Pixel on a budget.
Following up on 2019's excellent Pixel 3a series, Google once again targeted the budget smartphone landscape with two excellent offerings in 2020 — the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G. The phones have a fair amount of similarities and differences, but they both share the same goal of delivering great value to those shopping on a budget.
Google prioritized lower-cost devices in 2020, even with its Pixel 5 "flagship" phone that didn't quite match up in power against other top-tier phones. The Pixel 4a tops our current list of the best cheap Android phones thanks to its great camera, relatively fast speeds, and great stock Android support. The 4a 5G compromises between the 4a and 5 as a solid mid-range phone, adding an ultra-wide camera and better specs for a hefty price jump.
With the Pixel 6 and Pixel 5a on the way, Google may release a fire sale on Pixel 4a phones soon, or possibly run out of stock. You're likely wondering whether these phones still have value today, or if you should save your money for this year's upgrades. We're here to help you decide just that, with all the Pixel 4a specs, pricing, and everything else you need to know!
Jump to:
- Pixel 5a has arrived
- Price
- Availability
- What's the difference?
- Specs
- Which should you buy?
- Cameras
- Comparisons
- Accessories
So good
Google Pixel 4a
$349 at Amazon $299 at Best Buy $349 at B&H
An outstanding camera, and then some
Simply put, the Pixel 4a is one of the best values the smartphone market has to offer today. The camera is better than ever, the performance is plenty fast, the battery is reliable, and there's even a headphone jack. Assuming you're a fan of smaller phones and don't mind the boring design, the Pixel 4a is one of the best deals out there.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G Pixel 5a has arrived
If you're considering buying the Pixel 4a or 4a 5G, the elephant in the room is the Pixel 5a 5G, the Pixel 4a's 2021 successor. After initial rumors that Google would cancel the phone due to the recent chip shortages, the company confirmed it would get a limited 2021 release in the US and Japan. Anyone in other territories is out of luck, unless you import one; maybe that's reason enough to buy the 4a while you still can.
The Pixel 5a 5G costs $449, falling in-between the 4a and 4a 5G. It has the same Snapdragon 765G chipset as the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G, giving it solid performance for that price. It retains a similar design as the 4a 5G series, including the same cameras, headphone jack, and rear fingerprint sensor as before. As for differences, it has a slightly larger 6.34-inch display, a much larger battery at 4680mAh, and (for the first time) waterproofing.
Keeping all that in mind, there isn't much reason to buy the Pixel 4a 5G if you can find the Pixel 5a in stock, thanks to its spec improvements at a lower price. But the Pixel 4a will save you a $100, possibly more, if you prefer a smaller phone in general.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G Price
Let's start with the most important thing of all — price. The big draw to the Pixel 3a was its $399 starting price, and for the Pixel 4a, Google was able to hit an even lower number.
If you want to buy a Pixel 4a for yourself, you'll pay just $350. You'll find some Nokia, Moto G, or OnePlus Nord phones for much cheaper, but the 4a offers some solid advantages in exchange for the higher asking price. It competes against other mid-range phones like the Galaxy A52 5G and OnePlus Nord 2 at a lower price.
As for the Pixel 4a 5G, it initially launched at $499. Unfortunately, Google appears to have discontinued it in favor of the 5a, so you'll have to buy one from a reseller like eBay. Then again, the Pixel 5a 5G costs less upfront with better specs, so there's no real reason to buy one anymore!
Google only offers a single storage option for the Pixel 4a: 128GB. That's a nice tweak compared to the 2019 Pixel 3a's 64GB of space, but won't be enough for some people given the lack of expandable storage. Still, at least there's no upgrade to tempt you into spending extra.
