Editor's note:
Newer models of the Google Pixel have been released since the Pixel 4a's debut. The 4a may still be available from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. The following information has been reviewed for relevance and accuracy.
The budget Google Pixel 4a smartphone debuted at $479 CAD MSRP. The Pixel 4a 5G model cost $679 CAD on its debut, featuring a larger screen, more battery life, faster processor, and 5G connectivity. WhistleOut shows you all the best features about the Pixel 4a, what's missing, details about the recently announced Pixel 4a 5G model and where to get the best price in Canada.
It took a long time for the new Google Pixel 4a to reach the market due to market uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The design remains simple and uses cheaper hardware outside and inside in order to reduce the price tag. Brilliant camera software, long battery life, and three years of security updates are included for less than $500, and nearly every wireless provider offers the Pixel 4a on two-year plans. There's no way around it—the Google Pixel 4a is one of the best-value smartphones on the market.
A few weeks later, Google announced the Pixel 4a 5G. The newest model offers a larger screen, more battery life, 5G connectivity and the same fast CPU found in the flagship Pixel 5 smartphone. For more about the new Google Pixel 5, visit our Pixel 5 specs, price and pre-order availability guide.
Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G release date
Following repeated delays, the Pixel 4a was released in September of 2020 for $479 CAD. The Pixel 4a 5G was announced on September 30, 2020 priced at $679 CAD.
Google Pixel 4a hardware specs
Pixel 4a customers can choose any colour they want... as long as it's black. The reduced customization options may be a result of a difficult launch, but there's little need to upgrade when there's 128GB of onboard storage.
Comparing the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 3a
Google Pixel 4a hardware
The new Google Pixel 4a uses the Snapdragon 730G CPU to manage Google's intelligent camera software, Google Assistant and most gaming. Even though 3D gaming performance suffers compared to premium smartphones, you can still play modern games including Asphalt 9 and Fortnite thanks to a generous 6GB of RAM.
The Pixel 4a should last you throughout the day thanks to a larger battery, efficient processing hardware and Google's intelligent battery management software. Even though the battery life is better than most smartphones, a second full day of use is probably out of the question and there's no wireless charging for a quick and easy boost.
Security remains a priority with this model as it uses a Titan M security chip to protect your data and passwords. Shortly after release, the Pixel 4a received an upgrade to the newest Android 11 operating system. There are no revolutionary changes with the new OS, but customers can expect three full years of security and OS updates following the September 2020 release. Google throws in three months of Google One, YouTube Premium, and the new Google Play Pass service which gives you a wide selection of high-quality mobile games to play without ads.
Although the rear-facing and selfie cameras are the same as in previous models, Google's camera software updates make this one of the best smartphone cameras on the market.. Google's awesome software uses features like Night Sight and bokeh to create professional-looking photos from a single lens camera.
The Pixel 4a includes stereo speakers, a USB Type-C jack for compatible headphones, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX for clear wireless audio and a headphone jack. Even premium smartphones, including the Pixel 4, don't have an analog headphone jack, so we consider this a better phone for many audiophiles.
The Pixel 4a supports 4G LTE on all Canadian cell networks. It doesn't support 5G technology but a Pixel 4a with 5G is rumoured to be released later this year.
Google Pixel 4a 5G hardware
The Pixel 4a 5G appears very similar to its namesake, the Pixel 4a. However, there are some significant differences. Holding them side-by-side, the first difference you might notice is the size. The new Pixel 4a 5G uses a similar OLED display with FullHD+ resolution, but at 6.2" it's a much bigger screen. The bigger profile also fits a larger battery that can give your device up to two days of life with Google's Extreme Battery Saver software.
The most obvious upgrade is right there in the name: 5G connectivity. At $679, the Pixel 4a 5G is currently the cheapest 5G-capable smartphone in Canada. Our own tests with 5G smartphones have shown downloads around 2-3x faster when compared to 4G-only smartphones. The Pixel 4a 5G accomplishes speed in part because of a faster CPU. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G is more capable than the processor in the base model Pixel 4a. It's also the same CPU found in the new flagship Pixel 5.
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