a XL that we didn’t get in August. It intently resembles the 4a, proper right down to the plastic again and coloured energy button, simply with an even bigger 6.2-inch display. It’s a contact heavier than the 4a (151 grams versus 143 grams), but it surely nonetheless feels extremely gentle in comparison with different all-glass telephones.
Michael Simon/IDGThe Pixel 4a 5G has a bigger 6.2-inch show in comparison with the Pixel 5.
Let’s speak about that display first. While it’s greater than the 4a’s, it has the identical Full HD+ decision because the 4a (versus the Quad HD decision on earlier Pixel XLs). As a consequence you’re getting a barely decrease pixel density—413ppi, in comparison with 443ppi for the 4a and 432ppi for the Pixel 5. It’s delicate, however a downgrade nonetheless.
The picture high quality is typical for a Pixel, with comparatively muted colours and brightness, even after my regular change to “Boosted” mode. It’s good, however in comparison with the iPhone 12 or OnePlus 8T, it’s a bit uninteresting and underwhelming. I want Google would change its show calibration to amp up the colours and the vibrance, however after 5 generations, that appears unlikely.
For cameras, the entrance of the 4a 5G has the identical hole-punch selfie cam and little bit of chin because the 4a. The sq. digital camera array on the again differs—the 4a has only one lens, whereas the 4a 5G provides an additional ultrawide lens. suits two lenses. We’ll speak about digital camera picture high quality afterward.
Michael Simon/IDGYou received’t get wi-fi charging on the Pixel 4a 5G, however you’re going to get a headphone jack.
Working our manner across the cellphone, the design presents quite a few options that would both make it really feel old-school or retro-cool, relying in your perspective. The headphone jack (on the highest fringe of the cellphone) isn’t a nasty factor. While the fingerprint sensor could seem quaint, it is in some methods an improve over the finicky in-display sensors which might be all the fashion on newer Android telephones. The “Purple-ish” energy button is a pleasant throwback to the Pixel 3, and the one little bit of colour you’ll discover anyplace on the cellphone till you activate the display. The button is just a little stiffer than the 5’s delectable chrome-wrapped model, however nonetheless extra satisfying to press than the 4a’s.
-enough performer that lasts
The Pixel 4a 5G makes use of the identical Snapdragon 765G chip because the Pixel 5. It isn’t the quickest chip by any stretch—benchmarks scores had been closest to the Snapdragon 845 within the Pixel 3—and the 4a 5G nonetheless doesn’t really feel fairly as quick because the Pixel 5, as a result of it has much less RAM (6GB vs 8GB) and the slower show (60Hz vs 90Hz). However, it’s sooner than the Snapdragon 730G within the Pixel 4a. In my time with it, I solely skilled the slightest lag and jitteriness when launching and switching apps.
Michael Simon/IDGThe hole-punch digital camera within the Pixel 4a 5G’s display is tucked away within the left nook.
Helping issues alongside is Google’s intense Android optimizations. More than any prior model of Android, Android 11 may be very a lot a Pixel-centric launch, with a number of unique options, plus others that may take months to land on different telephones. The Pixels are nonetheless the one Android telephones that get the newest OS on day one, even when others are starting to catch up.
Android has all the time been Google’s biggest benefit over its equally priced rivals, but it surely appears even larger at this value level. Where different $500 telephones are janky and laggy, the Pixel 4a 5G feels extra like a high-end cellphone than a mid-range one. From the digital camera to the UI, Google has optimized Android 11 to the fullest extent for the Snapdragon 765G. While you may positively really feel the distinction when switching between the 4a 5G and the 5, it’s one of the best expertise you’ll get at this value vary.
Michael Simon/IDGThe Pixel 4a 5G is product of plastic identical to the 4a.
Along with options like Hold for Me and the Recorder app, you’re additionally assured to get Android 14 on the Pixel 4a 5G, due to Google’s help dedication. While Google continues to be the one cellphone to supply that (Samsung solely guarantees as much as Android 13 on the Note 20), I can’t assist however marvel how nicely the 4a 5G will carry out in 2023 with a middling processor and simply 6GB of RAM.
