Google Pixel 4 vs Google Pixel 4a

Our verdict: You'll get a bigger viewing experience from the Google Pixel 4a at 5.8". On paper, the Google Pixel 4 wins the camera battle with 16MP on the rear. Portability goes to the Google Pixel 4a at 143g. Spill a drink? The Google Pixel 4 can handle it with IP68 protection — the Google Pixel 4a can't say the same.

Screen
5.7" 5.81"
Display
P-OLED OLED
Resolution
1080 x 2280 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
443 444
Rear Camera
16 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
8 Megapixels 8 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G
Storage
64GB, 128GB 128GB
OS
Android Android 10
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 4G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, LE 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, LE
Dimensions
147.1 x 68.8 x 8.5 mm 144 x 69 x 8.2 mm
Weight
162 grams 143 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Not rated
Contracts
SIM-free
£98.00 £100.00
Google Pixel 4 Google Pixel 4 Google Pixel 4a Google Pixel 4a
Screen 5.7" 5.81"
Display P-OLED OLED
Resolution 1080 x 2280 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 443 444
Rear Camera 16 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 8 Megapixels 8 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G
Storage 64GB, 128GB 128GB
OS Android Android 10
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 4G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, LE 5.0 with A2DP, aptX HD, LE
Dimensions 147.1 x 68.8 x 8.5 mm 144 x 69 x 8.2 mm
Weight 162 grams 143 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Not rated
Contracts
SIM-free £98.00 £100.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a?

The Google Pixel 4a has the bigger screen at 5.8" compared to the Google Pixel 4's 5.7", both screens are similarly sharp at around 443 pixels per inch, and the Google Pixel 4 uses a P-OLED panel while the Google Pixel 4a has a OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a?

The Google Pixel 4 features a 16 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 4a has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a?

The Google Pixel 4 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £98.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4a?

The Google Pixel 4 is available in 64GB, 128GB, while the Google Pixel 4a comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4a use?

The Google Pixel 4 is powered by the Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855, while the Google Pixel 4a uses the Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a?

The Google Pixel 4a is the more portable of the two — it's 19g lighter at 143 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 144 x 69 x 8.2 mm, and is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a?

The Google Pixel 4 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Google Pixel 4a is rated Not rated.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4a run?

The Google Pixel 4 runs Android and the Google Pixel 4a runs Android 10. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.