Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G: The Same, but Not Really

No more delays, no more backtracking: Google has made it official. Next Wednesday, they’re expecting us in one virtual place to check out their new Pixel phones and home devices. That means, mid October, you’ll be able to get your hands on a 2020 Pixel 5 or Pixel 4a 5G.

But which to get? We asked ourselves the same question because frankly there’s not much of a choice to be made. I mean, the line between the flagship Pixel and the “a” series has been blurred like you wouldn’t believe it!

And that began with the launch event itself. Google could have announced the 5G version with the main Pixel 4a, but left it for this month. Does that mean… the 5G budget Pixel is more alike the Pixel 5 than its brother? 

When you first look at them, it seems so; or rather Pixel 5 isn’t that special anymore.

Google has taken the safest path this year, leaving gimmicks aside. 

There’s no quirky design, but also no Soli radar – Google has let it go for good. Remember how frustrated we were about this? With how this year’s going, we’re not anymore. Why gamble when everything’s still up in the air, months after the craziness began, right?

But Soli isn’t going down alone; it’s taking face unlock with it. Considering the absolute headache is pulling your mask down to unlock your phone, that’s quite a wise move. The rear scanner will be back on both phones, with the headphone jack rumored to appear on the 4a 5G.

If only Apple would take a hint too… maybe even use iPad’s Air new Touch ID on the iPhone 12? That’d be smart, right? 

And with Soli and face unlock out of the picture, Pixel 5 and 4a 5G are gonna bet on a beautiful six-inch or so screen, with just one punch hole in the left corner. 

If we’re talking about looks and you care about that, then know you’ll have on your hands two phones with plastic backs, unfortunately. In at least two colors each – whoa, don’t get too adventurous on us Google!

But if you’re more about hardware and software, then you’ll have plenty to be happy about. Turns out, Google actually listened to us! Back in June, we were talking about the need for a bigger battery, not a 6,000 mAh, but at least a 4,000 mAh unit! And, guess what: both Pixels are going to deliver. 

The 4a 5G is going to barely dip its toes here, with a 3,800mAh unit but Pixel 5 will jump the gun with a 4,000 piece. And that’s just the beginning. The huge change Google has made is in the camera department. The telephoto camera has been swapped with an ultra-wide cam, guys! Both Pixels should have this new dual-camera and stick with an 8MP selfie.