Google Pixel 4 vs Google Pixel 4a 5G

Our verdict: At 5.8", the Google Pixel 4a 5G offers the bigger screen of the two. On paper, the Google Pixel 4 wins the camera battle with 16MP on the rear. At just 143g, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the more pocket-friendly option. Spill a drink? The Google Pixel 4 can handle it with IP68 protection — the Google Pixel 4a 5G 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 SDM765 Snapdragon 765G
Storage
64GB, 128GB 128GB
OS
Android Android 10
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 4G Up to 5G
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, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
Dimensions
147.1 x 68.8 x 8.5 mm 153.9 x 74 x 8.6 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 £174.99
Google Pixel 4 Google Pixel 4 Google Pixel 4a 5G Google Pixel 4a 5G
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 SDM765 Snapdragon 765G
Storage 64GB, 128GB 128GB
OS Android Android 10
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 4G Up to 5G
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, A2DP, aptX HD, LE
Dimensions 147.1 x 68.8 x 8.5 mm 153.9 x 74 x 8.6 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 £174.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a 5G?

The Google Pixel 4a 5G 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 5G has a OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a 5G?

The Google Pixel 4 features a 16 Megapixels rear camera, while the Google Pixel 4a 5G 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 5G?

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 5G?

The Google Pixel 4 is available in 64GB, 128GB, while the Google Pixel 4a 5G comes in 128GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4a 5G use?

The Google Pixel 4 is powered by the Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855, while the Google Pixel 4a 5G uses the Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a 5G?

It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 4a 5G is lighter but the Google Pixel 4 is more compact. It's 19g lighter at 143 grams, though the Google Pixel 4 is actually the more compact phone at 147.1 x 68.8 x 8.5 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 4 or Google Pixel 4a 5G?

The Google Pixel 4 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Google Pixel 4a 5G is rated Not rated.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4a 5G run?

The Google Pixel 4 runs Android and the Google Pixel 4a 5G 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.