[ad_1]
Google’s line of Pixel smartphones offer the purest Android experience, but for whatever reason, they aren’t great sellers. For many consumers, it’s Samsung or nothing, and that’s totally understandable – that company makes good phones. However, if you prefer regular and timely Android updates, you have to go with a Pixel.
It’s the middle of November, and Christmas shopping is in full swing. Many people will buy new smartphones for their loved ones or for themselves. And if you want a Pixel, you have a very difficult decision: do you go for the Pixel 5 or the Pixel 4a 5G? They are both 5G smartphones, yes, but they are not the same.
For example, there is a $ 200 difference between the two. But if money isn’t an issue and you’re rich beyond belief, just get the Pixel 5, as it’s a better phone. No further discussion is really needed. Have a great day and please accept my congratulations on your success.
However, if you’re like me and are on a budget, there’s a lot more to consider. I’ve been using and testing both phones, and I can tell you with confidence whether or not you should spend the extra $ 200 on the Pixel 5. Because let’s be honest, $ 200 is a lot of money for us normal folks.
First things first, the Pixel 5 has Qi wireless charging, while the Pixel 4a 5G does not. This means that you cannot drop the 4a 5G on a charging pad before going to bed and charge the battery. Instead, you must connect a USB-C cable. This is very important to me as I have been using Qi for many years, but do you know what is better than wireless charging? Have an extra $ 200 in your pocket. In other words, while it is a nice feature to have, it is by no means a deal breaker.
Another big difference is the screen size: the Pixel4a 5G has a 6.2-inch OLED screen while the Pixel 5 has a 6-inch OLED screen. The bigger the better, right? Not necessarily. Since both phones have the same 2340 x 1080 resolution, the smaller screen size has a higher pixel density. Not to mention, the Pixel 5 has a butter-smooth 90Hz refresh rate that the cheaper Pixel doesn’t have. While the Pixel 5 has a better overall display, it’s not worth an extra $ 200 either. It is true that 90Hz is Really great, but you can’t miss what you haven’t had. Heck, the expensive iPhones Pro don’t even have a high upgrade.
As for the internal specs, they are quite similar. Both phones are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G and have a storage standard of 128GB (and no expandable storage). The 4a 5G has 6GB of RAM while the Pixel 5 has 8GB. Does the extra 2GB make a difference? In my test, no. The apps seem to work the same way on both phones. That said, the Pixel 5 can age better thanks to the extra memory. In other words, in a couple of years, after a few OS updates, the 4th 5G may end up being a bit slower comparatively. Again, the additional RAM is not worth $ 200.
The size of the battery is different, as the Pixel 5 has 4,000 mAh larger compared to the 3,885 mAh found in the 4a 5G. You’d think it should be the other way around, as the 4a 5G has the largest display, but the 90Hz refresh rate on the Pixel 5 can be quite demanding so it makes sense. In my tests, however, both phones got me through the day with juice to spare and there was no noticeable difference from normal use.
Where they do not differ are the cameras, they have the same hardware and software, a standard 12.2 megapixel lens, a 16 megapixel ultra-wide lens and an 8 megapixel front camera. Both phones take brilliant photos thanks to the excellent software tuned by Google. Both lack telephoto lenses, sadly. For the front camera, both forgo a notch centered for a hole punched in the upper left of the screen. If you like the drilled hole it is a personal preference, but I got used to it very quickly.
Unfortunately, they both fall short in the same way: speakers. Neither phone gets particularly loud, and overall it’s not a great experience for music or movies. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not terrible, but it’s not great either. You probably want to use headphones. However, where the Pixel 4a 5G stands out over the Pixel 5 is the inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack; the Pixel 5 is limited to USB-C or Bluetooth.
However, where the Pixel 5 stands out the most is the water resistance. Sadly, the Pixel 4a 5G has none. The Pixel 5 is IP68-rated, meaning it can temporarily submerge in water and survive, while the 4a 5G will likely become a paperweight in that scenario. This could be a big factor if you live somewhere near water, especially with a year-round beach climate like Florida.
Ultimately, no difference between the phones is worth the extra $ 200 on their own, but when you add them all in, maybe they do. The Pixel 5 has a better display with a 90Hz refresh, wireless charging, water resistance, and more memory. The only benefits of the 4a 5G is that it costs $ 200 less and has a headphone jack.
Despite all the benefits of the $ 699 Pixel 5 (it’s the best phone), I still recommend the Pixel 4a 5G to most consumers. Look, times are tough right now, and at $ 499, the Pixel 4a 5G is just an unbeatable value. You’ll get pretty much the same experience as the Pixel 5, including regular Android updates, but for $ 200 less. For those who need to buy multiple phones for their family, that will really add up.
Ultimately, while I love and recommend both phones, you should probably get the Pixel 4a 5G and not look back. you be love it. That said, you really can’t go wrong with any of the new Pixels. Google has hit two home runs here.
You can buy the unlocked Pixel 4a 5G here for $ 499 and the unlocked Pixel 5 here for $ 699. Both phones are compatible with Mint Mobile’s affordable cellular plans (which include 5G at no additional charge) starting at just $ 15 a month. You can sign up with Mint here.
Keep in mind: Some of the above links may be affiliate links, which means that we, or our writers, may be paid if you purchase one of these articles (or other articles) after clicking on them..
[ad_2]
