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If you are looking for a phone with 5G, Google’s phone brand, the Pixel, offers several top-notch options. The Pixel 5, Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 4a 5G and the latest Pixel 6 models are all fantastic phones, so it can be difficult to choose. In this guide, we will break down the Pixel 5a 5G and Pixel 4a 5G. When comparing the Pixel 5a 5G vs. 4a 5G, what are the key differences? Let’s break it down and compare these Pixel phones so you can decide which is right for you.
Size and Body Material
Most Pixel phone models look very similar in their design, featuring a rear square camera and fingerprint scanner with a front punch-hole display. However, there are some slight key differences. The Pixel 4a 5G was released after the Pixel 5 base phone with a few more improvements. For example, the Pixel 4a 5G was made larger and, unlike the Pixel 5’s metal shell, offered a polycarbonate plastic shell. Also, the Pixel 5a 5G is larger than the 4a 5G, but just slightly.
When it comes to a phone’s build materials, plastic and metal each have their pros and cons and should always be covered with a protective phone case. For example, the polycarbonate plastic case of the Pixel 4a 5G is pretty tough and shatter-resistant, but it doesn’t look as chic as a metal case. Still, you can quickly fix that with a more fashionable Pixel 4a 5G case. On the other hand, a metal phone body like the Pixel 5a 5G can show scratches and scuffs more readily. So again, it’s worth protecting with a softer, shock-resisting Pixel 5a 5G case.
Choose a Pixel 5a 5G Case That Is Kind to the Earth
Cameras
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When comparing the Pixel 5a 5G and the 4a 5G, the cameras are exactly the same. There’s no hard decision to make here — unless, of course, you want to get yourself the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro model. However, what you can expect out of the Pixel 5a 5G and 4a 5G is the dual rear camera that features a 12.2-megapixel, 1.4µm and an f/1.7 aperture. There is also a 16-megapixel ultrawide shot with an f/2.2 aperture. As far as the front camera, you can expect an 8-megapixel lens with an f/2.0 aperture. The photo qualities between the two are equally spectacular, offering low light performance and other features. So this decision is an easy choice.
Battery Life
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G platform, which is used in both the Pixel 5a 5G and 4a 5G, is what offers the integrated 5G within the hardware. So in this respect, the two Pixel phones are very much the same. Both the Pixel 5a 5G and 4a 5G have 6GB of RAM, too. However, where they do differ is in the battery life.
The Pixel 5a 5G has a 4620mAh, while the Pixel 4a 5G rests just under that at 3800mAh. This larger battery means that it can outlast the Pixel 4a 5G, as well as the Pixel 5. The battery life of the Pixel 5a 5G is one of the main key differences that stands out among these two Pixel phone options.
One thing to mention is that the Pixel 5 offers wireless charging, unlike the 5G models. If you prefer a clutter-free desk and a wirelessly charging phone, the Pixel 5 model might be a good option for you. However, like the Pixel 5a 5G, it also has a metal unibody and must be protected with a Pixel 5 case.
IP Ratings and Protection
Sadly, the Pixel 4a 5G lacks an IP rating — period. However, they did improve the Pixel 5a 5G with the IP67 rating, which means it’s dust-tight and can be immersed for roughly 30 minutes underwater. Again, the Pixel 6 features a small step up with an IP68 rating, so it’s just something to keep in mind.
Protect Your Phone with a Pixel 4a 5G Case
Screen Display Size
Let’s talk screen display size and overall quality. The Pixel 4a 5G offers an OLED 6.2-inch screen display, while the Pixel 5a 5G OLED display is slightly larger, coming in at 6.34 inches. Both Pixel phone screens offer the exact same resolution but do alter a tiny bit in the refresh rate. The Pixel 4a 5G and 5a 5G both have a 60 Hz refresh rate, too. So, the screen is a tiny bit larger, if that’s something to consider. Other than that, they are pretty much the same.
Sustainable Pixel Phone Cases
Featured: Stormy Blue Google Pixel 5a 5G Phone Case
Have you decided between the Pixel 5a 5G vs. 4a 5G? Whatever you choose, make sure to protect your phone with a sustainable phone case by Pela. Explore our entire collection of Pela Case models for each Pixel style, featuring a soft feel and plastic-free design that is completely compostable.