Should you grab a Google Pixel 4a with 5G?

Google Pixel 4a 5G may sound like just a Google Pixel 4a with 5G support, but it is not. Compared to the Pixel 4a (check our review out), it actually has a little bit larger display, a faster processor, a larger battery, and a wide rear camera.

But it’s also positioned under the higher end Google Pixel 5 (check our review too). Should you then have a look and actually grab this middle child?

Google Pixel 4a (5G) Unboxing and Packaging

Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel 4a (5G)

Let’s check the spec differences between the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G:

4a 5G is larger in dimension with a larger screen (6.2 inches vs 5.8 inches)
4a 5G has bigger battery (3,800 mAh vs 3,140 mAh)
4a 5G has better processor (Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G vs Snapdragon 730G)
4a 5G has an extra ultrawide rear camera (16MP, f/2.2)
4a 5G can record videos in 4K 60fps, 1080p 240fps
4a 5G obviously supports 5G
4a 5G costs A$200 more

Google Pixel 4a (5G) vs Google Pixel 5

Let’s check the spec differences between the Pixel 4a with 5G and Pixel 5:

Surprisingly the 4a 5G has a larger display also (6.2 inches vs 6.0 inches)
Both has the same processor
Both has the same camera
Pixel 5 has 90Hz refresh rate display (vs 60Hz)
Pixel 5 has bigger battery (4,000 mAh vs 3,800 mAh)
Pixel 5 has wireless charging
Pixel 5 has more RAMs (8GB vs 6GB)
Pixel 5 has no headphone jack

Alright, so it all comes down to your preference and what you want more in a phone. I think most people would probably want to grab either the Pixel 4a with 5G or Pixel 5 as a daily driver – unless of course if you are looking for the most affordable phone. In this case, you won’t even be disappointed with the Pixel 4a because it’s still a sleek and smooth device. Surprisingly, it can take great pictures as well as you can see in my Pixel 4a review – unless if you want to take that wide-angle pictures because Pixel 4a has no such lens.

If you come from a phone that has 90Hz refresh rate display or more, it will be hard to go back to using a 60Hz refresh rate display on the Pixel 4a with 5G. If experience is the most important factor to you, then you might need to go up and grab the Pixel 5 as it comes with 90Hz refresh rate.

But if you are going for the Pixel 5, make sure you don’t use corded earphones anymore because the headphone jack is missing here. I have no worries because I’ve ditched corded earphones many years ago. Bluetooth, wireless earphones are really good nowadays and you can even get amazing audio quality from them (Jabra Elite Active 75t is still my favourite).

If you can afford it, I’d definitely go straight to Pixel 5 but if you want to save some cash and don’t really mind having no wireless charging and that super-smooth refresh rate, the Pixel 4a with 5G is a great option. Plus, it supports 5G networks so you’ll be in safe hands for the future to come.

Google Pixel 4a with 5G retails for A$799 and available now in Australia.