Google has two models of its Pixel 4a smartphone. One has 5G capability and is cleverly called the Pixel 4a (5G) making it easy to know which has the faster potential network speeds. However, there are several differences beyond networking. So much that it is a little strange that Google had decided to use such a similar name for such a different phone.
The Google Pixel 4a was announced in August at a shockingly low price of $349. This is the least expensive way ever to own a smartphone with Google's exclusive camera app. The code behind the camera is what makes it special, considering the actual hardware is a fairly common 12.2-megapixel sensor, though it does have optical and electronic stabilization built-in and a nice wide aperture at f/1.7. The show-stopper is Night Sight that takes amazingly sharp, bright and colorful photos in near total darkness. Recent Pixel phones can even take photos of the stars with Astrophotography Mode.
The newer Pixel 4a (5G), priced at $499, adds 5G support, but that's not all. Despite sharing a very similar name as the lower cost Pixel 4a, it is a very different phone. The design appears quite similar, with an all-screen display and punch-hole camera up front and a smooth, plastic back with fingerprint reader on the rear. Google also added another color choice, the always popular white. The 5G model is a bit larger, 6.2-inch versus 5.8-inch, but the most apparent difference is the newer phone features two rear cameras. The Pixel 4a (5G) adds a 16-megapixel ultrawide angle camera to the usual 12.2-megapixel wide angle that all Pixel phones have. Ultrawide is a brand new camera, one of the many specs shared with the Pixel 5.
Pixel 4a Processor, Battery, & Speakers
The Pixel 4a (5G) has a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, compared to the 730G included with the Pixel 4a. More importantly, the battery is significantly larger with the 5G model, as it adds 24-percent to capacity to reach a nice 3885 mAh. Furthermore, it comes with a new Extreme Battery Saver feature that Google says can extend battery life up to 48 hours. That will vary, of course, and Google points out that the feature allows user customization to specify which apps should have priority. The more expensive model includes stereo speakers.
As might be apparent by now, these are both Pixel phones, but not as closely related as the name implies. The Pixel 4a (5G) will launch with all of the latest Google AI enhancements and camera improvements. These will likely make their way to the Pixel 4a soon, but it means waiting for great new features like 'Hold for me,' which lets Google Assistant wait on hold and alerts the user when someone is back on the call. Also, the newest camera features like Night Sight in Portrait Mode, Portrait Light and new video stabilization features will have a delay with the older model. The bottom line is that the Pixel 4a (5G) is definitely worth $150 more if the shopper can afford it. On the other hand, the Pixel 4a is fantastic value at $349. If $499 is too much, the LTE version has many of the same features and even more will come with future Google feature updates.
Source: Google