80 PCWorld DECEMBER 2020
REVIEWS
IMAGE: MICHAEL SIMON
T
he Google Pixel 4a 5G sits in a
very awkward place in Google’s
2020 smartphone lineup. As the
newest member, the 4a 5G might
initially seem like a no-brainer purchase over
the Pixel 5 or the Pixel 4a. And for some it
will be. But a closer inspection by a
discerning buyer will reveal equally
compelling arguments to upgrade or
downgrade to either of its siblings—unless
you definitely want a Pixel with 5G.
Everything’s a trade-off. If display matters,
the 4a 5G has a slightly larger display than
the Pixel 4a and 5 (6.2 inches versus 6
inches), but a slower refresh rate than the 5
(60Hz vs 90Hz). The 4a 5G has a headphone
jack like the 4a, but it doesn’t have wireless
charging like the 5. Got all that?
Google Pixel 4a 5G: Stuck
somewhere in the middle
Google has made an easy decision more difficult with the oddly positioned Pixel 4a 5G.
BY MICHAEL SIMON