Google Pixel 4a 5G buyer’s guide - Know before you buy - Android - Canadian apps and news

Google Pixel 4a 5G buyer’s guide - Know before you buy - Android

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The Google Pixel 4a 5G is here and it’s bigger and better than the already-excellent Pixel 4a. It’s also more expensive.

Credit: Google

The Google Pixel 4a 5G is here and it’s bigger and better than the already-excellent Google Pixel 4a. It’s also more expensive.

We’re here to make your purchase decision easier by answering some key questions: Is the new Pixel 4a 5G a good deal? Should you buy the 5G model or stick with the trusty LTE version? Is it worth spending a bit more for the Pixel 5? What about all the other great options out there?

Let’s go through the key facts in our Google Pixel 4a 5G buyer’s guide.

Also read: Everything you need to know about the new Google Pixel 5

Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this Pixel 4a 5G guide with more tips, resources, and details, so keep it tuned.

Pixel 4a 5G at a glance

Google Pixel 4a 5G Affordable 5G, Google-style

Pixel 4a 5G is a value-oriented phone made for people who don’t want or need a flashy high-end phone. Like the Pixel 4a, the 4a 5G model’s strong points are its cameras, smooth software, and rock-solid update policy.

$499 at Google Store

The Pixel 4a 5G was announced on September 30, 2020, along the Pixel 5, the Google Nest Audio, and the latest Chromecast.

The Pixel 4a 5G is, in essence, the 5G-enabled version of the regular Pixel 4a, which came out on August 3. However, there are more upgrades to the Pixel 4a 5G. The phone has a bigger screen, features a faster Snapdragon 765G processor, and comes with a bigger battery.

Do you even need a 5G phone?

Credit: Google

Before we go any further, ask yourself: Will you be able to use the 5G connectivity of the Pixel 4a 5G?

This isn’t a simple question, as the answer depends on some factors outside of your control. While 5G coverage is becoming more common, it’s still scarce in many places around the world. Not only does your carrier need to offer 5G service in your area, you may also need to be signed up for a 5G plan. Furthermore, the 5G network needs to cover the places you actually live and work in. Finally, even if you do technically get 5G, you might not notice a speed improvement at all – 5G connections can actually be slower than 4G in some cases.

Go deeper: What to look for in your perfect 5G plan and network

That’s a lot of ifs and maybes. For this reason, we don’t recommend you go out of your way to buy a 5G phone in 2020.

What about “future proofing”? If you think you’ll want 5G service down the road, then yes, the Pixel 4a 5G is a good choice, though it’s far from the only one.

Is the Pixel 4a 5G worth buying?

Credit: Google

Google hasn’t provided us with a Pixel 4a 5G review unit ahead of the launch, so we can only give you an “on-paper” assessment.

We loved the Pixel 4a at $349, but the Pixel 4a 5G is $499. That’s a big jump, and if 5G were the only difference, we couldn’t possibly recommend it. However, the Pixel 4a 5G packs a bigger punch thanks to the bigger screen, faster processor, and improved camera.

At $499 give-or-take, the Pixel 4a 5G goes against Google’s own Pixel 4a and Pixel 5, Apple’s well-reviewed iPhone SE (no 5G), the OnePlus Nord (a version of which is reportedly coming to the US), the Moto One 5G, and the Galaxy A71 5G. That’s some tough competition.

The good news is Google’s phone doesn’t seem to have any obvious problems that would take it out of the race. Furthermore, based on Google’s reputation, we expect strong performance, especially in the camera department. That said, we recommend waiting for the first reviews and comparisons before you make a buying decision.

Pixel 4a 5G ($499) vs Pixel 4a ($349): What’s the difference?

At a glance, here’s how the Pixel 4a 5G differs from the Pixel 4a:

The Pixel 4a 5G is larger and heavier than the Pixel 4a.
The screen on the Pixel 4a 5G is bigger, at 6.2 inches vs 5.81 inches. Both are 60Hz displays.
The Pixel 4a 5G features a slightly more powerful processor. We found the 4a’s Snapdragon 730G to be good enough for most daily tasks, but you’ll want to pick up the Pixel 4a 5G if you want better performance.
The battery on the Pixel 4a 5G is 24% larger than the Pixel 4a’s. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the 5G model will have 24% longer battery life, as the bigger screen and the 5G connectivity consume more power.

Credit: Bogdan Petrovan / Android Authority

Pixel 4a 5G ($499) vs Pixel 5 ($699): What’s the difference?

As for the Pixel 4a 5G compared to the top-of-the-line Pixel 5, the key differences are:

The Pixel 4a 5G’s screen is 0.2 inches larger than the Pixel 5. However, the Pixel 5 features a 90Hz refresh rate, making for a smoother experience. The Pixel 5 also has a better grade of Gorilla Glass protecting it.
The Pixel 5 has 8GB of RAM, compared to just 6GB of RAM on the Pixel 4a 5G. We believe 6GB is still enough for most users right now, but the Pixel 5 is better equipped to run smoothly for longer.
While the main cameras are similar on both phones, the Pixel 5 has a 16MP ultrawide camera, versus 8MP on the Pixel 4a 5G.
The Pixel 4a 5G has a headphone jack, the Pixel 5 does not!
The battery is slightly larger on the Pixel 5: 4,080mAh vs 3,885mAh. Again, it remains to be seen what kind of difference that makes in terms of battery life.

Pixel 4a 5G specs

	Pixel 4a 5G
Display	6.2-inch OLED 2,340 x 1080 resolution 60Hz refresh rate
Processor	Qualcomm® Snapdragon 765G 2.4 GHz + 2.2 GHz + 1.8 GHz, 64-bit Octa-Core Adreno 620 Titan M Security Module
RAM	6GB
Storage	128GB no microSD card slot
Camera	Rear: Main: 12.2 MP dual-pixel 1.4 μm pixel width Autofocus with dual pixel phase detection Optical + electronic image stabilization ƒ/1.7 aperture 77° field of view Secondary: 16 MP ultrawide 1.0 μm pixel width ƒ/2.2 aperture 107° field of view Front: 8MP sensor, f/2.0, 1.12µm pixels, fixed focus, 83-degree field-of-view
Battery	3,885mAh USB-C USB-PD 2.0 18W fast charging
Software	Android 11 Minimum 3 years of OS and security updates
Dimensions	153.9mm x 74mm x 8.2mm
Price	$499

Google Pixel 4a 5G buyer’s guide - Know before you buy - Android