Google Pixel 5a 5G vs Pixel 4a 5G: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Pixel 5a 5G offers a brighter display, improved battery life, and a more robust build for a slightly higher price. The Pixel 4a 5G remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a compact design and similar performance, but the 5a 5G is the overall winner.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Google Pixel 5a 5G | Google Pixel 4a 5G |
| 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, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 17 | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 26 | Available. Released 2020, November 05 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 73.2 x 8.8 mm (6.15 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) | 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz) |
| IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.34 inches, 97.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR | OLED, HDR |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | 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/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 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, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD2.0 | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4680 mAh | Li-Po 3885 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mostly Black | Just Black, Clearly White |
| Models | G1F8F, G4S1M | GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3 |
| Price | $ 189.00 / C$ 249.99 | About 140 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 122h | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 291303 (v8) GeekBench: 1337 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Google Pixel 5a 5G
- Brighter Display
- Longer Battery Life
- More Durable Build
- Slightly Better Ultrawide Camera
- Higher Price
- Larger Size
Google Pixel 4a 5G
- More Compact Design
- Lower Price
- Excellent Camera Performance
- Less Bright Display
- Shorter Battery Life
- Less Durable Build
Display Comparison
The Pixel 5a 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 861 nits peak brightness compared to the Pixel 4a 5G's unspecified brightness. While both feature a 6.1-inch OLED panel with FHD+ resolution, the 5a 5G's improved brightness makes it easier to view outdoors. The contrast ratio is excellent on both, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Both Pixels excel in camera performance thanks to Google's computational photography. The Pixel 4a 5G has a 12.2MP main sensor and a 8MP ultrawide. The Pixel 5a 5G has a 12.2MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide. While the hardware is similar, Google's software processing ensures excellent image quality on both devices, with accurate colors, good dynamic range, and impressive low-light performance. The 5a 5G's ultrawide lens is slightly better.
Performance
Both phones share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset and CPU configuration, meaning performance is largely identical. Expect smooth multitasking, responsive app loading, and capable gaming performance. However, the 5a 5G's slightly better thermal management might prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Pixel 5a 5G has a clear advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 122 hours. The Pixel 4a 5G's battery life is respectable, but falls short of the 5a 5G's longevity. Both support 18W wired charging with PD 2.0, but neither offers wireless charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Google Pixel 5a 5G? Users seeking a larger, brighter display, longer battery life, and a more durable design. Who should buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G? Those prioritizing a smaller, more pocketable phone and a slightly lower price point, while still enjoying excellent camera quality and a clean Android experience.