Google announced the latest Pixel flagship smartphones on September 30th alongside other hardware devices that we found impressive. For example, the new Chromecast (with Google TV) ships with a new aesthetically-pleasing and functional remote. Three Pixel smartphones were also unveiled, of which only two (2) have 5G capabilities — the Pixel 5 and the Pixel 4a (5G). The third device —the Pixel 4a— is the smallest of the trio, size & spec-wise.
In this guide, we focus our beam on the 5G-enabled Pixel devices. What differentiates them and the things they share in common. Let’s get to it.
Similarities
As mentioned earlier, both devices support the 5G network, thanks to their Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor that houses the Snapdragon X52 5G Modem. You’ll enjoy high-speed movies streaming, download, and (hotspot) internet sharing with your friends. You can read this guide to learn how fast the 5G network is. Both the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) are powered by the Android 11 OS, similar graphics processor, and boast of 128GB of non-expandable storage.
Moving to the exterior, they also have similar camera features & configuration, both on the rear and up-front. In addition, both devices house a fingerprint sensor on the rear, USB-C port at the bottom, physical buttons on the right-hand side, and a camera cut-out in the display.
Now let’s talk about the differences.
Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G: Differences
The first and most observable difference is the size; the Pixel 4a (5G) is a lot bigger and heavier than the Pixel 5. And this is because the former has a bigger screen (6.2-inches) than the latter (6.0-inches). It’s also worth mentioning that the Pixel 5’s display is better; it supports up to 90Hz refresh rate.
Moving on, the rear covering & side frame of the Pixel 4a (5G) is made entirely out of plastic. The Pixel 5, on the other hand, is water-resistant and uses 100% recycled aluminum covering on the frame and back. It’s also surprising to see Google re-introduce the 3.5mm headphone jack on the Pixel 4a (5G); the Pixel 5 lacks the audio jack.
Unlike the Pixel 4a (5G) with 6GB of RAM, the Pixel 5 is equipped with 8GB RAM which positions it as the device to better handle multitasking, gaming, and heavy daily usage. The battery compartment is another key differentiator of both devices.
You’ll get 4080 mAh of battery on the Pixel 5. And it gets even more interesting. There’s support for ‘Fast Wireless Charging’ and ‘Reverse Wireless Charging’ (dubbed Battery Share). For the Pixel 4a (5G), you get a smaller (3885 mAh) battery with Fast wired charging 18W. No wireless or reverse wireless charging.
Regarding price and availability, the Pixel 5 costs $699 while the Pixel 4a (5G) will retail for $499. Both devices are currently available on pre-order but the Pixel 5 will officially go on sale by October 15 and the Pixel 4a (5G), November 05, 2020.
Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G: Spec Table
Which Pixel Is Right for You?
At $699 and $499, both devices are two of the most affordable 5G smartphones available in the market right now. And from everything we’ve laid out in the sections above, it’s glaring that the Pixel 5 is the most advanced of the duo. If you aren’t a heavy smartphone user or you aren’t sold on the wireless charging/reverse wireless charging craze and water-resistant, then the Pixel 4a (5G) is definitely for you— you save $200 plus you get the headphone jack. However, if you want to go all out, the Pixel 5 is a great (and affordable) flagship device to have.
Featured Image: YouTube
