HTC Exodus 1s vs. Google Pixel 4a 5G: A Generational Gap in Performance

The HTC Exodus 1s and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent vastly different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Exodus 1s, released earlier, aimed for a niche with blockchain features, while the Pixel 4a 5G focused on delivering a clean Android experience with 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects the core hardware differences, particularly the significant gap in their respective chipsets, to determine which phone offers the best value in 2024.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the vast majority of users, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset, built on a 7nm process, delivers substantially better performance, 5G capabilities, and future-proofing compared to the aging Snapdragon 435 in the HTC Exodus 1s. While the Exodus 1s may appeal to a very specific user, the Pixel 4a 5G offers a far more compelling overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names HTC Exodus 1s Google Pixel 4a 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant)
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2019, October 19. Released 2019, December2020, September 30
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, November 05
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions154.2 x 72.7 x 8.3 mm (6.07 x 2.86 x 0.33 in)153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight150 g (5.29 oz)168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density)
Size5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~74.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDOLED, HDR
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM435 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 505Adreno 620
OSAndroid 8.1 (Oreo)Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 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, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, PDAF-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRHDR
Single13 MP8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Zion crypto wallet Secure Enclave Social Key Recovery (key sharding) dApps (decentralized apps) Bitcoin Full Node support-
Battery
Charging-18W wired, PD2.0
TypeLi-Ion 3075 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3885 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackJust Black, Clearly White
Models-GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 140 EUR

HTC Exodus 1s

  • Focus on blockchain and privacy features
  • Potentially lower price point (depending on availability)
  • May appeal to niche users interested in decentralized technology

  • Significantly outdated Snapdragon 435 chipset
  • Poor performance for modern applications and games
  • Limited software support and updates
  • Inferior camera capabilities

Google Pixel 4a 5G

  • Powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset for smooth performance
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Excellent camera quality with Google’s computational photography
  • Clean Android experience with timely updates
  • Fast 18W charging with PD2.0

  • May be slightly more expensive than the Exodus 1s
  • Plastic build quality

Display Comparison

Detailed display specifications are unavailable for the Exodus 1s, but given its market positioning, it likely features a 720p or 1080p LCD panel. The Pixel 4a 5G, in contrast, boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080) OLED display. The OLED panel on the Pixel 4a 5G provides superior contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles. The 7nm Snapdragon 765G's ISP also supports better image processing for the display. While both likely have standard 60Hz refresh rates, the Pixel's superior panel technology is a significant advantage.

Camera Comparison

Camera details for the Exodus 1s are limited, but it likely features a basic camera setup. The Pixel 4a 5G, benefiting from Google’s computational photography expertise and the Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor, offers a significantly more capable camera system. While specific sensor sizes aren't provided for the Exodus 1s, the Pixel 4a 5G’s main sensor, combined with Google’s software algorithms, delivers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. The 765G's ISP enables features like Night Sight and HDR+ that are absent on the Exodus 1s.

Performance

The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The HTC Exodus 1s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435, a 28nm chipset with an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz. This is a budget-oriented processor designed for basic tasks. The Google Pixel 4a 5G, however, is powered by the Snapdragon 765G, a 7nm chipset featuring a Kryo 475 CPU with a prime core clocked at 2.4 GHz, a gold core at 2.2 GHz, and six silver cores at 1.8 GHz. The 7nm process node allows for significantly higher transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in substantially faster performance and reduced thermal throttling. The 765G's Adreno 620 GPU also provides a massive leap in graphics performance, making the Pixel 4a 5G suitable for moderate gaming, while the Exodus 1s will struggle with even less demanding titles.

Battery Life

Battery capacity for the Exodus 1s is unknown, but its less powerful chipset and likely lower-resolution display suggest it could offer comparable battery life to the Pixel 4a 5G’s 3885 mAh battery. However, the Pixel 4a 5G supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0, allowing for faster charging speeds. The Snapdragon 765G’s power efficiency also contributes to better overall battery endurance, especially during demanding tasks. The Exodus 1s, with its older chipset, will likely drain faster under load.

Buying Guide

Buy the HTC Exodus 1s if your primary need is a phone with a focus on blockchain technology and you prioritize privacy features above all else, and are willing to accept significant performance limitations. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prioritize a smooth, responsive user experience, 5G connectivity, a capable camera, and timely software updates – essentially, a modern smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 435 in the Exodus 1s sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While the Snapdragon 435 can handle basic tasks like browsing and social media, it will struggle with multitasking and more demanding applications. Expect noticeable lag and slowdowns when running multiple apps or opening heavy webpages. The experience will be significantly smoother on the Pixel 4a 5G.
❓ Does the Pixel 4a 5G's 5G connectivity actually make a noticeable difference in real-world usage?
The benefit of 5G on the Pixel 4a 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. In areas with strong 5G signals, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE. This translates to quicker app downloads, smoother streaming, and more responsive online gaming.
❓ How does the software support compare between these two devices?
The Google Pixel 4a 5G benefits from Google's commitment to software updates, receiving timely security patches and Android version upgrades. The HTC Exodus 1s, however, has limited software support, meaning it's unlikely to receive major Android updates or security patches, leaving it vulnerable to security threats.