Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel 5 5G
Compare Google Pixel 4a vs Google Pixel 5 5G side by side: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G, 12.2MP vs 12.2MP camera, 3140mAh vs…
Pixel 4a
$199
3categories won
Pixel 5 5G
$279
8categories won
9 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Google Pixel 5 5G takes the overall win
The Google Pixel 5 5G proves superior overall against the Google Pixel 4a, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Pixel 5 5G leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Pixel 5 5G. Choose the Pixel 5 5G if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Pixel 4a if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Pixel 5 5G takes battery honors offering 4,080 mAh alongside 18W charging.
Pixel 5 5G provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G and 8GB RAM.
Pixel 5 5G takes photography with 12.2MP optics.
Pixel 4a provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $199 vs $279.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Pixel 4a vs Pixel 5 5G: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Pixel 4a | Pixel 5 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.81" | 6" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixel density | 444 ppiWinner | 430 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 90 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 800 nits | 800 nits |
Performance
| Specification | Pixel 4a | Pixel 5 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G |
| Process node | 8 nm | 7 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 350,000 | 410,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 1720 | 1980Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 6 GB | 8 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | Pixel 4a | Pixel 5 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12.2 MP | 12.2 MP |
| Rear cameras | 1 | 2Winner |
| Ultrawide | — | 16 MP |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Pixel 4a | Pixel 5 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,140 mAh | 4,080 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 18 W | 18 W |
| Wireless charging | No | 12 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Pixel 4a | Pixel 5 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 143 gWinner | 151 g |
| Thickness | 8.2 mm | 8 mm |
| Water resistance | None | IP68 |
| Build | Polycarbonate unibody, Gorilla Glass 3 front | 100% recycled aluminum enclosure with bio-resin coating, Gorilla Glass 6 front |
Software and support
| Specification | Pixel 4a | Pixel 5 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| OS updates | 3 years | 3 years |
| Security updates | 4 years | 4 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Pixel 4a | Pixel 5 5G |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $199Winner | $279 |
Google Pixel 4a
Weighing a mere 143 grams with a soft-touch polycarbonate unibody, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Google's legendary HDR+ computational imaging, the Pixel 4a became an instant classic.
- Display
- 5.81"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
- Main camera
- 12.2MP
- Battery
- 3,140mAh
Google Pixel 5 5G
Celebrated by design enthusiasts for its completely uniform, symmetrical four-sided bezels and tactile textured bio-resin aluminum body, the Pixel 5 is an ergonomic masterpiece weighing just 151 grams.
- Display
- 6"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G
- Main camera
- 12.2MP
- Battery
- 4,080mAh