Google Pixel 4a vs. Pixel 4 XL: A Deep Dive into Google's 2020 Flagships

Released within months of each other in 2020, the Google Pixel 4a and Pixel 4 XL represent a fascinating duality in Google’s smartphone strategy. The 4a aimed to deliver the core Pixel experience at a more accessible price point, while the 4 XL doubled down on premium features and performance. Now, with both devices available at significantly reduced prices, the question of which one offers the best value is more relevant than ever.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Google Pixel 4a emerges as the stronger recommendation. Its excellent camera, coupled with a more manageable size and comparable battery endurance (76h vs 73h), makes it a compelling choice. While the Pixel 4 XL boasts a more powerful Snapdragon 855, the performance gains don't justify the price premium for typical daily use.

PHONES
Phone Names	Google Pixel 4a	Google Pixel 4 XL

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - Global
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/75 Mbps	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
	-	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USA

Launch
Announced	2020, August 03	2019, October 15
Status	Available. Released 2020, August 20	Available. Released 2019, October 22

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions	144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm (5.67 x 2.73 x 0.32 in)	160.4 x 75.1 x 8.2 mm (6.31 x 2.96 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	143 g (5.04 oz)	193 g (6.81 oz)
	-	IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~443 ppi density)	1440 x 3040 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)
Size	5.81 inches, 83.2 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.3 inches, 98.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	OLED, HDR	P-OLED, 90Hz, HDR
	Always-on display	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
Chipset	Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm)	Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPU	Adreno 618	Adreno 640
OS	Android 10, upgradable to Android 13	Android 10, upgradable to Android 13

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	UFS 2.1

Main Camera
Dual	-	12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
Features	LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama	Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single	12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS	-
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1.22µm, no AF TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.1	USB Type-C 3.1
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	18W wired, PD2.0	18W wired, PD2.0 Wireless
Type	Li-Po 3140 mAh	Li-Po 3700 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Just Black, Barely Blue	Clearly White, Just Black, Oh So Orange
Models	G025J, GA02099, G025N	G020P, G020, GA01181-US, GA01182-US, GA01180-US
Price	$ 139.99 / C$ 159.99	About 180 EUR

Pricing
128GB 6GB RAM	-	$ 364.52
64GB 6GB RAM	-	$ 274.99
RENEWED	-	$ 149.00

Tests
Audio quality	-	Noise -93.9 / Crosstalk -94.1
Battery life	Endurance rating 76h	Endurance rating 73h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 80dB / Noise 78dB / Ring 88dB
Performance	AnTuTu: 268714 (v8) GeekBench: 6426 (v4.4), 1626 (v5.1) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 323305 (v7), 403267 (v8) GeekBench: 10171 (v4.4), 2267 (v5.1) GFXBench: 21fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Google Pixel 4a

More affordable price point
Compact and pocketable design
Excellent camera performance for the price

Less powerful processor
No wireless charging

Google Pixel 4 XL

Faster Snapdragon 855 processor
Larger display for immersive viewing
Wireless charging support

Higher price
Larger and less manageable size

Display Comparison

The Pixel 4a features a display capable of reaching 803 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The 4 XL, while lacking a specified peak brightness in the provided data, likely surpasses this due to its flagship positioning. Both devices offer an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. The 4 XL’s larger screen size is the most significant difference, catering to users who consume more media or prefer a more immersive experience. However, the 4a’s smaller size makes it more pocketable and easier to use one-handed.

Camera Comparison

Both the Pixel 4a and 4 XL share Google’s renowned computational photography prowess. While specific sensor details are absent, the Pixel lineage guarantees excellent image quality from both devices. The 4 XL’s higher processing power may allow for slightly faster image processing and potentially more complex computational photography algorithms. However, the core image quality will be remarkably similar, leveraging Google’s software expertise. The 'Photo / Video' designation for both indicates a focus on all-around camera capabilities, rather than specialized features.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Pixel 4a utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G (8nm), while the 4 XL packs the Snapdragon 855 (7nm). The 855, with its Kryo 485 cores clocked up to 2.84 GHz, offers a noticeable performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The 730G’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) is still capable, but will exhibit more slowdown under sustained load. The 7nm process node of the 855 also contributes to potentially better thermal efficiency, though both phones share the same 18W charging capabilities.

Battery Life

Despite a difference in chipsets, both phones achieve a similar endurance rating of 73-76 hours. This suggests that the more efficient Snapdragon 730G in the 4a compensates for its smaller battery capacity. Both support 18W wired charging with PD2.0, meaning charging times will be comparable. The 4 XL also adds wireless charging, a convenience feature absent on the 4a.

Buying Guide

Buy the Google Pixel 4a if you prioritize value, a compact form factor, and a consistently excellent camera experience without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for everyday users, students, and anyone who wants a reliable smartphone without unnecessary frills. Buy the Google Pixel 4 XL if you absolutely require the fastest possible performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and the larger display is a priority, and you can find it at a substantial discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 730G in the Pixel 4a powerful enough for demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?

While the Snapdragon 730G isn't as powerful as the 855 in the 4 XL, it's still capable of running popular games like PUBG and Call of Duty. You may need to lower graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience, but it's perfectly playable for casual to moderate gaming.

❓ Does the Pixel 4a's camera perform well in low-light conditions?

Yes, the Pixel 4a excels in low-light photography thanks to Google's Night Sight mode. It leverages computational photography to capture bright, detailed images even in very dark environments, rivaling cameras in much more expensive phones.

❓ How long will the battery realistically last on the Pixel 4 XL with moderate usage?

With moderate usage – including browsing, social media, and some video streaming – the Pixel 4 XL should comfortably last a full day. However, heavy gaming or prolonged video recording will drain the battery faster. The 73-hour endurance rating suggests it can stretch to a day and a half with lighter use.

❓ Is the size difference between the 4a and 4 XL significant enough to impact usability?

Yes, the Pixel 4 XL is noticeably larger than the 4a. Users with smaller hands may find the 4 XL difficult to use comfortably with one hand. The 4a's more compact size makes it much easier to manage and pocket.