Choose the Pixel 5 if you want the smaller, lighter phone, a display that supports up to 90 Hz, wireless charging, or an IP68 rating. Choose the Pixel 4a (5G) if you prefer its larger screen or need a 3.5 mm headphone jack. But both phones have passed Google’s update-support window: Google currently lists neither as receiving Android version or security updates. If continued security updates matter to you, a newer supported phone is the safer choice.
Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 4a (5G): the key differences
| Feature | Google Pixel 5 | Google Pixel 4a (5G) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.0-inch FHD+ flexible OLED, 1080 × 2340, 432 ppi; Smooth Display up to 90 Hz | 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED, 1080 × 2340, 413 ppi; refresh rate not stated in Google’s cited specifications |
| Dimensions | 144.7 × 70.4 × 8.0 mm | 153.9 × 74 × 8.2 mm (Sub-6); 8.5 mm thick in the US mmWave configuration |
| Weight | 151 g | 168 g (Sub-6); 171 g (US mmWave configuration) |
| Processor and memory | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G; 8 GB LPDDR4x RAM | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G; 6 GB RAM |
| Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Rear cameras | 12.2 MP dual-pixel main camera and 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel main camera and 16 MP ultrawide |
| Typical battery capacity | 4,080 mAh | 3,885 mAh |
| Wireless charging | Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging | Not listed in Google’s cited specifications |
| Headphone jack | Not listed in Google’s cited specifications | 3.5 mm headset jack |
| Dust and water rating | IP68 under IEC 60529 | No rating listed in Google’s cited specifications |
| Current Google updates | No longer receives Android version or security updates | No longer receives Android version or security updates |
These are Google-published specifications, not results from a head-to-head test. See Google’s Pixel hardware specifications, Pixel 5 brochure, and Pixel 4a (5G) brochure.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Google Pixel 6 5G, 128GB, Stormy Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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Google Pixel 8 5G,US Version, 128 GB Obsidian - Unlocked (Renewed) | $257.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Which phone is the better fit?
Choose the Pixel 5 for a compact phone and extra conveniences
At 151 g and 144.7 mm tall, the Pixel 5 is the smaller and lighter of the two. Its 6.0-inch display is also the only one in this comparison for which Google specifies a refresh rate: Smooth Display supports up to 90 Hz. That can make supported scrolling and animations look smoother, though the setting can affect power use.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Pixel 5 also supports Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. A compatible wireless charger is sold separately, and a case may affect charging. Its IP68 rating is a specification, not a guarantee that a used phone is still watertight: Google says water and dust resistance can be compromised by wear, repair, disassembly, or damage.
#1 Best Overall
- Google Pixel 6 powered by Google’s first-generation Tensor processor, enabling advanced on-device AI features such as more natural voice typing, quick language translation, and improved image processing without relying heavily on cloud services.
Choose the Pixel 4a (5G) for more screen space or wired headphones
The Pixel 4a (5G) has the larger display at 6.2 inches and includes a 3.5 mm headset jack. Those are practical advantages if you prefer a larger screen or use wired headphones without an adapter. Google’s cited specifications do not state a refresh rate for this model, so this comparison does not assign it one.
The 4a (5G) is larger and heavier. Its published dimensions and weight also vary by configuration: Google lists 168 g for Sub-6 models and 171 g for the US mmWave configuration.
Expect similar core performance and camera hardware
Both phones use the Snapdragon 765G, offer 128 GB of listed storage, and have the same headline rear-camera hardware: a 12.2 MP dual-pixel main camera and a 16 MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 5 has 8 GB of RAM versus 6 GB on the 4a (5G), but the listed specifications alone do not establish a meaningful real-world speed or photo-quality advantage.
Rank #2
- 6.2" OLED 428PPI, 1080x2400px, 120Hz, HDR10+, Bluetooth 5.3, 4575mAh Battery, Android 14
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Octa-core, Google Tensor G3 (4nm), Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510), Mali-G710 MP7
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.7 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10.5MP, f/2.2
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1700/1900, 3G: HSDPA 800/850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/46/48/66/71, 5G: 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/66/70/71/77/78/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Nano-SIM and eSIM
- Compatible with Most GSM + CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Update support is the biggest reason to hesitate
Google’s current Pixel software update policy lists both the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) among phones that no longer receive Android version or security updates. That makes either a poor choice if you need ongoing security patches or want a phone to keep receiving Google’s current Android releases.
At launch in September 2020, Google said both phones would receive three years of software and security updates. That was the original commitment, not their present status. Google’s launch announcement also said the batteries could last “up to 48 hours with Extreme Battery Saver”; that conditional claim is not a normal-use battery-life result or a comparison between the models.
What to check before buying one used
- Battery condition: The 4,080 mAh and 3,885 mAh figures are the phones’ original typical capacities, not measurements of a used unit. Ask about battery condition and return options; capacity alone does not establish current runtime.
- Exact model and carrier compatibility: Google notes that 5G availability depends on the carrier, device configuration, location, and network conditions. Confirm the specific phone’s model and supported bands with your carrier rather than relying on “5G” in the name.
- Water exposure and repairs: Do not treat the Pixel 5’s original IP68 rating as proof that a particular used handset remains water-resistant, especially if it has been damaged or repaired.
- Price and seller terms: Used prices, stock, seller quality, and device condition change. Compare current listings and check the return policy and the phone’s condition before paying.
Google’s product specifications list typical battery capacities of 4,080 mAh for the Pixel 5 and 3,885 mAh for the Pixel 4a (5G). They do not establish comparative battery life, and a used phone’s battery condition depends on its individual history.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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