Google does occasionally trot out some Google Pixel 4a deals, despite the already low price. If you're looking for a cheap Pixel 4a, we strongly suggest keeping a close eye on that page in the near future, while the phones remain in stock. Otherwise, you'll want to look at the $449 Pixel 5a, if it's available in your area.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G Availability
As of right now, the Pixel 4a is officially available for purchase in the United States on Google's own web store, along with Google Fi, Verizon, Amazon, and Best Buy. It comes in Just Black and Barely Blue. Google kept the Barely Blue model exclusive to the Google Store for a year, but now you can finally buy one from regular retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
The Pixel 4a 5G, unfortunately, is no longer available on most storefronts, having been replaced with either the Pixel 5a 5G or the Pixel 5. You can find it resold on sites like Ebay, but it won't be new, and it'll lack some of the Pixel 5a's new perks like a better battery and larger screen.
The only question is whether Google will also discontinue the Pixel 4a, or if Google will continue to keep the phone as a cheaper alternative to the Pixel 5a 5G. Since most countries outside the US and Japan won't get the Pixel 5a, we can hope the Pixel 4a will last a bit longer in other countries. But it does seem like most storefronts have very limited stock of the phone today, so now could be your last chance to snag one.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G What's the difference?
The Pixel 4a has a great price and is available for purchase, but is it any good? Yes, yes it is. Here's our Pixel 4a review: we gave it four stars out of five. The Pixel 3a left the 4a with big shoes to fill, and for the most part, Google pulled it off with great success.
Just like its older sibling, the Pixel 4a set a new standard for camera performance in this price range. Equipped with the same primary camera as the Pixel 4 and Google's magical image processing, the Pixel 4a takes incredible photos. Take out the phone, press the shutter button, and you're treated to a fantastic image every single time.
But the camera isn't the only talking point. You'll find the rest of the Pixel 4a experience tends to exceed expectations, as well. The AMOLED display looks very nice, the Snapdragon 730 processor is plenty fast for virtually any task, and battery life is wonderfully reliable. Add all of that together with a form factor that's easy to use in one hand and Google's unmatched software, and the end result is one of the very best phones you can buy for under $400.
All of that said, we don't blame you if you find the 4a to be a tad boring. The design is uninspired, the lack of any ultra-wide or telephoto cameras is a bummer, and not having a larger XL model could turn big phone-lovers away. If none of those things are issues for you, though, the Pixel 4a is a darn good choice for your next Android.
We've also reviewed the Pixel 4a 5G, and if you're looking for an upgraded Pixel 4a experience for a little bit more money, that's exactly what you get. While the core user experience remains the same, some shoppers might find that the $150 price hike could be worth it.
One of the main upgrades you get is the Snapdragon 765G — the same chipset found in the flagship Pixel 5. This results in better performance across the board, and while the 730 is perfectly capable in its own right, there's no arguing that the 765G is more powerful. It also allows for 5G connectivity, which many phones cheaper than the Pixel 4a now support. It ensures the 4a 5G will get faster performance while the 4a remains stuck with last-gen networks.
You'll also get the additional 16MP ultra-wide camera on the Pixel 4a 5G, allowing for photo possibilities not offered on the Pixel 4a. It isn't a mind-blowing sensor, but for those times when you want to get a wider view of your subject, it's incredibly convenient. Factor that in with a bigger battery and slightly larger display, and the 4a 5G is well worth considering.
On the other hand, the Pixel 4a 5G has the same RAM, storage, and 1080p screen resolution; plus, it doesn't add waterproofing and wireless charging, which other phones in its range possess. Depending on your priorities, this may not be enough of an upgrade to justify the extra cost. At least not compared to the Pixel 5a.
