Google Pixel 4a released

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timmmay

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#273097 4-Aug-2020 10:31

Review here (Verge), here (Android Authority).

Basic specs:

US$350 (which would be NZ$530 if converted directly)
Snapdragon 730G CPU
6GM RAM (UFS 2.1 which is meant to be faster than MMC, but not quite flagship), 128GB storage
3140mah battery
Display: 5.81-inch 1080 x 2340 OLED, 443 ppi with hole punch camera
USB-C, no wireless charging
Supports 4G but not 5G
Includes 18W USB power adapter and cable in box
Comes with Android 10, and will be among the first to upgrade versions and get updates. Not sure how long Pixel phones get Android updates for.
Appears to support band 28, so it should work in NZ

Some key areas

Performance: For me a key thing is the performance is about twice as fast as the Moto G8 plus (G8 benchmark, 4a benchmark). The G8 plus is fine, but chugs a bit occasionally.
The camera is apparently very good, not quite as fast as the "non-A" model but takes good photos. I'd wish for a wide angle lens as well, but at this price point it's expected.
All in all it looks really good for the price, with battery life likely to be fine for most people.
Screen is meant to be pretty good for the price. It's a touch smaller than most, which is a good thing IMHO.

Comparisons

I'd still really like the Xiaomi hardware with Android One and a hardware fingerprint reader rather than one behind the screen.
I reckon the iPhone SE is the best midrange phone around at the moment, with a very fast processor - it's almost good enough to change from Android to Apple. If it wasn't for having to find all new apps I'd have gotten one already. I'm really hoping an Android vendor comes out with something similar.
OnePlus Nord is getting a lot of hype at the moment. Apparently better performance, but costs $200 more

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tanivula

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#2534315 4-Aug-2020 10:51

Will be interesting how much it'll cost in NZ (guessing it's likely to sell directly via google in AU?). Also has a headphone jack!

I had high hopes for the Nord, but the cameras seem like junk.

gzt

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#2534752 4-Aug-2020 18:35

Thanks for the detailed post timmmay it is excellent news to me. This could be a breakthrough for Google if they get the carrier relationships. I see this primarily as complementing Nokia midrange and offering more choice in Android One. Even tho it's better..

old3eyes

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#2534762 4-Aug-2020 19:10

Knowing Google record of sell phones here we'll never see it unless it's a parallel import.

Regards,

Old3eyes

ALTRON

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#2534765 4-Aug-2020 19:19

old3eyes: Knowing Google record of sell phones here we'll never see it unless it's a parallel import.

This.

I'd be interested in getting one if the price and ease of actually getting one were acceptable.

timmmay

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#2534767 4-Aug-2020 19:19

I'm seriously considering getting one. It's a bit smaller than the Moto G8 plus, almost twice as fast, OLED screen. The smaller battery is probably offset by OLED and hopefully some efficiency. I'd just order it from Amazon com or au. It's not available to order for about for weeks, plenty of time for more real world reviews.

This will hurt Moto and mid-range Nokia sales.

If I knew a similar phone with a smaller screen was coming I would wait. iPhone SE if still tempting but I'm not an apple fan.

gzt

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#2534781 4-Aug-2020 19:55

ALTRON: I'd be interested in getting one if the price and ease of actually getting one were acceptable.

This does not bother me in the midrange.

dafman

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#2534869 4-Aug-2020 21:58

Finally, a compact pocketable (ie. sub 6") Android!

With a headphone jack!

And 50% less glass to crack when dropped!

Looks great.

itxtme

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#2534874 4-Aug-2020 22:52

I am torn with the Nord. I would prefer 4a with agreat camera, the finger unlock is awesome, used to love that on my 5x. 3 years of upgrade support :):):). What worries me is getting it here, and faults. There will be local suppliers of Nords, so not such a big deal, but only 2 years of upgrade support.

everettpsycho

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#2534876 4-Aug-2020 23:03

old3eyes: Knowing Google record of sell phones here we'll never see it unless it's a parallel import.

I'm still hopefully one day they will release phones here even if they are only through a network. Considering they finally sell the nest speakers here officially that's a good start. Considering the big delays with it not selling in all regions at launch it will probably be a while even if they do choose to release it here.

timmmay

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#2534913 5-Aug-2020 08:47

Nord benchmark (312), 6.4" screen

Pixel 4a benchmark (275), 5.8" screen

Samsung S20 benchmark (515)

iPhone SE 2020 (492)

Not really a huge difference in performance between the Nord and Pixel 4a, and the smaller screen would be welcome. The screen is only a touch bigger than the iPhone SE. If they put a better CPU in it it would've been a fantastic phone, even as-is performance should be easily good enough for most people most of the time. Seems like it could be the phone I've been wanting :) I'll just have to wait for release, and try to get a decent price for the Moto G8 plus.

allio

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#2534939 5-Aug-2020 09:24

Disappointed at the lack of wireless charging, though I guess it shouldn't be a surprise because the 3a didn't have it either.

itxtme

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#2534942 5-Aug-2020 09:33

Theres also the elephant in the room of no 5g. Nord has that..

rb99

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#2534965 5-Aug-2020 10:08

4A is $599 in Aus apparently (JBHifi)

rb99

timmmay

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#2534968 5-Aug-2020 10:17

I wouldn't expect wireless charging or 5G on the "A" model Pixels, which are midrange. I think there's meant to be a 5G version later, but maybe that's another phone I was reading about.

old3eyes

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#2534980 5-Aug-2020 10:34

rb99:

4A is $599 in Aus apparently (JBHifi)

No Love in NZ JBHifi. Wonder if this phone will support VoLTE and WiFi calling in NZ.??

Regards,

Old3eyes

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