Pixel 4a 5G Versus Pixel 5: What’s the Difference?

Google is releasing two new phones in third quarter 2020 under its own Pixel brand. What do these two new handsets have in store, and what are the differences between them? Keep reading to learn what we know so far.

Many experts consider the Pixel line to be Google’s way of showing other Android manufacturers what is possible at a given price point. And they tend to be impressive phones. If you’re in the market for a new Android phone around the time a new Pixel or two is announced, it’s worth taking a look.

Of course, since these phones haven’t been officially unveiled, everything you read below is subject to change as more information is released.

Earlier this year, Google released the Pixel 4a. It’s an entirely different phone that’s worth discussing as background information.

The Pixel 4a was/is Google’s answer to the “budget flagship” or “manufacturer midrange” question. At $349, it doesn’t quite fit into the under $200 “budget Android” category. Yet it’s far cheaper than the flagship models, most of which are a thousand dollars or more, putting it at the low end of the middle price tier.

Google’s Pixel 4a 5G is somewhat a continuation or successor to the 4a. It’s a similar phone, but obviously with 5G connectivity on board this time. We’re expecting it to be a bit bigger than the 4a at 6.2 inches, but similar in terms of a less premium build quality.

Another change is the price. Google confirms that pricing for 5G Pixels will start at $499, and all signs point to this phone being the lowest-priced of the bunch. And while that’s still in the middle price tier, it’s obviously quite a bit higher than its predecessor.

As far as cameras go, the 4a 5G is rumored to have a dual camera setup similar to previous models, plus a “hole-punch” style 1080p front-facing selfie cam. If you hate bezels and notches, you’ll love the all-screen approach in use here.

The Pixel 4a 5G and the Pixel 5 are both said to have the same 5G-enabled chipset. It’s a competent processor, but a step down from the speed of the chip powering the previous flagship, the Pixel 4.

The Pixel 4a 5G looks to be a promising mid-tier phone, one that will serve its users for years to come. If you’re considering the Pixel 4a 5G, be sure to pick up an extended smartphone warranty for your new purchase.

Google's previous Pixel 4 was a premium, flagship phone, and the Pixel 5 seems poised to back off a bit. Instead of competing with Samsung’s $1000+ Galaxy phones, Google is targeting the iPhone 11/12 crowd at a rumored $699 price point.

It's interesting that the Pixel 4a 5G got fancier compared to its predecessor, but the Pixel 5 got less fancy. Both phones moved closer to each other in terms of quality and price. Also a bit confusing: the Pixel 5 is rumored to be a 6-inch phone. This means it’s actually slightly smaller than the 4a 5G.

Further rumors suggest the Pixel 5 will get an edge when it comes to camera software and image processing, giving users more freedom and flexibility than before. Details seem scant on this point so far, though.

Google has all but confirmed that the Pixel 5 will come in at least green and black finishes. Whether there are other color options remains to be seen.

Previous Pixel phones had Face Unlock and a strange gesture-based interface called Soli. Both of these have been removed, as has the technology powering those features. If you were a big fan of either feature, be aware they are gone for this year’s release.

While there’s a lot we still don’t know about the new Pixels, there’s one thing we do know: if you’re buying a new phone, you want to be prepared. Drops, shattered screens, liquid spills, unexpected technology problems - all of these can ruin that new phone experience, and they can cost you a pretty penny.

Why live in fear of damage or device failure? Get a  smartphone subscription warranty from Upsie to cover your new Pixel, and you’ll be taken care of no matter what happens with your new phone. All Upsie Pixel warranties include accidental damage protection for drops and coverage in case of component or device failures.

What are you waiting for? Get Upsie's warranty coverage today.