You can't go wrong with either phone, but we have a more detailed breakdown of the Pixel 4a 5G vs. the Pixel 4a, should you need more convincing.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G Specs
Given the price of the Pixel 4a and 4a 5G, you shouldn't go in expecting top-of-the-line specs. That wasn't the point of the 3a, and that's not the point here. What you do get are specs that give you a lot of bang-for-your-buck, no matter which phone you're looking at.
| Category | Google Pixel 4a | Google Pixel 4a 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Display | 5.8-inch OLED 2340 x 1080 60Hz refresh rate |
6.2-inch OLED 2340 x 1080 60Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| Memory | 6GB RAM | 6GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Expandable Storage | ❌ | ❌ |
| Rear Camera 1 | 12.2MP dual-pixel 1.4-micron ƒ/1.7 OIS Phase detect auto focus |
12.2MP dual-pixel 1.4-micron ƒ/1.7 OIS Phase detect auto focus |
| Rear Camera 2 | ❌ | 16MP ultra-wide 1.0-micron f/2.2 107-degree FoV |
| Front Camera | 8MP 1.12-micron ƒ/2.0 Fixed focus 84-degree FoV |
8MP 1.12-micron ƒ/2.0 Fixed focus 84-degree FoV |
| Security | Rear capacitive fingerprint sensor | Rear capacitive fingerprint sensor |
| Audio | Dual speakers 3.5mm headphone jack |
Dual speakers 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery | 3,140 mAh | 3,800 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired charging USB-C |
18W wired charging USB-C |
| Water Resistance | ❌ | ❌ |
| Dimensions | 144 x 69.4 x 8.2mm | 153.9 x 74.0 x 8.2mm |
| Weight | 143g | 168g |
| Colors | Just Black, Barely Blue | Just Black |
| Price | $349 | $499 |
The Snapdragon 730 for the regular Pixel 4a isn't the most technically impressive chipset that Qualcomm offers, but paired with the same amount of RAM found in the flagship Pixel 4, you'd be hard-pressed to be upset with the performance offered by the 4a. It's responsive, handles virtually every app with ease, and can even power you through graphically intense games like Call of Duty: Mobile. The Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 4a 5G offers more wiggle room for especially demanding tasks, so depending on how you use your phone, it may be worth getting the 5G model for that reason alone.
It's also great that Google is sticking with OLED panels, ensuring that colors are vibrant and blacks are as deep as can be. Viewing angles aren't the very best on the 4a, but that's a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things.
There's also the Pixel 4a's battery, which weighs in at 3,140 mAh. That doesn't sound all that impressive at first glance, but in our testing, the Pixel 4a proved to easily get through a full day of heavy use with plenty of gas left in the tank. Despite the performance upgrade, the Pixel 4a 5G still delivers some of the best battery life you could ask for.
Both models initially made the list of best Android phones, but the 5G model has since lost its spot, leaving only the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5. The Pixel 4a 5G will still be a better choice for some individuals, but it's the 4a that really gives you the best value.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G Which should you buy?
When choosing between the 4a and 4a 5G, you might find yourself having a difficult time. Do you buy the more affordable phone, or the faster one with future-proofed network support?
One of the biggest differences between the two phones is the processor. While the Snapdragon 730 in the Pixel 4a is very capable for most tasks, the Pixel 4a 5G's Snapdragon 765G has a bit more horsepower that'll be appreciated by power users. It also enables 5G connectivity, which will be nice to have as carriers continue building out their 5G networks.
Another benefit of the 4a 5G is its 16MP ultra-wide camera, which joins the primary 12.2MP camera shared by both phones. It's not the most dramatic wide-angle lens we've ever seen, but it still allows for different shooting possibilities that just aren't possible with the regular Pixel 4a.
If you value that faster performance, additional camera, and 5G support, the Pixel 4a 5G was the better option a month ago. However, Google has discontinued the Pixel 4a 5G and released the Pixel 5a 5G with the exact same advantages over the Pixel 4a — plus better battery life, water resistance, and an extra 0.2 inches of display. Your real debate now is between the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5a 5G.
