Google took the wraps off the Pixel 4a 5G and it's not just a Pixel 4a with 5G support. The 5G-equipped phone has a larger display than the standard model and sports a faster Snapdragon 765G processor.
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Google Pixel 4a 5G price and release date
As previously confirmed, the Pixel 4a 5G will start at $499 in the US. You can join the waitlist to buy the phone but Google didn't provide a release date. We will update this article once we learn more.
Pixel 4a 5G design
The Pixel 4a 5G has a similar design as the Pixel 4a. Also made of polycarbonate, the Pixel 4a 5G has a much larger footprint due to its 6.2-inch display. Given its size, a more fitting name for this device might have been the Pixel 4a XL 5G. Regardless, the 4a 5G will be available in black and white, each with a colored power button.
Adopted from the Pixel 4a are minimal bezels and a hole-punch camera on the top-left corner of the screen. A familiar rounded square camera module with a single lens adorns the rear next to a circular fingerprint sensor for biometric login.
As for the dimensions, the Pixel 4a 5G is 6.1 inches tall, 2.9 inches wide, and 0.3 inches thick. Keep in mind, the Pixel 4a 5G has a headphone jack whereas the Pixel 5 does not.
Pixel 4a 5G display
Not only do you get 5G, but the Pixel 4a 5G has a larger 6.2-inch display than the 5.8-inch panel on the standard model. This is also an OLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels for 416 ppi (pixels per inch).
Pixel 4a 5G specs
The Pixel 4a 5G uses the same Snapdragon 765G processor as the Pixel 5 but it comes with 6GB of RAM instead of 8GB found on the flagship model. Both the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 start with 128GB of storage.
Google spent a lot less time this year talking about software but we know the Pixel 4a 5G will run Android 11.
Pixel 4a 5G battery life
Google didn't provide battery ratings but the Pixel 4a 5G has a 3800 mAh battery, which is larger than the 3,700 mAh battery in the Pixel 4 XL. Interestingly, the 6-inch Pixel 5 has a larger 4000mAh battery.
The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4XL were criticized for failing to last a full day on a charge. Based on the battery size of these phones, it looks like Google listened.
The Pixel 4a 5G supports fast charging and comes with an 18W adapter.
Pixel 4a 5G cameras
The same dual-camera system on the Pixel 4a returns to the Pixel 4a 5G. On the back, you'll find a 12.2MP main lens and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. Flip to the front and you'll find an 8MP front-facing camera.
Video recording goes up to 4K at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 240 fps.
Outlook
If you want a large phone running pure Android then the Pixel 4a 5G seems like a good option. At $499, it's priced competitively and comes with a pretty decent set of features, including 5G support, a large 6.2-inch OLED panel, and of course, Google's notoriously capable cameras (this time with an ultra-wide lens).
There are still some questions about which of Google's phones is the best value. Many specs overlap and the pricier models lack things the cheaper ones include. We'll help you decide which of Google's phones is the right choice once we get them in for review — that is, if we'd recommend them at all.
