Google Pixel 4 XL vs Google Pixel 4a 5G

Our Verdict: For display, camera, or endurance priorities, Google Pixel 4 XL stands out for the larger 6.3" screen, the sharper 534 PPI display, and an IP68 rating. Against that, Google Pixel 4a 5G brings the lighter 143g body and 5G connectivity. For cost, Google Pixel 4a 5G starts lower at £119 SIM-free. Choose Google Pixel 4 XL for the better feature set; choose Google Pixel 4a 5G if the savings matter more than those upgrades.

Buying outright, the 4a 5G starts at £119 SIM-free.

Screen
6.3" 5.81"
Display
OLED OLED
Resolution
1440 x 3040 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
534 444
Rear Camera
16 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
8 Megapixels 8 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G
Battery
3,700 mAh 3,885 mAh
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
160.4 x 8.2 x 75.1 mm 153.9 x 74 x 8.6 mm
Weight
193 grams 143 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Not rated
Contracts
- -
SIM-free
£139.99 £119.00

Prices updated 4 August 2026

Google Pixel 4 XL Google Pixel 4 XL Google Pixel 4a 5G Google Pixel 4a 5G
Screen 6.3" 5.81"
Display OLED OLED
Resolution 1440 x 3040 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 534 444
Rear Camera 16 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 8 Megapixels 8 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 Qualcomm SDM765 Snapdragon 765G
Battery 3,700 mAh 3,885 mAh
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 160.4 x 8.2 x 75.1 mm 153.9 x 74 x 8.6 mm
Weight 193 grams 143 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes Not rated
Contracts - -
SIM-free £139.99 £119.00
Prices updated 4 August 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 4 XL
Google Pixel 4 XL

64GB

Clearly White

Refurbished

From £139.99

Google Pixel 4a 5G
Google Pixel 4a 5G

128GB

Just Black

Refurbished

From £119

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Google Pixel 4 XL has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Google Pixel 4a 5G's 5.8", the Google Pixel 4 XL has the sharper display at 534 pixels per inch versus 444, and both use OLED panels.

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

The Google Pixel 4 XL 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 XL or Google Pixel 4a 5G?

The Google Pixel 4a 5G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £119.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 4 XL and Google Pixel 4a 5G?

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

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

The Google Pixel 4 XL 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 XL or Google Pixel 4a 5G?

It's a trade-off: the Google Pixel 4a 5G is lighter but the Google Pixel 4 XL is more compact. It's 50g lighter at 143 grams, though the Google Pixel 4 XL is actually the more compact phone at 160.4 x 8.2 x 75.1 mm, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is slimmer at 8.6mm thick.

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

The Google Pixel 4 XL 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 XL and Google Pixel 4a 5G run?

The Google Pixel 4 XL 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.