Google Pixel 4a


The Google Pixel 4a is a entry-level device with single storage and colour options: 128GB in Just Black.

Unlike some competitors, the Google Pixel 4a is made mainly from plastic and includes Gorilla Glass 3 as a screen protector. It come with a single camera on the rear offering 12.2MP photos and 4K video recording.

Compare Google Pixel 4a mobile phone deals and tariffs from UK networks in the table above. Sort by special offers to see the latest top plans from mobile networks.

Specifications


Google Pixel 4a
Screen size 5.8"
Display AMOLED display
Pixel resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels at 443 ppi
Dimensions Height: 5.67"
Width: 2.73"
Depth: 0.32"
Weight 143g
Chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
Battery 3140mAh
Resistance No IP rating
Operating system Android 10
Camera Front: 8MP
Rear: 12.2MP
Video recording 4K video at 30 fps
1080p video up to 120 fps
Biometrics Fingerprint
Storage 128GB
Colours Just Black
5G ready No

Camera


The Google Pixel 4a has one camera on the rear: a 12.2MP wide lens with a 1.7 aperture. It comes with a digital zoom of up to 7x.

Shooting options with the main camera include portrait, Night Sight, Panorama, Slow Motion, Time Lapse and Photo Sphere. Images can also be captured in RAW format as well as JPEG for users who prefer to format their own edits after shooting.

Video recording on this camera is available in 4K at 30 fps or 1080p at 30, 60 and 120 fps.

The front camera on the Google Pixel 4a is a 8MP wide lens with 2.0 aperture. It allows video recording in 1080p at 30 fps.

Display


The screen on the Google Pixel 4a is 5.8" across the diagonal and offers an AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels at 443 ppi. On the top of the device is the punched-out hole for the 8MP selfie camera.

Three colour profiles are available for the Google Pixel 4a display: Adaptive, Boosted and Natural. Adaptive is the default profile while users can choose to switch on Boosted or Natural profiles in the settings to tinker with the colours on the display.

Storage


The Google Pixel 4a only comes with one storage option: 128GB. In addition, there is no microSD slot for expandable storage, something customers should bear in mind when they look to compare Google Pixel 4a mobile phone deals against rival handsets.

128GB storage capacity is still an upgrade on the previous model in this Pixel series, although the lack of a microSD means users will be reliant on cloud storage if they want to store lots of photos or videos on the device. Customers should factor cloud storage pricing into their handset costs when looking at Google Pixel 4a comparison prices.

Design


Only one colour option is available with the Google Pixel 4a: Just Black.

Unlike more expensive handsets, the Google Pixel 4a is made from polycarbonate rather than metal and glass. However, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 to guard against scratches and accidental damage. While Gorilla Glass 3 is an older form of screen protection first announced in 2013, it is suited to the budget handset costs of the Google Pixel 4a.

The device includes a discreet fingerprint sensor on the rear for biometric unlocking and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

FAQs


Is the Google Pixel 4a a cheap phone?

If you compare Google Pixel 4a deals against handsets from different manufacturers, it's clear the Google Pixel 4a is a budget device.

To lower the handset costs, Google have designed the phone with a plastic body and frame instead of the aluminium designs we see with higher-end devices.

In addition, the battery of the Google Pixel 4a is smaller than comparable devices and the chipset is a slightly older option than we see with other handsets at a similar price point.

What battery does the Google Pixel 4a have?

The Google Pixel 4a comes with a non-removable 3140mAh battery. This is an improvement on the battery in the previous model in the series, yet it is still significantly lower than many flagship devices from other manufacturers.

Customers who spend a lot of time on social media or gaming during the day may find it requires charging more regularly. However, with average use, it should last for a typical day.

An option in the notification bar allows users to see what time the battery will run out alongside the battery icon. This is a useful feature to see when the phone will need plugging in for charging.

Is the chip in the Google Pixel 4a any good?

The Google Pixel 4a uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset. This is a slightly older chip, so users will not get the same performance as faster, more expensive devices. However, it fits with the budget credentials of the Google Pixel 4a.

Is the Google Pixel 4a water resistant?

No, the Google Pixel 4a is not officially rated for water resistance in the same way we see with many other mobile devices. This does not mean that a light drizzle will destroy the phone, but it lacks the IP ratings which offer reassurance to users of other phones.

Does the Google Pixel 4a come with a charger?

Yes, the Google Pixel 4a comes with a charger in the box as standard. This is a different strategy to some other major phone manufacturers who have removed chargers from boxes to help eliminate tech waste.

There is no wireless charging available with the Google Pixel 4a, something to bear in mind when comparing Google Pixel 4a deals with other device deals.