If you end up skipping the Pixel 4a for the 5a 5G, we wouldn't blame you. It'll give you plenty of cool perks for just $100 extra. However, the Pixel 4a remains a perfectly functional phone, and could be the better choice if you're on a limited budget or prefer a smaller phone to comfortably hold.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G Cameras
In a world where phones are shipping with two, three, or even four rear cameras, the lone sensor on the Pixel 4a might look disappointing. Thankfully, we're pleased to say that it's anything but. The 12.2MP camera on the Pixel 4a is the exact same one found on the flagship Pixel 4, and simply put, it is outstanding.
Images are detailed, exposure levels are handled nicely, and even low-light shots look great. Above all else, the Pixel 4a does these things consistently. Just about every single time you press the shutter button to take a picture, it comes out looking fantastic.
While the Pixel 4a 5G has a lot in common with the regular Pixel 4a, one of its biggest advantages comes in the camera department. It has the exact same 12.2MP primary camera, but in addition to that, it also offers a 16MP ultra-wide camera — a first for any Pixel phone.
The ultra-wide camera isn't a game-changer, though we'd certainly rather have a phone with it than one without it. The 107-degree FoV allows for wider shots of whatever it is you're taking a picture of, and while that's not the widest sensor of this type we've ever seen, it also means you don't have to worry about pesky distortion in your shots.
Google didn't reinvent the ultra-wide camera with the Pixel 4a 5G, but either way, it's still a very welcome addition.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G Comparisons
As great as the Pixel 4a is, it's far from the only budget phone you can buy in 2021. It's going up against a lot of competition, with one of those competing devices being the Moto G Power (2021). The Moto G Power (2021) has a worse display, its cameras are less capable, and there's no NFC for Google Pay. However, it costs a fair amount less and still provides a pretty good user experience. The big draw to the phone is its 5,000 mAh battery, which allows for up to three days on a single charge — something you'll never be able to do on the Pixel 4a.
A truly dangerous competitor is the OnePlus Nord 2 — although it's only available in Europe and India. For just slightly more than the Pixel 4a and less than the 5G version, you get a 6.4-inch 90Hz display, 4500mAh battery, 50MP main camera, and a Dimensity 1200 chipset that reportedly gets a 65% CPU boost and 125% GPU boost over the Snapdragon 765G found in the 4a 5G.
You'll also want to check out the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, which costs the same as the Pixel 4a 5G with some 2021 upgrades. It has a 6.5-inch 120Hz screen, 64MP main camera, 4500mAh battery, IP67 water resistance, and more color options. On the other hand, its Snapdragon 750G chipset does fall slightly in performance next to the 765G.
And, of course, we have the iPhone SE. Assuming you're OK using iOS, the iPhone SE is hard to argue with. The design may be extremely outdated by 2021 standards, but everything else is top-notch. It has an insanely fast processor, a great camera, Qi wireless charging, and will get at least four more years of updates.
Pixel 4a and 4a 5G Accessories
Thanks to its plastic construction, the Pixel 4a is a phone that you don't have to baby nearly as much as ones made out of glass. That said, you should still consider getting some accessories to go with it.
First thing's first, pick up a case for the phone! It takes just one drop to damage the back plastic or frame of the Pixel 4a, and a case is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent that from happening. There are a ton of excellent options out there, including the official fabric case from Google and a myriad of third-party ones. Whether you want something slim and discrete or protective and bulky, there's a case out there for you.
Similarly, you also need a screen protector. Whether it's TPU film or tempered glass, a screen protector is the best way to keep your Pixel 4a'a display looking as good as can be. No one likes a shattered or scratched screen, and a screen protector keeps those things at bay.
The same goes if you opt for the Pixel 4a 5G, too. Get a case, get a screen protector, and you'll thank us later.
So good
Google Pixel 4a
$349 at Amazon $299 at Best Buy $349 at B&H
An outstanding camera, and then some
Simply put, the Pixel 4a is one of the best values the smartphone market has to offer today. The camera is better than ever, the performance is plenty fast, the battery is reliable, and there's even a headphone jack. Assuming you're a fan of smaller phones and don't mind the boring design, the Pixel 4a is one of the best deals out there.
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