Pixel 4 vs 4a: Which Google Phone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many great options available. If you’re considering a Google Pixel, you’ve likely narrowed it down to two popular choices: the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4a. But which one is right for you?
This comparison dives deep into the key differences between the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4a, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll explore everything from design and display to performance and camera capabilities. Prepare to discover which phone offers the best value for your needs.
The Pixel 4, released in 2019, was Google’s flagship phone at the time. The Pixel 4a, a mid-range offering, arrived shortly after, promising a similar experience at a more affordable price. Let’s see how they stack up against each other.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Pixel 4 | Pixel 4a |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.7 inches | 5.81 inches |
| Display Type | OLED | OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 | Snapdragon 730G |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128GB |
| Main Camera | 12.2MP + 16MP | 12.2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 2800 mAh | 3140 mAh |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | No |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Operating System | Android 10 | Android 10 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 4: 5.7-inch OLED display (90Hz refresh rate). Offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, but the smaller size and lower resolution compared to some competitors might be a drawback.
- 4a: 5.81-inch OLED display (60Hz refresh rate). A larger screen than the Pixel 4, with a sharp resolution, making content viewing enjoyable. However, lacks the 90Hz refresh rate, resulting in a slightly less fluid experience.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Processor
- Pixel 4: Snapdragon 855 processor. Powerful, handles demanding tasks and games well, but now older compared to newer phones.
- 4a: Snapdragon 730G processor. Efficient and provides good performance for everyday use and gaming, but not as powerful as the Pixel 4.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Cameras
- Pixel 4: 12.2MP dual-camera system with telephoto lens. Delivers excellent image quality, particularly in low light, and offers impressive zoom capabilities.
- 4a: 12.2MP single-lens camera. Takes stunning photos with Google’s excellent image processing, but lacks a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Battery Life
- Pixel 4: 2800mAh battery. Battery life is a common complaint, often requiring a midday charge with moderate to heavy usage.
- 4a: 3140mAh battery. Offers significantly better battery life, easily lasting a full day of typical use.
- Winner: 4a
Design and Build
- Pixel 4: Glass back with a metal frame, premium feel. Includes Face Unlock, but the design is now dated compared to newer phones.
- 4a: Plastic back, more durable and lightweight. Lacks Face Unlock but has a physical fingerprint sensor.
- Winner: Pixel 4 (for premium feel)
Price
- Pixel 4: Originally launched at a higher price point, now often available at discounted rates.
- 4a: Significantly more affordable, offering excellent value for its performance.
- Winner: 4a
Software and Updates
- Pixel 4: Runs stock Android with guaranteed updates, ensuring timely software updates and security patches.
- 4a: Runs stock Android with guaranteed updates, ensuring timely software updates and security patches.
- Winner: Tie
Special Features
- Pixel 4: Includes Motion Sense (gesture controls), which is a unique feature.
- 4a: No Motion Sense. Focuses on core functionality.
- Winner: Pixel 4
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pixel 4 |
| Display | Pixel 4 |
| Battery Life | Pixel 4a |
| Camera | Tie |
| Value | Pixel 4a |
| Design | Tie |
| Features | Pixel 4 |
What They Have in Common:
- Software Experience: Both phones run a clean, stock version of Android, guaranteeing timely updates and a smooth user experience. This allows for a consistent and bloatware-free environment.
- Camera Quality: Both devices share Google’s renowned image processing, delivering excellent photo quality in various lighting conditions. They provide great detail and color accuracy.
- Google Assistant Integration: Both phones offer seamless integration with Google Assistant, making it easy to control your phone with voice commands, set reminders, and access information.
- Night Sight: Both the Pixel 4 and 4a feature Google’s Night Sight mode, enabling exceptional low-light photography and capturing detailed images in the dark.
- Unlimited Google Photos Storage: Both phones offer unlimited storage for photos and videos at high quality, ensuring you never run out of space for your memories.
Pixel 4 Vs 4A Buying Guide
Performance & Processor
The Pixel 4 boasts a Snapdragon 855 processor, offering significantly enhanced performance compared to the Snapdragon 730G in the Pixel 4a. This translates to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games. While the 4a handles everyday tasks admirably, the 4’s superior processing power becomes noticeable during demanding operations. Consider your usage habits – if you’re a heavy gamer or multitasker, the Pixel 4 is the clear winner.
The Pixel 4 has 6GB RAM, while the 4a has 6GB RAM. Both phones should handle most tasks well, but the Pixel 4’s superior processor will still provide a better overall experience.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones excel in photography, but the Pixel 4 has a slight edge due to its telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom. This allows for closer shots without sacrificing image quality. Both phones feature excellent computational photography, including Night Sight for low-light shots. The Pixel 4a, with its single camera, still produces outstanding images, but the Pixel 4 offers more versatility. The software processing on both phones is excellent.
