Lenovo K12 Pro vs Google Pixel 4a 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and software experience, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 765G offers a significant performance uplift over the K12 Pro’s Snapdragon 662, and the Pixel’s camera benefits from Google’s renowned image processing. However, the K12 Pro’s faster 20W charging and lower price point make it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Lenovo K12 Pro | 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, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 09. Released 2020, December 12 | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 05 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 172.1 x 76.8 x 9.7 mm (6.78 x 3.02 x 0.38 in) | 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 221 g (7.80 oz) | 168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz) |
| Water-repellent coating | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 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 | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 20W wired 2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 3885 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Electric Violet, Metallic Sage | Just Black, Clearly White |
| Models | XT2091-8, XT2091-7 | GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Lenovo K12 Pro
- Faster 20W charging with reverse wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Good value for basic smartphone tasks
- Less powerful Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Likely inferior camera performance
- Potentially slower software updates
Google Pixel 4a 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Superior camera performance thanks to Google’s software
- Guaranteed software updates and clean Android experience
- Slower 18W charging
- Higher price point
- May not offer reverse wireless charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the display differences aren't explicitly stated in the provided data. We can infer that the Pixel 4a 5G, being a Google device, likely benefits from better color calibration. The lack of high refresh rate support on either device is typical for this price bracket, focusing instead on efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is limited. However, Google’s computational photography prowess is a major advantage for the Pixel 4a 5G. The Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more capable than the 662’s, allowing for better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While the K12 Pro may have a higher megapixel count on some sensors, the Pixel’s software optimization will likely deliver more consistently pleasing results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of OIS details for either phone suggests a reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, represents a substantial leap in performance and efficiency over the Lenovo K12 Pro’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 765G’s Kryo 475 Prime core, clocked at 2.4GHz, provides a significant single-core performance advantage, crucial for responsive app launching and multitasking. The 7nm process also translates to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While both have octa-core CPUs, the architectural differences and process node give the Pixel a clear edge in gaming and demanding applications.
Battery Life
The K12 Pro’s 20W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Pixel 4a 5G’s 18W charging, potentially reducing charge times considerably. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s improved efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the Pixel. The K12 Pro also offers 2.5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories, absent on the Pixel. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the K12 Pro’s faster charging is a tangible benefit for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K12 Pro if you need a phone that charges quickly and offers the best possible value for your money, even if it means sacrificing some processing power. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you prefer a smoother, more responsive user experience, a superior camera, and guaranteed software updates, and are willing to pay a premium for those features. This phone is best for those who enjoy mobile photography and demand a clean, bloatware-free Android experience.