Google Pixel 4a 5G Smartphone Review: The Pixel 5 on the cheap

[Redaktion]

The Google Pixel 4a 5G makes life harder for the Pixel 5. It features the same SoC and the same camera system. However, it has a bigger 6.2-inch screen and is much cheaper.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Google-Pixel-4a-5G-Smartphone-Review-The-Pixel-5-on-the-cheap.503946.0.html

[Rueben S Jones]

The pixel 5 display screen is leagues better with symmetry on the front, bigger battery in a smaller form factor, wireless charging with a metal unibody which means more durable, more ram, this is a better phone but stop putting phones up against one another from the same brand they make a phone for certain individuals, it's no different than what apple has done all these years but you dare talk about apple in this since considering that they went back to a design from years ago etc but I digress...

[Jerry T]

I own the pixel  2, had the pixel 5 for one week and returned it, and went back to Pixel 2. Here's why:
Pixel 5 has very poor sound, poor sound (volume) control on the low volume end (its lowest volume is way too loud), key sound control is either on or off, and on is too loud; as article mentioned, poorer call quality.  This is due to the Google's new design choice of using the screen itself as the main speaker which is novel and not as good as traditional speakers (at least for the moment). Also, the feel and look of the pixel 5, imo, is not that great; it has a weak look from the profile as it has little side chassis and I believe this is to allow for vibration of the screen which is beefed up to gorilla 6 glass. The Pixel 5 feels flimsier than the Pixel 2. I am interested in getting the Pixel 4a 5g but I will need to hear the phone first to determine if the sound quality is at least as good as the Pixel 2. Also I lost $45 returning the pixel t back to Best buy (restock fee) and although I liked the 5 for many reasons and love The operating system and 90 hz refresh, the sound was a deal breaker for me because I listen to pods late at night with the phone next to my bed and it was too loud disturbing my partner.  I don't want to be dependent on earbuds, headphones or a bluetooth speaker all the time and just want the phone to do the work. I wish Google had done better with the sound quality but I think their decision to create a large display area to body (tiny bezels is the trend) lead to their novel use of the screen as the main speaker. The sound is loud enough and not too bad quality but it in conclusion the sound cannot go low enough for my needs.  Jerry T, Philadelphia

[Steve lopex]

when it says "Alternative specs GBP 519.99" next to the pixel 4a I was confused, as the 4a costs £349.  Then I clicked on the link and it takes me to a pixel 3 page. Alternative specs alright!

[Cb]

Great analysis.  Would have liked to see the Samsung s20 fe in this comparison as well, as that is the phone I'm also considering. Trying to figure out whether the better specs of the s20fe are offset by it's bloatware. I have a pixel 2 and like the experience.

[Dk1]

Terrific review. I love that you touched on a number of points other reviews don't. The camera comparison was also concise and informative!