Is Google Pixel 4a worthy of $349 in 2020?

After a long wait and postponed release dates, Google Pixel 4a finally released on 03 August 2020. Android Mobile sector is always competitive. When you failed to release a mobile on a particular period, the specs may become outdated. Pixel mobiles always carry few months old specs on the calendar year. Pixel 4a supposed to release in May 2020. But they moved the release date after three months. The new “a” series in Pixel are budget-friendly mobiles with some Flagship level features like camera. When we buy a mobile, we always judge its worth based on the money we are going to spend. So, here we are going to discuss some things about the worthy of Pixel 4a for its $349 price range.

Software-wise, Google is still a king, and no one can beat its Android special features. But hardware-wise is the place where Pixel phones are always get criticized. Before Pixel phones, the Nexus series is better because it comes with the best mobile manufacturer hardware with Google Software. It is like Android One, But in Flagship level. Every mobile manufacturer begins to lower its mobile price to attract people in the mid-range category. Google always has a fan base. But When you are a regular user, and you are confused about whether you should buy Pixel 4a or consider another mobile, we can help you to make clear decisions.

What are the main features of Google Pixel 4a?

The features of this smartphone will make your trip because they are quite enticing. However, this smartphone features a hole-punch display, which is the current displays trends. The other thing that will make you notice is the OLED display technology at 1080 x 2220 pixels; everything appears very real and crystal clear on the screens of this Pixel device. Also, the screen is quite big at 5.81 inches (wide enough for anything you’d be doing with a smartphone).

Another great thing found on this smartphone is the camera. Google Pixel series is always great for its cameras. It packs the same camera available on Pixel 4a but with some added new features like Astrophotography. The chipset of this device is more than suitable for a phone of its level; with a whopping 128GB onboard storage space and 6GB of highly dynamic RAM, these devices multitask swiftly.

There is a 3.5mm jack opening for headphones, but you are not getting any space for an SD card. Well, there is quite no need seeking for additional storage when you’ve got a whopping 128GB. Instead of old eMMC 5.1 storage, Google Pixel 4a using UFS 2.1 storage is here, which is better in speed but not that much speed compare with UFS 3.0. When you feel 128GB storage is not enough, you can use Google Photos, and after upload, you can free up space.

Other features

This device comes with the latest version of Bluetooth wireless connectivity (v5.0). Also, it supports WiFi, GPS, NFC, as well as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer sensors. Furthermore, the RAM and primary storage capacity of this device are quite enticing.

On the other side, this device has a variant that is very close to it in specs and features, left for a few differences.

Full specifications of Google Pixel 4a

Why do you need to buy the Google Pixel 4a Smartphone?

When you already planned to buy Pixel 4a, we have good reasons to prove your decision is right. But When you have Pixel 4a as a choice, go through the discussion and make your decision at the end. Mere looking at the specs above, a typical Android lover would see this device as a perfect mid-range device to use in recent times. However, we would highlight the five most exciting aspects or rather features of the Google Pixel 4a, which may convince you to buy the device.

Budget-Friendly Price

First, let’s start with the amount of this device; Google offers this device at a rate of 50% off the price of its Official Pixel 3. At $349, Google Pixel 4a is considered a perfect buy; this price tag is reasonable when compared to the costs of other Android smartphones with similar specs and features.

OLED Display

Although this device does not feature notch display but bezels, it did well to come with OLED display technology. Most smartphones in the same category with the Pixel 4a feature LCDs, but, anyone getting this smartphone will enjoy bright crystal graphics on the screen of Pixel 4a. If you are already using AMOLED display from Samsung, Trust me, other manufacturers, LCD Display can’t satisfy you. Also, in Battery backup wise when you use Dark Mode, OLED can save you battery from 10-30%.

Camera

Coming to the camera aspect, we all know Google Pixel devices to come with excellent camera quality. This device (Pixel 4a) comes with the same primary camera on Pixel 4; the camera captures shots in stunning details. Just like Pixel 4, this device comes with a great camera that slightly beats the cameras on iPhone X. With Google Pixel 4a, you’ll still capture more accurate shots at night and in low light areas. There are plenty of tests available on Youtube to show the power of Pixel cameras.

