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An odd man (phone actually) out in the market, Google Pixel 4a, competing with all those phones out there with its humble spec. Let’s see, is it really worth it, where exactly it shines and where it lacks.
Update: Google announced another variant called Google Pixel 4a (5G), which comes with better specs.
An odd man (phone actually) out in the market, Google Pixel 4a, competing with all those phones out there with its humble spec. Let’s see, is it really worth it, where exactly it shines and where it lacks.
Update: Google announced another variant called Google Pixel 4a (5G), which comes with better specs.
Processor and Graphics
Google Pixel 4a comes equipped with Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 730G processor. It is a 64-bit Octa-Core processor. Out of 8 cores, the CPU speed of 2 cores is 2.2 Ghz, and the rest of the 6 cores have 1.8 Ghz speed. Each core of this processor is a Kryo 470 introduced in April 2019 for Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 and 730G. It gives you the capacity to play games in True HDR with rich graphics. In a nutshell, this processor is too good for gaming. Its Qualcomm Adreno 618 GPU renders graphics 25% faster than its predecessor. In a nutshell, Google Pixel 4a falls under the mid to high CPU processors with good CPU speed.
Memory
Google Pixel 4a uses a 6 GB LPDDR4x RAM on its board, which is one of the heavily used RAM in mid-range smartphone segment. It is a multi-chip package that includes DRAM and Flash, which offers more density and higher bandwidth. This allows Google Pixel 4a to negotiate strong performances at a competitive price.
Rear Camera
You may have already heard about all the appreciations for Google Pixel 4a. But when you look at the phone, you realize that Google Pixel 4a is equipped with only a 12.2 MP dual-pixel single camera. Yes, Google Pixel 4a, comes only with 1 camera, at the times when multi-camera phones are a norm. However, Google Pixel 4a achieves the quality of picture with the help of the dual pixel technology and its AI.
The Dual Pixel technology helps creating the depth of field effect or the bokeh effect, so it doesn’t require another lens to create depth-of-field effect. Each of the dual pixel can do focus detection, allowing Google Pixel 4a to quickly lock on subjects and tracking the moving objects.
The f/1.7 aperture and its pixel size 1.4 μm help capturing reasonable low-light photos.
When comes to the video recording it has lot to offer but not if you are looking at 4K videos. Google Pixel 4a has the capability to record 1080p at 120 FPS, 720o at 240 FPS and 4K at 30 FPS. So, not a good sign if you are planning to watch the videos on your 4K TV.
Front Camera
Front camera is the one area Google should have given a good specs. Entire market is trying hard to win this area by increasing their specs. But Google Pixel 4a features a 8 mega pixel, with pixel size as 1.2 μm and aperture f/2.0, which is not bad but definitely not good for low light photos.
The front camera also cuts into screen punching a hole, which can be distracting for many.
Connectivity
If you are planning to hold on to your new phone too long, think again. Google Pixel 4a doesn’t support 5G. Apart from this, it shines in other features by supporting USB 3.1, Bluetooth 5.0 + LE, NFC etc.,
Conclusion
If you are fine to not have a 5G phone, then I think it’s a must buy. You will definitely appreciate the camera and performance of the phone.