Google Pixel 4a

First ReleaseReleased 2020, August
NameGoogle Pixel 4a
Available ColorsBlack
CategorySmartphone
Price34,500.00 BDT (approx)

 Body

StylePunch-hole
MaterialGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Body Weight143 g (5.04 oz)
Dimensions144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm (5.67 x 2.73 x 0.32 in)
Water ResistanceNo

 Connectivity

Network Type2G, 3G, 4G
Network SimNano-SIM and/or eSIM
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Hotspot
GPRSYes
EDGEYes
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
USBYes
OTGYes
USB Type-C3.1, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector

Platform

Operating SystemAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 11
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 730G (8 nm)
CPUOcta core, up to 2.2 GHz
GPUAdreno 618
RAM6GB
ProcessorOcta core

Display

Display TypeOLED Touchscreen, Always-on display, HDR
Display Size5.81 inches, 83.2 cm2
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3
Display MultitouchYes
Display Density443 ppi

Camera

Front Camera8 Megapixel, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm
Rear Camera12.2 Megapixel, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm
Camera FeaturesDual pixel PDAF, OIS
Features LED flash, Auto-HDR, panorama
VideoUltra HD 4K (2160p), gyro-EIS

Memory

ROM128GB
Ram6GB
MicroSD SlotNo

Sound

AudioYes
3.5mm JackYes
Features

 Battery

Battery TypeLi-Po, Non-removable
Capacity3140 mAh
Fast Charging18W Fast Charging
USB Power Delivery 2.0

Features & Security

SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
MessagingYes
FingerprintFingerprint (rear-mounted)
Face UnlockYes
RadioNo

Google Pixel 4a Review: Affordable Excellence in the Android World.

Introduction

The Google Pixel 4a is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to bring the renowned Pixel experience to a wider audience. With a focus on delivering a stellar camera, clean Android software, and regular updates, the Pixel 4a seeks to stand out in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. In this comprehensive review, we will explore every aspect of the Google Pixel 4a, from its design and display to its performance, camera capabilities, software enhancements, and overall value proposition. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the Pixel 4a is the best budget option for Android enthusiasts and photography lovers.

Design and Build Quality

The Google Pixel 4a sports a minimalist and unassuming design, with a plastic back and a compact form factor that feels comfortable in hand. Its 5.8-inch OLED display is surrounded by thin bezels, and there’s a small punch-hole cutout in the top-left corner to house the front-facing camera. While it may not be the most eye-catching design, the Pixel 4a’s simplicity has its charm, and it keeps the cost down without sacrificing build quality.

The phone’s plastic construction may feel less premium compared to glass-backed devices, but it contributes to the device’s lightweight and durable nature. However, the absence of water and dust resistance is a drawback, especially considering that some competitors in this price range offer these features.

Display

The Google Pixel 4a features a 5.8-inch Full HD+ OLED display that produces vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp visuals. Despite its mid-range status, the display quality is impressive, and the OLED panel ensures excellent contrast and viewing angles. The size is compact, making it suitable for one-handed use and comfortable for extended periods of use.

The 60Hz refresh rate is adequate for daily tasks and media consumption but falls short of the smoother experience provided by higher refresh rate displays found in some other mid-range smartphones. Nevertheless, most users may not notice the difference unless they’re accustomed to higher refresh rates.

Performance and Software

The Google Pixel 4a is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM, providing sufficient power for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. While it may not be the most powerful chipset in its price range, the Pixel 4a’s performance is smooth and efficient. App launches are generally quick, and the device handles day-to-day tasks with ease.

One of the Pixel 4a’s standout features is its software experience. Running on a clean version of Android 10 (upgradeable to newer versions), the Pixel 4a offers an uncluttered and intuitive user interface. Additionally, being a Google device, it receives prompt software updates and security patches, making it one of the most reliable devices in terms of software support.

Camera Capabilities

The Google Pixel 4a impresses with its camera capabilities, proving that a budget-friendly smartphone can still deliver remarkable photography. Equipped with a single 12.2MP rear camera, the Pixel 4a leverages Google’s computational photography prowess to produce stunning images. The Night Sight mode, in particular, shines, capturing impressive low-light shots with detailed clarity and minimal noise.

The camera’s HDR+ mode and Portrait mode also work wonders, offering vibrant colors and well-defined subject-background separation. The lack of a dedicated telephoto or ultra-wide-angle lens is noticeable, but the Pixel 4a’s main camera is versatile and capable of delivering pleasing results in various shooting scenarios.

On the video front, the Pixel 4a supports up to 4K recording at 30fps. While the lack of higher frame rate options is a limitation, the camera’s electronic image stabilization (EIS) helps produce steady footage even during handheld shooting.

Battery Life and Charging

The Google Pixel 4a comes with a 3,140mAh battery, which might seem modest on paper, but in combination with the power-efficient Snapdragon 730G, it provides a reliable day-long performance with moderate usage. The battery life should suffice for most users, but heavy users or those engaging in extensive media consumption might need to recharge before the day’s end.

The Pixel 4a supports 18W fast charging, which can replenish the battery quickly. However, it lacks wireless charging capabilities, which is a trade-off considering its budget-friendly positioning.

Additional Features

One of the most noteworthy features of the Pixel 4a is its rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which offers a reliable and fast biometric unlocking option. The sensor’s placement is ergonomic and intuitive.

Another compelling feature is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. Users who prefer wired headphones or audio accessories will appreciate this convenience.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 4a is an outstanding budget smartphone that excels in areas where it counts the most: camera performance, software experience, and reliable updates. Its clean and uncluttered Android interface, combined with Google’s computational photography prowess, delivers an exceptional user experience that outshines many competitors in its price range. While some sacrifices, such as the lack of water resistance and high refresh rate display, are evident, the Pixel 4a’s overall value proposition makes it a strong contender for users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone without compromising on essential features and functionalities.