Both phones offer fantastic image processing, making photos taken on either phone look great. The Pixel 4’s extra lens provides a bit more versatility, but the Pixel 4a is still a great camera phone.
Display Quality
The Pixel 4 features a 90Hz OLED display, providing a smoother and more responsive experience than the Pixel 4a’s 60Hz OLED panel. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations appear fluid. The Pixel 4’s display is also slightly brighter and more vibrant. While the 4a’s display is still excellent, the 4 offers a premium viewing experience. Both displays are great for content consumption.
Both phones have OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the Pixel 4’s higher refresh rate gives it the edge in display quality.
Battery Life & Charging
The Pixel 4a generally offers better battery life than the Pixel 4, thanks to its more efficient processor and larger battery capacity. The Pixel 4 struggles to last a full day under heavy usage. The 4a can comfortably get through a day of moderate use. Both phones support fast charging, but the Pixel 4a’s battery typically lasts longer. If battery life is a priority, the 4a is the better choice.
Both phones offer fast charging capabilities, but the Pixel 4a’s bigger battery allows it to last longer on a single charge. The Pixel 4 does not have great battery life.
Design & Build
The Pixel 4 has a glass back and an aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel. The Pixel 4a features a plastic back, which is more durable and less prone to shattering. The Pixel 4’s design is more stylish, while the 4a prioritizes practicality. Both phones are comfortable to hold. The Pixel 4 offers a more premium design, while the 4a focuses on durability and affordability.
The Pixel 4 has a more premium design with its glass back, while the 4a uses plastic. Both phones have a good feel, but the Pixel 4 has a more high-end feel.
Price & Value
The Pixel 4a is significantly more affordable than the Pixel 4, offering excellent value for its price. The Pixel 4, when new, was a flagship phone and commanded a higher price tag. The Pixel 4a provides a similar overall experience at a much lower cost. Considering the features and performance, the Pixel 4a represents a better value proposition for most users. The Pixel 4 is a better phone, but the price difference is significant.
The Pixel 4a is the more affordable option, making it a better value for the price. The Pixel 4 may be a better phone, but it is also more expensive, while the 4a provides a great overall experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 4 If…
- You prioritize top-tier performance and don’t mind a slightly smaller battery.
- You want wireless charging and water resistance.
- You value the extra telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities.
- You want the best possible display with the smoothest refresh rate.
Buy 4a If…
- You want the best value for your money.
- You prefer a larger display and longer battery life.
- You need a headphone jack.
- You are looking for a phone with excellent camera capabilities at an affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in processor performance?
The Pixel 4 uses a Snapdragon 855 processor, providing considerably faster performance than the Pixel 4a’s Snapdragon 730G. This means quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better handling of demanding tasks like gaming. The 4’s processor offers a noticeable advantage in speed and responsiveness for power users.
Does the Pixel 4 have a better camera?
Yes, the Pixel 4 has a slight edge due to its telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom for closer shots without sacrificing image quality. Both phones excel in computational photography, with features like Night Sight. The 4’s additional lens provides more versatility for different shooting scenarios, offering better image quality in certain situations.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Pixel 4a generally offers superior battery life compared to the Pixel 4, thanks to its more efficient processor and larger battery capacity. The 4a can last a full day of moderate use, while the 4’s battery may require charging. If battery life is a top priority, the Pixel 4a is the better choice.
What about the display quality?
The Pixel 4 features a 90Hz OLED display, providing a smoother and more responsive experience compared to the Pixel 4a’s 60Hz panel. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations appear fluid. The 4’s display is also slightly brighter and more vibrant, offering a better viewing experience.
How does the design differ?
The Pixel 4 has a glass back and an aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel. The Pixel 4a features a plastic back, which is more durable. The Pixel 4’s design is more stylish, while the 4a prioritizes practicality. Both phones are comfortable to hold, but the 4 has a more high-end feel.
Which phone is more affordable?
The Pixel 4a is significantly more affordable than the Pixel 4. This makes the 4a the better value for its price. The Pixel 4 was a flagship phone, so it has a higher price. The 4a offers a similar experience at a lower cost, making it a better value proposition for most users.
Which phone is best overall?
This depends on your priorities. The Pixel 4 offers superior performance, display, and camera versatility. The Pixel 4a excels in battery life and affordability. Consider your budget and needs to determine which phone is best for you.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4a both deliver excellent user experiences, but they cater to different needs. The Pixel 4 excels in performance and camera versatility. The Pixel 4a provides a better balance of value and features, with improved battery life and a more affordable price. The best choice depends on your priorities.
The Pixel 4 is the better phone overall if you can afford it. However, the Pixel 4a offers a fantastic experience at a lower price point. Consider your budget and priorities to determine which phone is best for you.
Winner: Pixel 4A