The smartphone market is packed full of Android phones from the likes of Samsung, Sony and Huawei, but if you’re after the purest Android experience, you’ll need to get a Google Pixel phone. Simply put, it’s Google hardware running Google software, so it should give you the most hassle-free experience.
In 2021, the Pixel range compromises of three phones, the Pixel 4a, 4a (5G) and the Pixel 5. The 5 represents the flagship of the range, but the 4a and the 4a (5G) aren’t far behind. And if you’re counting the pennies, they may be the better choice overall. To find out why, read our review of the Google Pixel 4a and 4a (5G).
Google Pixel 4a Review
Powered by the latest version of Android 10, which is most compatible with the Google phones, compared to some of the competitors, you won't face many of the bugs that users would usually come to face. But hold your horses, a newer- Android 11 is expected to be available later on in the year; this is, however, included with the phone, as all Google phones do, it includes three major upgrades on Android on each device.
The Google Pixel 4a was created with price at the centre of thought, shortly following how to get the most bang for your buck. With an impressively powerful 3,140mAh battery, your phone will last approximately nine hours, enough to get you through your day.
Google Pixel 4a camera
But, if we're talking about the most impressive feature on the phone, no questions asked, it's the camera. For a budget phone, it's holding ground with some of the much more expensive phones on producing high-quality images, and only being a fraction of the price. While you may be limited in tools, it allows the photographer to challenge themselves and see how far they can take the single 12.2-megapixel camera.
Compared to your super expensive phones that are littered with lenses on the back of the phone, each with different functionalities, the Pixel 4a resembles a high-budget film camera where the opportunities are endless, you've just got to learn and work for it. But don't worry, you can still get a great profile pic' using the portrait mode.
The troubles of being at a bar when your favourite song from 15 years ago starts playing, but you can't for the life of you remember the name nor artist. Those days are long gone. With Google's new Now Playing feature, that can identify those songs and log them, so you can add it to your playlist when you get home!
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G and 6GB of RAM, you won't have the stress of your phone buffering or crashing throughout the day. It also has a standard 128GB storage, but as with all Google phones, you can access unlimited photo storage for all of your images on Google Photos.
Google Pixel 4a (5G) review
The Google Pixel 4a (5G) has several key advantages over the Pixel 4a – and even benefits from a few extra features over the more expensive Pixel 5.
Like the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4a (5G) offers 5G reception. Relatively new in the UK, it typically offers speeds of 150-200mps – that’s faster than most home broadband services – but there is a slight catch. The service is still being rolled out across the UK, so make sure you’re going to be primarily using the phone in a 5G-capable area. Also check your mobile network tariff includes 5G data, as the majority don’t.
Whatever speed you get, the 4a (5G)’s screen is a joy to use. Measuring 6.2-inches diagonally and made with Gorilla Glass 3, it’s the biggest screen you can get on a Pixel phone in 2021. Better yet, Google has managed to create an incredibly slim bezel, as the 8MP front-facing camera is ‘hole-punched’ out, in the top left of the screen. Put on a movie, game or surf the web in Chrome, and you’ll find all of that space comes in handy.
It’s not slow, either. A 765G Snapdragon chip and 6GB of RAM mean the Pixel 4a (5G) is capable of completing almost any task you throw at it, and a 3885mAh battery means it’ll typically last longer than a day of normal usage.
Turn the Pixel 4a (5G) around, and you’ll find the same camera as the pricier Pixel 5. Featuring the same 12.2 MP unit as the 4a, it adds a 16MP ultra-wide unit for more atmospheric, landscape shots. As you’d expect, both cameras perform well in most conditions, offering the same sharp images we’ve come to expect from Pixel phones – as well as Google’s class-leading Night Sight mode.
Like the 4a, the 4a (5G) also features a circular fingerprint sensor. Unusually positioned at the back of the device, it’s arguably easier to use then most front-facing ones, and the process becomes second-nature within hours of using the phone.
Need a final reason to pick this over the Pixel 5? In addition to the lower price, which is a cool £100 less than the flagship, you’ll also find a 3.5mm audio jack on the top edge of the 4a (5G). Call us old-fashioned, but we find a standard jack often comes in handy.
The only catch? 128GB feels a little stingy alongside some of this Pixel’s other specs, but that’s just Google matching you toward its (admittedly good value) cloud-based storage.
Overview – 4a and 4a (5G)
If you’re after a phone that ticks all the boxes for a relatively low price, then the Pixel 4a and 4a (5G) are both worth considering. Both offer great battery life, impressive screens, great cameras, good processing power and just enough storage for the casual user. If 5G excites you, or you’d prefer to have a larger screen, spend a bit more and opt for the 4a (5G).
Where to buy the Google Pixel 4a
Vodaphone: Several plans available from £30 a month
Carphone Warehouse: from £349
Mobiles.co.uk: from £20 a month
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