The smartphone landscape is dominated by large-screen devices, but the Palm PVG100 and Google Pixel 4a offer compelling alternatives for those prioritizing portability and value. The Palm aims for ultimate pocketability, while the Pixel 4a delivers a flagship-level camera experience at a mid-range price. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Google Pixel 4a is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 730G chipset, coupled with Google’s exceptional camera software, provides a smoother and more versatile experience. While the Palm’s extreme compactness is appealing, its dated processor and limited capabilities hold it back.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, October. Released 2018, November | 2020, August 03 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 96.6 x 50.6 x 7.4 mm (3.80 x 1.99 x 0.29 in) | 144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm (5.67 x 2.73 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 62.5 g (2.22 oz) | 143 g (5.04 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~445 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~443 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.3 inches, 30.0 cm2 (~61.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.81 inches, 83.2 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.4 GHz & 4x1.1 GHz) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, AF | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Infrared Face ID, accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 68 min | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 800 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3140 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Titanium | Just Black, Barely Blue |
| Models | PVG100, PVG100E | G025J, GA02099, G025N |
| Price | About 400 EUR | $ 139.99 / C$ 159.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.98 W/kg (head) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 76h |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 268714 (v8)
GeekBench: 6426 (v4.4), 1626 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Palm Phone PVG100
- Extremely compact and pocketable design
- Low price point
- Simple and minimalist user experience
- Outdated Snapdragon 435 processor
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Inferior camera quality
Google Pixel 4a
- Excellent camera performance with Google’s software
- Powerful Snapdragon 730G processor
- Fast charging with PD2.0 support
- Larger size compared to the Palm
- May be slightly more expensive
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
The Pixel 4a boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 803 nits, compared to the Palm’s unspecified brightness. This makes the Pixel 4a far more usable outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels (based on the Pixel 4a’s infinite contrast ratio), the Pixel 4a’s larger size and higher brightness provide a superior viewing experience. The Palm’s smaller screen, while contributing to its compactness, will feel cramped for media consumption and detailed tasks.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 4a’s camera system is its standout feature. While specific sensor details aren’t provided for either phone in the context data, the Pixel 4a benefits from Google’s renowned computational photography. This software processing elevates image quality significantly, particularly in low-light conditions. The Palm’s camera, given its chipset and market positioning, is likely to produce noticeably inferior results. The Pixel 4a’s image processing style prioritizes realistic colors and dynamic range, while the Palm will likely rely on more basic algorithms.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Google Pixel 4a’s Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G, fabricated on an 8nm process, features a Kryo 470 CPU with a 2x2.2 GHz Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Silver configuration. This is a considerable upgrade over the Palm’s Snapdragon 435 (28nm) with its octa-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz and 1.1 GHz. The 8nm process of the 730G translates to better thermal efficiency and sustained performance, crucial for demanding applications. The Palm’s older chipset will struggle with multitasking and modern games.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 76 hours, but this metric doesn’t tell the whole story. The Pixel 4a’s 18W charging with PD2.0 support allows for faster replenishment, while the Palm takes 68 minutes to reach a full charge. The Snapdragon 730G’s efficiency, combined with optimized software, likely contributes to the Pixel 4a’s comparable endurance despite potentially having a larger display. The Palm’s older chipset is less power-efficient, meaning it may drain faster under similar usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Palm Phone PVG100 if you absolutely prioritize the smallest possible phone size and need a secondary device for basic communication. It’s ideal for minimalists or those seeking a dedicated ‘burner’ phone. Buy the Google Pixel 4a if you value a capable all-rounder with a fantastic camera, solid performance for everyday tasks, and a more modern software experience. It’s the better choice for anyone needing a primary smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Palm Phone PVG100 a good choice as a secondary 'burner' phone?
Yes, the Palm PVG100 excels as a secondary device due to its incredibly small size and low price. It's ideal for those wanting a dedicated phone for travel, emergencies, or to keep separate from their primary device. However, its limited performance means it's not suitable for heavy usage.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 730G in the Pixel 4a handle gaming compared to the Snapdragon 435 in the Palm?
The Snapdragon 730G in the Pixel 4a offers a vastly superior gaming experience. Its more powerful GPU and CPU, combined with the 8nm process, allow for smoother frame rates and better graphics settings in most mobile games. The Snapdragon 435 in the Palm will struggle with graphically demanding titles and may exhibit significant lag.
❓ Does the Pixel 4a's camera perform well in low-light conditions?
Absolutely. The Pixel 4a is renowned for its exceptional low-light photography. Google’s Night Sight mode utilizes computational photography to capture bright, detailed images even in extremely dark environments. The Palm’s camera is unlikely to match this performance due to its less capable hardware and software.
