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THE The Google Pixel 5a will be launched soon, probably around May, and will serve as Google’s “great camera on a limited budget” experience in 2021, as well as the The Pixel 4a 5G was in 2020. But how much update will the Google Pixel 5a have over the 4a, and which one should you buy (or keep)?
We will try to answer these questions by comparing the two Google’s smartphones side by side and seeing how last year’s Pixel 4a 5G fared well compared to its next 2021 successor.
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Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G Price
The Google Pixel 5a is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2020, for almost the same price as the Pixel 4a 5G, probably somewhere between $ 400-450. The Pixel 4a 5G itself was launched for $ 499.
Currently, it is plausible that the Pixel 5a is the best deal, in addition to being the most future-proof of the two, as you would expect from a newer phone.
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G design
The front of the Google Pixel 5a will be almost the same as the Pixel 4a 5G (shown here)
Based on a reputable leaker report OnLeaks, Google Pixel 5a will be very similar in design to Pixel 4a and Pixel 5, as seen in the renderers below.
Both the Pixel 5a and the Pixel 4a 5G have a discreet and modern design. Its exhibits are surrounded by minimal sockets, with only the “chin” slightly larger. Both have a pierced selfie camera built into the top left corner of the screen.
Both share a light body with rounded corners and plastic back, where the fingerprint sensor of the two is also located, centered just below the camera module.
In terms of color options, the Pixel 4a 5G was made available in the Just Black and Clearly White variants, with the same limited options that are likely to return to the Google Pixel 5a. There is no information on whether the 5a will be offered in more exclusive colors, but it is not out of the question for a “budget” device.
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G screen
As for its screens, the Pixel 5a boasts a 6.2-inch Full HD + OLED screen and supposedly a “slightly more noticeable chin” under it. The Pixel 4a 5G itself also has a beautiful 6.2-inch OLED screen, but it is 1080p (Full HD).
The Pixel 4a 5G screen is covered with the rather old Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the Pixel 5g will likely use a more recent Gorilla Glass iteration, possibly 5 or 6.
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G camera
The Pixel 5a will have the same camera module as the Pixel 4a 5G (shown here)
Google calls the Pixel 4a 5G “the essential 5G phone from Google”, which would probably apply to the next Pixel 5a as well, since it will also have 5G. But 5G aside, the 4a 5G can be called “essential” for its incredible camera performance, especially considering its price.
The Pixel 4a 5G has a 12 MP main camera and a 16 MP ultra wide camera at the rear. The phone can record 4K video at up to 60 FPS (frames per second) or 1080p at up to 240 FPS. Its front selfie camera has 8 MP.
Likewise, the Pixel 5a should include a 12 MP main camera and an 8 MP selfie, although it is rumored that its ultra-wide camera has a slightly lower megapixel count than its predecessor, 12 MP.
For reference, we have examples of Pixel 4a 5G cameras below. It is very likely that the Pixel 5a will produce photos of equal, if not slightly better, quality.
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G headphone jack and speakers
Both phones have a headphone jack. According to the leaks, the Pixel 5a is expected to feature enhanced stereo speakers, while the Pixel 4a 5G will have a single lower trigger speaker.
In our Analysis of the Pixel 4a 5G, we found that its speaker produces clear bass, mids and treble with minimal distortion, but the sound quality does not reach the depth and clarity of Google’s most expensive Pixel smartphones.
Comparison of Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G specifications
Google Pixel 5a specifications:
- 6.2 inch Full HD + OLED screen
- 12 MP main camera, 12 MP ultra-wide camera, 8 MP front camera
- Snapdragon 690 processor
- 6 GB of RAM
- 128 GB of storage (not expandable via microSD)
- 5G Connectivity
- Fingerprint sensor
- Headphone plug
- Battery capacity of 4,200-4,400 mAh
Google Pixel 4a 5G specifications:
- 6.2 inch Full HD OLED screen
- 12 MP main camera, 16 MP ultra-wide camera, 8 MP front camera
- Snapdragon 765G processor
- 6 GB of RAM
- 128 GB of storage (not expandable via microSD)
- 5G Connectivity
- Fingerprint sensor
- Headphone plug
- 3885 mAh battery capacity