Pixel 4a 5G vs Pixel 5: Key Differences
The Google Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 are both 2020 mid-range phones with the same camera system and processor, but the Pixel 5 adds a larger battery, wireless charging, a metal body, and a higher price. The Pixel 4a 5G is cheaper and has a bigger screen, while the Pixel 5 is more compact and feels more premium. This article breaks down every difference that matters so you can decide which one fits your needs and budget.
Background: Why These Two Phones Are Often Confused
Google launched the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 in late 2020. Both were designed to offer the signature Pixel camera and clean Android experience at a lower price than flagship rivals. The Pixel 4a 5G was positioned as the budget option, while the Pixel 5 was the mid-range flagship. Because they share the same processor, cameras, and software, many buyers wonder if the extra cost of the Pixel 5 is worth it. The key differences lie in build quality, battery, charging, and display size.
Design and Build: Plastic vs. Aluminum
The most obvious difference is the material. The Pixel 4a 5G has a polycarbonate (plastic) unibody with a matte finish, making it lightweight at 168g. The Pixel 5 uses a recycled aluminum body with a bio-resin coating, giving it a more premium feel while still supporting wireless charging. The Pixel 5 is also IP68 water and dust resistant, while the Pixel 4a 5G has no official water resistance rating. If you want durability against splashes or rain, the Pixel 5 is the safer choice.
Display: Size vs. Refresh Rate
The Pixel 4a 5G has a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 5 has a slightly smaller 6.0-inch OLED display but bumps the refresh rate to 90Hz. The 90Hz panel makes scrolling and animations feel smoother, though it uses a bit more battery. Both screens have the same 1080p resolution and are sharp and colorful. If you watch a lot of video or prefer a larger screen, the 4a 5G is better; if you value fluidity and one-handed use, the Pixel 5 wins.
Performance and Battery: Same Chip, Different Endurance
Both phones run the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor with 8GB of RAM, so day-to-day performance is identical. Gaming and multitasking are fine, but neither is a powerhouse. The real difference is battery life. The Pixel 4a 5G packs a 3,885mAh battery, while the Pixel 5 has a slightly larger 4,080mAh cell. In real-world use, the Pixel 5 typically lasts a bit longer, especially with the 90Hz display set to adaptive mode. Both support 18W wired charging, but only the Pixel 5 adds wireless charging (12W) and reverse wireless charging to top up accessories like earbuds.
Cameras: Identical Hardware, Same Photos
This is the easiest part: the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 have the exact same rear camera system. Both feature a 12.2MP main sensor and a 16MP ultra-wide lens, and both use the same image processing. Photos are virtually indistinguishable. The front camera is also the same 8MP sensor. If camera quality is your top priority, you won’t notice any difference between the two. The only camera-related difference is that the Pixel 5 adds a spectral sensor for better white balance in certain lighting, but in practice, photos look the same.
Price and Value: Which One Makes Sense?
When new, the Pixel 4a 5G launched at $499 and the Pixel 5 at $699. Today, both are available used or refurbished, with the 4a 5G often costing $150–$200 less. The Pixel 5’s premium build, wireless charging, water resistance, and 90Hz screen justify the higher price for some. But if you just want a great camera and clean Android, the Pixel 4a 5G offers better value. Consider what you’d spend on a case and screen protector, since the 4a 5G is more fragile without official water resistance.
Software Support and Longevity
Both phones launched with Android 11 and have received updates to Android 14. Google promised three years of OS updates and five years of security patches. That means both will get security updates through at least 2025. However, the Pixel 5 is more likely to receive the final Android 15 update, while the 4a 5G may stop at Android 14. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, the Pixel 5 has a slight edge in software longevity.
How to Choose: A Simple Decision Guide
- Choose the Pixel 4a 5G if: you want the largest screen, the lowest price, and don’t need wireless charging or water resistance.
- Choose the Pixel 5 if: you want a more compact phone, premium metal build, wireless charging, water resistance, and a smoother 90Hz display.
- Camera fans: either phone will deliver the same excellent photos.
- Battery life: the Pixel 5 lasts a bit longer, but both easily get through a full day.
Common Problems and Considerations
Owners of both phones have reported a few issues. The Pixel 4a 5G’s plastic body can creak under pressure, and the screen is more prone to scratches. The Pixel 5’s aluminum body can dent if dropped without a case. Both phones have a known bug where the camera app sometimes crashes when switching to the ultra-wide lens, though software updates have largely fixed this. Also, neither phone supports mmWave 5G on all carriers; check your carrier’s bands before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the cameras on the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 really identical?
Yes, the main and ultra-wide cameras are the same hardware, and the image processing is the same. The Pixel 5 has a tiny spectral sensor that can help with white balance, but in practice, photos look the same.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Pixel 5 has a slightly larger battery (4,080mAh vs. 3,885mAh) and a 90Hz display that can adjust to save power. In typical use, the Pixel 5 lasts a few hours longer, but both easily get through a day.
Does the Pixel 4a 5G support wireless charging?
No, only the Pixel 5 supports wireless charging (12W) and reverse wireless charging. The Pixel 4a 5G only charges via the USB-C port.
Is the Pixel 5 worth the extra money?
It depends. The Pixel 5 offers a metal build, water resistance, wireless charging, and a smoother display. If those features matter to you, yes. If you just want a great camera and clean Android, the Pixel 4a 5G is a better deal.
Will both phones get Android 15?
Google has not officially confirmed which devices will get Android 15, but the Pixel 5 is likely to receive it, while the Pixel 4a 5G may stop at Android 14. Both will continue to get security updates for a while.
Which phone is better for gaming?
They have the same processor and RAM, so gaming performance is identical. The Pixel 5’s 90Hz display may make games that support high refresh rates feel smoother, but most games are capped at 60fps.
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