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Google Pixel 4a 5G
Google Pixel 4a 5G
Google Pixel 4a 5G
Google Pixel 4a 5G
...


8.6/10
Informr score
The Google Pixel 4a 5G currently has an Informr score of 8.6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 38 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Big beautiful screen
  • Excellent battery life
  • Headphone jack
  • Fast fingerprint scanner

What's bad

  • No waterproof or dust rating
  • Stale design choice
  • No wireless charging

Budget-friendly phones have come a long way in the last decade, and the Google Pixel 4a 5G is proof of that. Premium feeling features that won’t empty your bank account are rare. Does the Google Pixel 4a 5G meet the standard?

Design

The body of the Google Pixel 4a 5G is made of plastic. While that allows it to remain lightweight, reviewers, unfortunately, noted it felt cheap. However, the matte back finish keeps it from looking cheap. So it’s mostly a matter of personal preference.

Display

A 6.2-inch OLED screen adds a touch of finesse back to the phone with bright colors and good screen clarity. The bezels are very slim, and that makes it great for viewing media. However, the use of older Gorilla Glass 3 didn’t impress reviewers -- especially when other phones of its price-point have the most up-to-date version.

Performance

The Google Pixel 4a 5G is a mid-tier phone with mid-tier performance. It won’t blow you away, but it will do most of what you ask of it. A few reviewers mentioned minor stuttering while editing photos or sharing; otherwise, it behaved like any other smartphone of its price tier. It even handled mild multi-tasking well.

Software & Storage

The Pixel-first software impressed reviewers with its buffet of extras. Call-screening was popular with reviewers. A new one called “Hold For Me” offers the ability to set your phone down while being put on hold. Once it’s your turn and someone else is on the line, the phone rings loudly to let you know. It also has plenty of space at 128GB, but the phone doesn’t include microSD support, unlike a lot of Android phones.

Cameras

The primary lens on the Google Pixel 4a 5G is 12MP with a 16MP wide-angle lens. The included might-mode is capable unless you’re in extremely low light, making the phone ideal for photography on a budget. Will it keep up the Pixel 5 or other top-end phones? No. But the picture quality for the price added up for most reviewers.

Image stabilization impressed reviewers on the video front and made it easier to avoid jiggles and shakes when capturing footage on the go.

Battery Life

Battery life on the Google Pixel 4a 5G blew reviewers away. One noted that even with 6 hours of video and several tasks throughout the day, the phone lasted nearly 48 hours on a single charge. Battery life like this is unheard of for most smartphones in the price range.

Audio

In terms of audio, the Google Pixel 4a 5G has two speakers for stereo sound: one at the bottom and one on the earpiece. But it’s still mostly average when it comes to audio quality. Reviewers noted the audio lacked bass and felt flat but that it was loud enough to hear.

Specs at a Glance

  • Plastic chassis
  • 6.2-inch OLED display
  • Octa-core 2.4 GHz Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G processor
  • 6GB of RAM
  • Android 11
  • 128GB of storage
  • 12MP primary lens, 16MP wide lens, and an 8MP selfie camera
  • 3800mAh battery

Bottom Line

The Google Pixel 4a 5G won’t win any awards for being innovative, and some reviewers mentioned just going for the Pixel 5 even if it has a smaller screen. That doesn’t make it a bad phone, though. For a fair price, you get a phone that will do what you want as long as you have tempered expectations and is more than enough smartphone for most.

Android Authority says, “The Google Pixel 4a 5G is here and it’s bigger and better than the already-excellent Google Pixel 4a. It’s also more expensive.”

The Verge comments, “As with all Pixels, the 4A 5G’s strengths are hard to put on a spec sheet. It’s more unassuming than other Android phones, but its software is also more elegant and easier to use — and of course, the camera is almost surely better than the direct competition. It won’t turn heads, but the Pixel 4A 5G won’t let you down, either.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.4 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.4 GHz
6.2"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6.2"
12+ MP, f/1.7
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/1.7
3800 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Top Ten Reviews
Top Ten Reviews

The Google Pixel 4A 5G is a great budget smartphone that does everything you could want. It has a good camera, decent internal specs, and feels like a well-built piece of kit. It lacks flashy features though, so some people might find it a bit dull, and you can find cheaper models elsewhere that off...

- Ian Stokes, Top Ten Reviews
Recombu
Recombu

The Pixel 4a 5G is a very good phone, boosted significantly by its highly impressive camera performance and Google’s signature streamlined software. However, take a look at your top priorities and your available budget before buying this one over the Pixel 4a or the Pixel 5.

- Peter Phelps, Recombu
Android Guys
Android Guys

As we enter 2021 we’re finally at a point where it makes sense to consider 5G or to at least have a phone that takes advantage of it. I would not recommend the device on its 5G merits alone but I don’t push any handset on the basis of 5G support. But, for people who want a quality device with that f...

- Scott Webster, Android Guys
Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag

Pixel 4a 5G isn’t a flagship phone and it isn’t trying to be; with its excellent cameras and unmatched software support (among Android phones), it is an amazing option at under $500.

- Sean Riley, Laptop Mag
Android Police
Android Police

The Pixel 4a 5G is easy to recommend. Honestly, I think most folks looking at the more expensive Pixel 5 should reflect on what they value in a phone and consider if this can deliver what they want for hundreds less. This isn't really a Pixel 4a 5G, this is the Pixel 5 Lite, and if you can live with...

- Ryne Hager, Android Police


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Google backs up the Pixel 4a 5G with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Pixel 4a 5G has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Google support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Google's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
6.2"

The Google Pixel 4a 5G's screen size is 6.2 inches with 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.4 GHz

There is a Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G (7 nm) Octa-core 2.4 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 11 (Update Available: 12) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/1.7 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
128 GB

Internal memory is 128 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
3800mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 3800 mAh battery.

Pixel 4a 5G Specs

Overview
Release Date November 5, 2020
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 11 (Update Available: 12)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G (7 nm) Octa-core 2.4 GHz
Internal Storage 128 GB
RAM 6 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.20 W/kg
Body: 1.20 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included USB Power Adapter, Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE, 5G
Mobile / Cellular Data
5G, 4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/1.7
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Image stabilization, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, 2nd camera feature (16 MP, F2.2, Ultra-wide)
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture F2.0
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), 30 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology OLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels
Pixel Density 413 pixels
Size 6.2 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 3800 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Unknown
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Just Black, Clearly White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.39 x 7.4 x 0.82 cm (6.1 x 2.9 x 0.3 in)
Weight 168 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof No
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):

Minimum 3 years of OS and security updates

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