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Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 4A 5G: Google's 2020 phones compared spec-by-spec

A rundown on what makes 2020's Pixel phones different from each other, and from 2019's Pixel 4.

Lynn La Senior Editor / Reviews - Phones
Lynn La covers mobile reviews and news. She previously wrote for The Sacramento Bee, Macworld and The Global Post.
Lynn La
2 min read

Google's latest Pixel phones , the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G follow last summer's launch of the  Pixel 4A . The Pixel 5 is Google's main flagship phone and is the sequel to 2019's Pixel 4 . The Pixel 4A 5G, meanwhile, serves as a bumped-up version of the Pixel 4A, which is part of Google's midrange line of phones. The Pixel 5 costs $699 (£599, AU$999) and the Pixel 4A 5G is $499 (£499, AU$799). Both phones are available for purchase now.

As Google's marquee handset, the Pixel 5 is the most premium and advanced of all phones. It features 5G connectivity, a 90Hz display and reverse wireless charging. Compared to its predecessor, it's $100 cheaper at launch and it makes big jumps in battery capacity and memory. In fact, preliminary battery tests on the Pixel 5 for continuous video playback on Airplane mode clocked in 21 hours -- twice as long as the Pixel 4's time the previous year. But it also replaced the Pixel 4's telephoto lens with an ultrawide camera, and it doesn't have Google's Soli motion sensing or facial recognition technology.

The Pixel 4A 5G also has 5G, but it doesn't have a higher refresh rate screen and it can't charge other accessories. It's also not water resistant, unlike the Pixel 5. It does, however, have a headphone jack similar to the Pixel 4A.

Take a look at the chart or watch this video, Pixel 5 and Pixel 4A 5G spec comparison, to learn more about how these Pixel phones differ from one another. And for more info, including photos from the camera and benchmark scores, check out CNET's Pixel 5 review and Pixel 4A 5G review.

Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 4A 5G, 4A and 4


Google Pixel 5Google Pixel 4A 5GGoogle Pixel 4AGoogle Pixel 4
Display size, resolution 6-inch OLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels6.2-inch OLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels5.81-inch OLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels5.7-inch OLED; 2,280x1,080 pixels
Pixel density 432 ppi413 ppi443 ppi444 ppi
Dimensions (Inches) 5.7 x 2.8 x 0.3 in6.1 x 2.9 x 0.3 in5.7 x 2.7 x 0.3 in2.7 x 5.7 x 0.3 in
Dimensions (Millimeters) 144.7 x 70.4 x 8.0 mm153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6 only) 153.9 x 74 x 8.5 mm (mmWave + Sub-6)144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm68.8 x 147.1 x 8.2 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams) 5.33 oz; 151g5.93 oz; 168g (Sub-6 only) 6.03 oz; 171g (mmWave + Sub-6)5.04 oz; 143g5.7 oz; 162g
Mobile software Android 11Android 11Android 10Android 10
Camera 12.2-megapixel (standard), 16-megapixel (ultrawide)12.2-megapixel (standard), 16-megapixel (ultrawide)12.2-megapixel12.2-megapixel (standard), 16-megapixel (telephoto)
Front-facing camera 8-megapixel8-megapixel8-megapixel8-megapixel
Video capture 4K4K4K4K
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 765GQualcomm Snapdragon 765GQualcomm Snapdragon 730GQualcomm Snapdragon 855
Storage 128GB128GB128GB64GB, 128GB
RAM 8GB6GB6GB6GB
Expandable storage NoNoNoNo
Battery 4,000 mAh3,800 mAh3,140 mAh2,800 mAh
Fingerprint sensor RearRearRearNo
Connector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-C
Headphone jack NoYesYesNo
Special features 5G enabled; water resistant (IP68); 90Hz refresh rate display; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); reverse wireless charging; fast charging5G enabled; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); fast chargingDual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); fast chargingSoli motion sensing and touchless gestures; 90Hz display; water resistant (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging
Price off-contract (USD) $699$499$349$799 (64GB), $899 (128GB)
Price (GBP) £599£499£349£669 (64GB), £769 (128GB)
Price (AUD) AU$999AU$799AU$599AU$1,049 (64GB), AU$1,199 (128GB)

*prices listed are at launch