Last year's Google Pixel 3a model was an excellent budget option for people who wanted to try out Google's smartphone series. This approach to introducing consumers to Google's vision for an Android device reaped success. After all, not everyone is willing to shell out a lot of money for a new phone.
Recently, the Google Pixel 4a hit the market, representing the company's latest offering for a reasonable purchase.
In the new device, we better see what we know from Nexus and Pixel. Each component does an excellent job with its given task. In addition, the user gets great build quality, a fantastic screen, quality cameras and pure Android. Thus, the Google Pixel 4a has everything it takes to become the king among the inexpensive smartphones of 2020.
Google Pixel 4a Specifications
- Release date: 2020, August 03
- Colors: Just Black
- Dimensions: 144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm.
- Weight: 143 g.
- Screen: 5.81" in, 1080 x 2340, OLED
- Camera : Single, 12.2MP
- Chipset: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm)
- CPU: Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)
- Memory: 128GB 6GB RAM
- Battery: 3140, Non-removable Li-Po
- Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE
- Operating system: Android 10
- Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Google Pixel 4a Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.
Design
The Google Pixel 4a is definitely an improved version of the Google Pixel 3a. Both devices are made of plastic, but the new model now boasts a matte texture that is pleasant to the touch. Thanks to this, the Google Pixel 4a doesn't slip in your hands.
The new generation hasn't retained the two-tone finish. Now it is monochrome and made of polycarbonate. As a result, the Google Pixel 4a is much more attractive. On the outside, it looks more expensive, and the fingerprint scanner is no longer as clearly visible as on the Pixel 3a. Above it is the main camera module. Its design is similar to that in the other representatives of the Pixel 4 series - a square with rounded corners that make reference to more expensive smartphones. Google Pixel 4a has a single main camera and flash.
Display
The Google Pixel 4a features a 5.81-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution that looks gorgeous. This screen is undoubtedly one of the best among budget smartphones. It is covered with Gorilla Glass 3 protective glass and has a maximum brightness of around 720 nits. The colours are realistic.
Performance
The main reason for the relatively low price of the Google Pixel 4a is explained by the fact that Google has decided to put in it a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor instead of the more expensive Snapdragon 765G.
The 730G is a less powerful chipset. Because of this, you shouldn't expect high performance from it in games. However, in day-to-day work, the smartphone is fast and runs without a hitch. The RAM in the Google Pixel 4a is 6 GB and the storage is 128 GB, which is a pleasant surprise. Now you can no longer worry about the amount of music and video on the phone.
Cameras
In the Google Pixel 4a, we find a basic 12 MP Sony IMX363 sensor that we know from the Pixel 4, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a. The manufacturer has decided not to change the optics. However, the camera app has received updates. Capabilities from the Pixel 4 have been added. For example, the "Astrophotography" mode.
Photos with the main subject are obtained with similar quality to those of Pixel 4. With the colors and dynamic range, everything is fine. The contrast is better than in most competitors.
The resolution is enough to take quality photos with the Google Pixel 4a. A night mode is provided for convenience, with which photos retain high detail even in the dark.
Will selfies with the Google Pixel 4a be share-worthy? Yes! They look gorgeous. The front camera is an 8-megapixel camera. It has no problem preserving a lot of detail in the darkest areas of the frame. The Google Pixel 4a can shoot 4K resolution video at 30 frames per second. It can shoot at 1080 resolution, but now at 60 frames per second.
4K recordings look beautiful, thanks to stabilization.
Autonomous operation
The Google Pixel 4a's battery is durable, but it doesn't perform supernaturally. On average, it will last you for 6-6.5 hours of screen time with a day, day and a half of usage. The battery capacity is 3140 mAh. The power-saving Snapdragon 730G processor contributes to the good autonomous performance.
A full recharge of the Google Pixel 4a takes 1.5 hours. Compared to competitors, this is a good indicator. Unfortunately, wireless charging is not supported.
Conclusion
There are several reasons to buy the Google Pixel 4a. Its display has a refresh rate of 120 Hz and has a powerful processor. Yes, the main camera isn't among the most impressive, but it will gift you with precious footage you'll want to share. The updated model is affordable in price and has features that are lacking among some of the competitors. The Google Pixel 4a is an excellent choice for kids and people who want to test Google's vision for an Android device.
Google Pixel 4a video review
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Google Pixel 4a and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Google.
