the Google Pixel 4a It was supposed to be the highly anticipated follow-up to the Pixel 3a, an affordable Pixel phone that offered the Google camera experience we love with great software and an affordable price. But since this global pandemic shows no signs of slowing down (at least in the US), we keep tracking and waiting for 4th, which we all think would already be here.
Because this story has lasted long enough, this Pixel 4a hub should give you a good idea of what we can expect once it arrives. Wait, will it come?
What is the Google Pixel 4a and “a” phone line?
First starting with the 2019 Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, Google decided that it not only needed to play in the premier flagship phone space, but also wanted to offer a more affordable phone that would still give it the best of Google. The Pixel 3a provided a similar high-end camera experience to the best Google phones and would receive the same level of software support, only it would cost around half the price. We reviewed the Pixel 3a and loved what it had to offer with a starting price of $ 399.
Given that the Pixel 3a was thought to be an initial success story in Google’s tough Pixel business, a follow-up called Pixel 4a only made sense. In late 2019, rumors began to emerge about a Pixel 4a, and most of the industry was targeting Google I / O 2020 for its arrival.
Throughout 2020, we have learned a lot about the Pixel 4a, if Google ever decides to sell us one.
Is there a Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a XL or not?
We believe that there may be a single Pixel 4a phone this year, meaning the Pixel 4a XL has been cut. There is evidence to suggest that Google was working on both a Pixel 4a and a 4a XL, but as this story has evolved, only a single smaller device continues to appear.
The Pixel 4a has been viewed multiple times and is expected to be available in Just Black and Barely Blue. We know that at least a couple of model numbers are GA02101-FR (just blue) and GA02099-FR (black only), that the phone stopped via the FCC on its own as G025J, G025N, and G025M, and that the Retailers recently suggested 128GB as base storage.
We also believe that the Pixel 4a is codenamed “sunfish” internally at Google. The name has appeared in the code and in the Google Camera application along with other code names “redfin” and “bramble”. Those last two devices run the Snapdragon 765, a 5G chip that could very well power the Pixel 5. On the other hand, “sunfish” is a single device that runs the Snapdragon 730, the same confirmed chip that is in the Pixel 4a.
Again, we know all that about the normal Pixel 4a, but nothing has come in the form of a Pixel 4a XL at this level. Even when the phone was completely overhauled in prototype form, we didn’t see 4a XL, just the normal 4a.
Of course, since nothing is official yet and we are simply tracking down leaks and early snippets of information this could change and Google might surprise us with a Pixel 4a XL. If they do, it should resemble the previous device, which has been confirmed through eBay’s parts lists for the back of the phone. We’ll talk about specs in a second, but as you can see here, the Pixel 4a XL would have given us a dual camera instead of just the single trigger on the 4a. The added screen size could also have been good.
Google Pixel 4a Specifications
The Pixel 4a’s specs won’t blow your mind, but that’s exactly the point of this phone line. This phone should pack enough to give you fast performance, take great still photos, and last all day without spending a lot of money. A Snapdragon 730 processor with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and Google’s impressive 12MP camera (samples) should provide exactly that.
Unlike last year’s Pixel 3a, we didn’t expect the active edge or tight sides to return, but there should still be a fingerprint reader on the back and other improvements. The front design has certainly been updated with less bezel and a perforating camera.
Priced around $ 350 or $ 400, these are a solid set of specs that Google will continue to use through feature plugins on things like Pixel Feature Drops.
| Pixel 4a | |
|---|---|
| Monitor | 5.8 “FHD AMOLED 60Hz, 2340×1080 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 Adreno 618 GPU |
| Memory | Storage: 128GB RAM: 6 GB |
| Battery | 3080mAh 18W fast charge |
| Camera | Rear: 12MP (OIS, EIS) Front: 8MP |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE WiFi 802.11ac Bluetooth 5 |
| Other | 3.5mm headphone jack USB-C |
| Colors | Just black, just blue |
Prices
Speaking of price, we really get the impression that the Pixel 4a could drop as low as $ 349. I know the fake sign above says “starting at $ 399,” but that was a leak from early March. Since that leak, rumors and a Google poll have suggested a starting price of $ 349 and a base storage of 128GB. As that is the current information, I tend to lean towards that number that we should focus on if Google ever sells this phone.
Release date
When will they sell the Pixel 4a? We have absolutely no idea. The Pixel 3a launched last year in May during Google I / O. We assume that Google would launch the Pixel 4a at around the same time on Google I / O this year, but a global pandemic has potentially changed Google’s thinking about the launch. from the 4th.
Google has discontinued the Pixel 3a (as of July 1), ending its retail life. Once retailers sell through the remaining inventory, the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will not return. I guess now might be a good time for Google to replace it.
We have seen the Pixel 4a in retail packaging, we saw Googlers using the phone, we saw how Verizon suggested it should already be available and receive updates, and Pixel 4a release dates are still rumored to have come and gone. Your guess as to when the Pixel 4a should launch is as good as anyone’s assumption who doesn’t work on the Pixel team at Google.
Look, this phone first appeared in CAD renders in December 2019 and we still can’t buy it. Maybe Google will launch it with Pixel 5. Maybe they never will. Everything is a guessing game.
Updated on July 4 with news from Google discontinuing the Pixel 3a.
