We can earn a commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page.
The Google Pixel 5a will be released soon, probably around May, and will serve as Google’s 2021 “amazing budget camera” experience, just like the Pixel 4a 5G was in 2020. But how much of the upgrade will the Google Pixel 5a be over the 4a, and which one should you buy (or stick to)?
Let’s try to answer the questions by comparing the two Google smartphones side by side and to see how good the Pixel 4a 5G of last year is by the 2021 successor.
You may also find it interesting:
Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G price
The Google Pixel 5a is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2020, at about the same price as the Pixel 4a 5G, probably between $ 400-450. The Pixel 4a 5G itself was released for $ 499.
Currently, it is plausible that the Pixel 5a will be a better bargain, on top of that it is the future stability of the two, as can be expected from a newer phone.
Google Pixel 5a and 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 by reliable leakage OnLeaks will make the Google Pixel 5a very similar to the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5, as shown in the versions below.
The Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G have an understated and modern design. Their exhibits are surrounded by minimal edges, with only the “chin” slightly larger. Both have a hole selfie camera in the upper left corner of the screen.
Both have a lightweight body with rounded corners and plastic back life, where the two’s fingerprint sensor is also located, just below the camera module.
In terms of color options, the Pixel 4a 5G is available in only black and bright 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 that is not out of the question for a ‘budget’ device.
Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G screen
As for their screens, the Pixel 5a should have a 6.2-inch OLED Full HD + screen and apparently a ‘slightly more striking chin’ underneath. The Pixel 4a 5G itself also has a beautiful 6.2-inch OLED screen, but it’s 1080p (Full HD).
The Pixel 4a 5G screen is covered with 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 calls 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 apart from 5G, the 4a 5G can be aptly called ‘essential’ for its incredible camera performance, especially considering its price.
The Pixel 4a 5G has a 12MP main camera and an ultra-wide 16MP camera on the back. The phone can record 4K video up to 60 FPS (frames per second), or 1080p up to 240 FPS. The selfie camera on the front is 8MP.
Similarly, the Pixel 5a should pack a 12MP main camera and an 8MP selfie camera, although the ultra-wide version has a slightly lower megapixel count of its predecessor, at 12MP.
For reference, we have Pixel 4a 5G camera examples below. The Pixel 5a most likely produces 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 should have improved stereo speakers, while the Pixel 4a 5G should have a single speaker.
In us Pixel 4a 5G review, we found that its speaker produces clean bass, midrange and highlight with minimal distortion, but the sound quality does not reach the depth and clarity of Google’s more expensive Pixel smartphones.
Comparison of Google Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a 5G
Google Pixel 5a Specifications:
- 6.2-inch OLED Full HD + screen
- 12MP main camera, 12MP ultra wide camera, 8MP front camera
- Snapdragon 690 processor
- 6 GB RAM
- 128 GB storage (not expandable via microSD)
- 5G connection
- Fingerprint sensor
- Headphone jack
- 4,200-4,400 mAh battery capacity
Google Pixel 4a 5G Specifications:
- 6.2-inch OLED Full HD screen
- 12MP main camera, 16MP ultra wide camera, 8MP front camera
- Snapdragon 765G processor
- 6 GB RAM
- 128 GB storage (not expandable via microSD)
- 5G connection
- Fingerprint sensor
- Headphone jack
- 3885 mAh battery capacity