Stock Android OS

One of the reasons you need to buy this smartphone is because its software is direct from Google. It comes with a Stock Android OS, and at the moment, it has Android 10; however, the device will receive the regular patch updates and Major upgrades regularly, unlike some other manufacturers. Beyond this, if you are already using Stock Android, you know how clean this OS. Most of these OS users don’t root their mobile because you can mostly un-install all apps without root. Each system apps will receive frequent updates from Play Store, So, you don’t have to wait for the Manufacturer to debug the camera issue until the next patch update.

Better battery Backup

The battery on this device is non-removable as expected, and its capacity is 3140mAH. It’s a Li-Po battery that is well optimized for better performance. On regular usage, the battery backup of this device could last for more than 30 hours. Also, the battery charges quite fast, and it does not support wireless charging technology. Since Pixel 4a comes with Stock Android and Has the latest version with Dark mode support, we can at least expect 5-6 hours display time.

Is Google Pixel 4a worthy of $349 in 2020?

It depends. Yes. The Year 2020 is different. We have new 5G technology everywhere, and processors are becoming cheap and sturdy. So, When we plan to spend money, we have to consider some things before making decisions. Unlike iPhone, In Android OS, the competition is massive. You can buy better mobiles for the same price range. When Apple launched iPhone SE2 for $399, it is an enormous deal for iPhone users because there is no better iPhone in this price category. But for $349, You can find a wide variety of Android Mobiles, and every mobile is better in specs to compare with Pixel 4a. We can consider OnePlus Nord, which is better in most of the specs and also have the same OLED with a 90Hz refresh rate. It comes with 5G technology with a powerful Snapdragon 765G processor.

We can’t compare the camera because Pixel will win with its single-camera even if OnePlus have a Quad camera setup. You may miss ultrawide because that tech can’t do without a hardware camera. But Pixel cameras are always better when you consider the main camera option. Camera MP doesn’t matter here to get good photos. But when you a regular user and still taking pictures of people instead of objects, you have no problem with OnePlus. Also, Oxygen OS is way better than other mobile manufacturers’ custom skin OS.

Buy Pixel 4a when

• You love Pixel mobiles because of the software like us.

• If you want to stay secure with monthly security patch updates and guaranteed 3-year updates with Two major Android versions, consider 4a.

• Build Quality- Most of the Pixel mobiles won’t fall under simple issues like Mic, Speaker, Charger, or Displays.

• Simple design with minimal usage.

Consider alternatives when

• OnePlus Nord or other alternatives available in your area with better features and specs compare with Pixel 4a.

• You want to use 5G with the same price range when you have coverage in your area.

• The refresh rate affects you. Some users may feel slow when they use 60Hz refresh rate displays.

• The software experience is not much affecting you.

• Compare with 4a, Average camera experience with things and OK results with People photos.

What more?

In 2019, When Google Pixel 3a released, it got more attention because Google began to release a new series of mobiles in the budget category. Also, Google surpasses OnePlus sales last year with the help of Pixel 3a. But in 2020, Most of the mobiles begin to include 5G in the same price range with attractive specs and features. In the Pixel story, The amount you pay is not for specs; It is for software. When you are already using Nexus and Pixel, you know this. None of the other mobile manufacturers can give a that much better experience like Pixel phones. So, When you feel is software is essential than hardware, and you are a regular user, consider buying Pixel 4a. When you are a techie, and you can deal with other custom skin OS, you can choose alternatives.

Every smartphone has its downsides, and so does the Google Pixel 4a. Here are the disadvantages; it does not come with wireless charging support, and the smartphone is not water-resistant. If you feel the RAM is low, we already discussed this topic on how much RAM you need on your mobile. All in all, this is one of the best budget-friendly Android smartphones you can use in 2020; it comes with almost all the features you’ll find on high-end smartphones. You can buy this mobile in the official site of Google Store.

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Selva Ganesh

Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Science Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger with 8+ years in the field. He completed courses about Google News Initiative. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.