The battery, nevertheless, needs to be effective. Google has outfitted the Pixel 4a 5G with a 3,800mAh battery, a lot greater than the paltry 2,800mAh battery within the Pixel 4 and even greater than the 3,700mAh battery within the Pixel 4 XL. Add to {that a} much less highly effective and extra environment friendly chip, fewer pixels, and smarter optimization, and also you’ve acquired a cellphone that may simply make it right into a second day, even longer for those who’re tapping into the brand new Extreme Battery Saver function.
In benchmarks, I acquired a whopping 13-plus hours. In real-world use, I by no means reached the purpose the place I needed to fear concerning the 4a 5G’s battery life earlier than plugging it in for the night time. Just do not forget that if the cellphone is utilizing the 5G community, the battery will drain sooner.
Michael Simon/IDGAs all the time, the Pixel 4a 5G is all about Android.
Of course, 5G is the primary motive for the Pixel 4a 5G to exist, however life on the chopping fringe of wi-fi connectivity continues to be fairly tough. If you’re utilizing it on T-Mobile’s or AT&T’s sub-6GHz networks, you’ll possible see a slight improve in pace over LTE—together with a noticeable hit in battery life. This is assuming you may have 5G protection. T-Mobile subscribers can have one of the best likelihood, on slower sub-6GHz. If you’re fortunate sufficient to stay in a spot to benefit from the quickest mmWave ultra-wideband tech, you’ll have to spring for a $599 Verizon model of the 4a 5G. At that time, you would possibly as nicely simply purchase a Pixel 5, which has each sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G.
, however acquainted digital camera
The Pixel 4a has the identical digital camera because the Pixel 5, a shocking bonus for a cellphone that’s positioned on the decrease finish of the Pixel scale. You get a dual-camera array that pairs Google’s conventional 12.2MP, f/1.7 digital camera with a 16MP, f/2.2 ultra-wide lens.
Michael Simon/IDGYou can see a bit extra element within the stem of this pepper on Pixel 4a 5G (left) and Pixel 5 (heart), however the 4a (proper) may be very shut.
As regular, the {hardware} doesn’t inform the entire story. This is the primary time Google has shipped a cellphone with a rear ultra-wide lens, and I’m undecided it’s an enchancment over the 2X telephoto lens within the Pixel 4. The 107-degree subject of view is actually wider than the 77-degree FOV on the primary vast lens, however smaller than the iPhone 12’s 120 levels and the Galaxy S20 FE’s 123 levels. There aren’t even any cool digital camera tips that reap the benefits of it.
Michael Simon/IDGThe Pixel 4a 5G has a brand new ultra-wide lens that may seize 107 levels to suit extra of the shot.
Elsewhere, the Pixel 4a 5G’s digital camera is all the pieces you’d count on from a Pixel cellphone. Portraits are sharp, and portrait lighting is super-impressive. Night Sight has gotten a lift due to enhancements to its computational publicity bracketing, which preserves delicate shadows and lowlights whereas nonetheless brightening the scene. As you may see beneath, the Pixel 4a 5G (left) preserved extra of the “spookiness” of the scene in comparison with the 5 (heart), whereas the 4a (proper) merely brightened all the pieces, particularly the home within the background.
Michael Simon/IDGThis low-light shot was dealt with nicely by all three telephones, however you may see a bit extra noise within the shot snapped by the 4a (proper) attributable to over-brightening. Both the 4a 5G (left) and the 5 (heart) completely captured the temper, lighting, and shadows.
Overall, nevertheless, the Pixel digital camera appears to have stalled. While Samsung and OnePlus proceed to shut the hole, and Apple retains enhancing the iPhone in significant methods, Google’s digital camera, whereas nonetheless among the many finest, not seems like a trend-setter.
Should you purchase a Google Pixel 4a 5G?
If you desire a 5G cellphone, the Pixel 4a 5G is a viable choice. It has an excellent processor, an important digital camera, an honest display, and a pleasant design. If you desire a Google cellphone, it offers you an even bigger display than the Pixel 5 and a greater processor than the 4a.
But even with these upgrades, the Pixel 4a 5G’s value doesn’t really feel fairly proper. At $150 greater than the 4a and $200 cheaper than the 5. And subsequent 12 months, I count on the Pixel 5a to deliver comparable specs and sub-6GHz 5G for $399, and the Pixel 6 to slip right down to $599 with the identical semi-premium options. All this implies the 4a 5G might have a reasonably brief shelf life.