Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G: Comparing Google’s Latest 5G Devices

Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G

Google announced the latest Pixel flagship smartphones on September 30th alongside other hardware devices that we found impressive. For example, the new Chromecast (with Google TV) ships with a new aesthetically-pleasing and functional remote. Three Pixel smartphones were also unveiled, of which only two (2) have 5G capabilities — the Pixel 5 and the Pixel 4a (5G). The third device —the Pixel 4a— is the smallest of the trio, size & spec-wise.

In this guide, we focus our beam on the 5G-enabled Pixel devices. What differentiates them and the things they share in common. Let’s get to it.

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Similarities

As mentioned earlier, both devices support the 5G network, thanks to their Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor that houses the Snapdragon X52 5G Modem. You’ll enjoy high-speed movies streaming, download, and (hotspot) internet sharing with your friends. You can read this guide to learn how fast the 5G network is. Both the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) are powered by the Android 11 OS, similar graphics processor, and boast of 128GB of non-expandable storage.

Pixel 4a (5G)

Moving to the exterior, they also have similar camera features & configuration, both on the rear and up-front. In addition, both devices house a fingerprint sensor on the rear, USB-C port at the bottom, physical buttons on the right-hand side, and a camera cut-out in the display.

Now let’s talk about the differences.

Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G: Differences

The first and most observable difference is the size; the Pixel 4a (5G) is a lot bigger and heavier than the Pixel 5. And this is because the former has a bigger screen (6.2-inches) than the latter (6.0-inches). It’s also worth mentioning that the Pixel 5’s display is better; it supports up to 90Hz refresh rate.

Moving on, the rear covering & side frame of the Pixel 4a (5G) is made entirely out of plastic. The Pixel 5, on the other hand, is water-resistant and uses 100% recycled aluminum covering on the frame and back. It’s also surprising to see Google re-introduce the 3.5mm headphone jack on the Pixel 4a (5G); the Pixel 5 lacks the audio jack.

Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G
Pixel 5

Unlike the Pixel 4a (5G) with 6GB of RAM, the Pixel 5 is equipped with 8GB RAM which positions it as the device to better handle multitasking, gaming, and heavy daily usage. The battery compartment is another key differentiator of both devices.

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You’ll get 4080 mAh of battery on the Pixel 5. And it gets even more interesting. There’s support for ‘Fast Wireless Charging’ and ‘Reverse Wireless Charging’ (dubbed Battery Share). For the Pixel 4a (5G), you get a smaller (3885 mAh) battery with Fast wired charging 18W. No wireless or reverse wireless charging.

Regarding price and availability, the Pixel 5 costs $699 while the Pixel 4a (5G) will retail for $499. Both devices are currently available on pre-order but the Pixel 5 will officially go on sale by October 15 and the Pixel 4a (5G), November 05, 2020.

Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G: Spec Table

Pixel 5Pixel 4a 5G
Dimension & Weight144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm | 151 grams153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm | 168 grams
Display6.0-inches OLED FHD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) display with 432 ppi density & Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protection6.2 inches OLED FHD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) display with 412 ppi density & Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
Build & ColorsGlass front, Aluminum back, and Aluminum frameGlass front, Plastic Back, Plastic frame
Rear Camera12 MP dual-pixel & 16 MP ultrawide12 MP dual-pixel & 16 MP ultrawide
Front Camera8 MP μm pixel with ƒ/2.0 aperture8 MP μm pixel with ƒ/2.0 aperture
Operating systemAndroid 11Android 11
Processor (CPU)2.4GHz Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G | Adreno 620 GPU2.4GHz Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G | Adreno 620 GPU
Storage8GB RAM & 128GB ROM6GB RAM & 128GB ROM
Battery4080 mAh with Wireless Charging & Reverse Wireless Charging | 18W Fast Charging3885 mAh with 18W Fast Charging
Water ResistanceYes, IP68 Dust & Water-resistantNot Water-resistant
ColorsSorta Sage, Just BlackClealy White, Sorta Sage
Price$699$499

Which Pixel Is Right for You?

At $699 and $499, both devices are two of the most affordable 5G smartphones available in the market right now. And from everything we’ve laid out in the sections above, it’s glaring that the Pixel 5 is the most advanced of the duo. If you aren’t a heavy smartphone user or you aren’t sold on the wireless charging/reverse wireless charging craze and water-resistant, then the Pixel 4a (5G) is definitely for you— you save $200 plus you get the headphone jack. However, if you want to go all out, the Pixel 5 is a great (and affordable) flagship device to have.

Featured Image: YouTube

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