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The Google Pixel 5a will be released soon, likely around May, and will serve as Google’s 2021 ‘great camera on a budget’ experience, just like the Pixel 4a was 5G in 2020. But how much of an upgrade from the Google Pixel 5a will be instead of the 4a, and which one should you buy (or stick with)?
Let’s try to answer those questions by comparing the two Google smartphones side by side and see how well last year’s Pixel 4a 5G fares against its upcoming 2021 successor.
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Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G price
The Google Pixel 5a is expected to be released 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 released for $ 499.
Currently, the Pixel 5a is likely to be the better bargain, as well as being the more future-proof of the two, as might be expected from a newer phone.
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G design
The front of the Google Pixel 5a looks about the same as the Pixel 4a 5G (shown here)
Based on a report from a reputable leaker OnLeaks, the Google Pixel 5a will be very similar in design to the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5, as seen in the renderings below.
Both the Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G have an understated and modern design. Their displays are surrounded by minimal borders, with only the “chin” being slightly larger. Both have a selfie camera with hole punch built into the top left corner of the screen.
Both share a lightweight body with rounded corners and plastic back, which is also home to the two’s fingerprint sensor, centered just below the camera module.
In terms of color options, the Pixel 4a 5G was made available in Just Black and Clearly White color variants, with the same limited options likely to return for the Google Pixel 5a. There is no information on whether the 5a will be offered in more unique colors, but it is not out of the question for a “budget” device.
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G screen
As for their displays, the Pixel 5a will have a 6.2-inch OLED Full HD + display and reportedly a “slightly more noticeable chin” underneath. The Pixel 4a 5G itself also has a beautiful 6.2-inch OLED screen, but it is 1080p (Full HD).
The Pixel 4a 5G’s screen is covered in the fairly old Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the Pixel 5g will likely use a newer Gorilla Glass iteration, possibly 5 or 6.
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G camera
The Pixel 5a has the same camera module as the Pixel 4a 5G (shown here)
Google is calling the Pixel 4a 5G “the essential 5G Google phone,” which is likely to apply to the upcoming Pixel 5a as well, as it will also have 5G. But 5G aside, the 4a 5G can rightly be called “essential” due to its amazing camera performance, especially given its price.
The Pixel 4a 5G has a 12MP main camera and a 16MP ultra-wide rear camera. The phone can record 4K video at up to 60 FPS (frames per second) or 1080p at up to 240 FPS. The front selfie camera is 8 MP.
Likewise, the Pixel 5a should pack a 12MP main camera and an 8MP selfie camera, although ultra-wide it is rumored to have a slightly lower megapixel count than its predecessor, at 12MP.
For reference, we have Pixel 4a 5G camera samples below. The Pixel 5a is very likely to produce photos of the same quality, if not slightly better.
Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G speakers and headphone jack
Both phones have a headphone jack. According to leaks, the Pixel 5a will feature enhanced stereo speakers, while the Pixel 4a 5G will have a single speaker facing downward.
In our Pixel 4a 5G review, we found that the speaker produces clean bass, mids and highs with minimal distortion, but the sound quality doesn’t quite reach the depth and clarity of Google’s more expensive Pixel smartphones.
Comparison of Google Pixel 5a vs Pixel 4a 5G specifications
Google Pixel 5a specifications:
- 6.2-inch OLED Full HD + display
- 12 MP main camera, 12 MP ultra-wide camera, 8 MP front camera
- Snapdragon 690 processor
- 6 GB RAM
- 128 GB storage (not expandable via microSD)
- 5G connectivity
- Fingerprint sensor
- Headphone jack
- 4,200-4,400 mAh battery capacity
Google Pixel 4a 5G specifications:
- 6.2-inch OLED Full HD display
- 12 MP main camera, 16 MP ultra-wide camera, 8 MP front camera
- Snapdragon 765G processor
- 6 GB RAM
- 128 GB storage (not expandable via microSD)
- 5G connectivity
- Fingerprint sensor
- Headphone jack
- 3885 mAh battery capacity