After multiple delays and a multitude of leaks, Google has finally taken the wraps off the Pixel 4a, the company’s affordable variant of its flagship Pixel 4 smartphone.
The Pixel 4a was expected to be launched at the company’s annual Google I/O event earlier this year but the pandemic necessitated the cancellation of the event. Unlike other technology brands, Google didn’t host a virtual event as well.
Google positions Pixel 4a as an affordable smartphone that packs in the camera prowess of its flagship smartphone as well as a clean and secure Android experience.
For the camera duties, you’ll get a single 12MP camera at the back but it features Pixel 4’s marquee astrophotography mode. For on-device security, there’s the Titan M security module and Google commits that the phone will receive OS and security updates for three years. The Adaptive Battery feature promises all-day battery life.
Google Pixel 4a Specifications
- Operating System: Android 10
- Display: 5.81"-inch Full HD+ OLED | HDR+ compliant | Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
- RAM: 6GB LPDDR4x
- Storage: 128GB
- Front Camera: 8MP | 1.12μm pixel size | ƒ/2.0 aperture | 84° field of view
- Rear Camera: 12.2MP | 1.4μm pixel width | ƒ/1.7 aperture | 77° field of view | OIS + EIS
- Battery: 3140mAh | USB-C 18W Fast Charge
- Dimensions: 144 x 69.4 x 8.2mm | 143g
Although, a stripped-down version of the Pixel 4 as expected, the Pixel 4a is a definite step up from the last year’s 3a. The latest model jumps from a Snapdragon 670 processor to the 7xx series mobile platform this time around. Since there is only one memory variant, both RAM and storage also get a bump.
Unlike last year, there will not be a Pixel 4a XL - Google is releasing only one size variant this time around. While this might be because of the supply chain stress but it will also help Google to reduce the production and logistics costs.
However, there will be a 5G variant coming later this year along with the launch of Pixel 5. The Pixel 4a (5G) will be priced at $499 when it launches in fall. Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 will be available in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia.
The Pixel 4a once again comes with those trademark fabric cases by Google. There are three variants available - Basically Black, Static Grey, and Blue Confetti. The Pixel 4a though is available in only one color variant this year, priced at $349.
The phone is now available for pre-order in the U.S. on the Google Store and on Google Fi. From August 20, the 4a will be available through the Google Store, BestBuy.com, Amazon, and more, as well as carriers including U.S. Cellular and Verizon.
Because of the disruptions due to the pandemic, the phone will be launched in other markets later this year – in October in India, for example.
Source: Google