Google

Google Pixel 4a: Pros and Cons

Android OS v10.0
Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
Adreno 618
6 GB / 128 GB
5.81 inch (1080 x 2280 px)
12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization

Google announced the launch of the Pixel 4a smartphone in 2020. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.81 inch OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G SoC, and 6 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v10.0 operating system. The 5.81 inch phone comes with a high resolution OLED display (1080 x 2280 px). This phone has only one rear-camera (12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization) on its back for photos and videos. Will it prove its worth? I aim to reveal that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Google Pixel 4a smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Google Pixel 4a / 1

Google Pixel 4a specifications

BrandGoogle
NamePixel 4a
ModelPIXEL4A
Release date2020

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight5.71 oz
Dimensions5.7 x 2.7 x 0.32 inch
Colorsblack
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Google Pixel 4a is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v10.0
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 730G
CPUOcta-core, Dual-core 2.2 GHz Kryo, Hexa-core 1.8 GHz Kryo
GPUAdreno 618

The Google Pixel 4a comes with Android OS v10.0 out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeOLED
Screen size5.81 inch
Resolution1080 x 2280 px
Multitouch supportyes

These 5.81 inch OLED displays are famous for their vibrant colors. They have high contrast ratios and a slim design. The 5.81 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Google Pixel 4a / 1

Memory, storage

RAM6 GB
Internal storage128 GB
Memory card slotno

The Google Pixel 4a comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. The Pixel 4a has 128 GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for their needs. The internal storage of the Google Pixel 4a (6 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

Main camera12 MP, 4032 x 3024 px, autofocus, optical image stabilization
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera8 MP

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The Pixel 4a offers optical image stabilization (OIS) for their rear camera systems.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This Google phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Pixel 4a smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The Pixel 4a comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3140 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3140 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The Pixel 4a does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, active edge, barometer, gyroscope, light, magnetometer, motion sense, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass, Fast charging

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. Corning Gorilla Glass is tougher. It resists scratches, impacts, and drops.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Google phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • OLED display
  • adequate memory
  • generous internal storage
  • optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • single camera setup
  • no 5G support
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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