Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 4a 5G

vs
Google Pixel 3a
Google Pixel 3a Starting from $132.89
View item
Google Pixel 4a 5G
Google Pixel 4a 5G Starting from $123.00
View item

How they compare

Customer reviews

Google Pixel 3a Google Pixel 4a 5G
Average
4.2/5
(30)
4.2/5
(72)

Design

Google Pixel 3a Google Pixel 4a 5G
Width 70.1 mm 69.4 mm
Height 151.3 mm 144 mm
Weight 147 g 143 g
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.2 mm
Volume 86.97 cm³ 81.95 cm³

Screen

Google Pixel 3a Google Pixel 4a 5G
Resolution 1080 x 2220 px 1080 x 2340 px
Density 441 ppi 443 ppi
Size 5.6 inches 5.81 inches

Battery

Google Pixel 3a Google Pixel 4a 5G
Battery capacity 3000 mAh* 3140 mAh*
Removable battery No No
Wireless charging No No
Fast charging Yes Yes
Ultra power saving mode Yes Yes

*Refurbished devices sold on Back Market offer at least 85% of this maximum charge capacity.

Performance

Google Pixel 3a Google Pixel 4a 5G
Maximum storage 64 GB 128 GB
CPU frequency 2 GHz 2.2 GHz
Number of processor cores 8 8
External memory slot No No
RAM capacity 4 GB 6 GB
5G support No No
LTE support Yes Yes

Camera

Google Pixel 3a Google Pixel 4a 5G
Front camera resolution 8 MP 8 MP
Main camera resolution 12 MP 12 MP
Multi lens No No
Optical zoom No No
Flash Yes Yes
Optical stabilization Yes Yes
Slow motion video Yes Yes
Main camera video resolution 2160 px 2160 px

Audio

Google Pixel 3a Google Pixel 4a 5G
Stereo speakers Yes Yes
3.5mm jack socket Yes Yes
Radio No No
Number of microphones 2 2

See all articles

Google Pixel 3a vs Google Pixel 4a 5G Comparison

Google first announced its first smartphone candidate to compete with Apple and Samsung in 2016 with the Google Pixel. Several years later, we are a few generations deep into the Pixel series. Let's take a look at two specific models: the Google Pixel 3a (released in May 2019) and the more recent Google Pixel 4a 5G (released in August 2020).

Camera

Both the Pixel 3a and 4a have single rear 12.2MP cameras and an 8MP front-facing camera. There's not much different to note between the two camera systems, but the Pixel 4a has a few added features due to upgraded software, such as dual exposure, Astrophotography mode and Live HDR+ photography.

Battery

When it comes to battery life, the Pixel 4a 5G has a slightly larger battery at 3140 mAh compared to 3000 mAh on the Pixel 3a. Google claims that the 4a battery lasts up to 24 hours, but the 3a isn't far behind. However, if you value fast-charging, you should consider the 4a, which supports faster 18W charging.


Display

The Pixel 4a gets a small upgrade in display size measuring 5.8-inches diagonally compared to the Pixel 3a's 5.6-inch screen. While that might not seem like much, you definitely get more screen real estate with the 4a, which has a sleeker design with a screen that goes edge to edge and smaller bezels. Overall, the 4a has a much bigger screen to body ration than the 3a.

Storage 

In terms of storage capacity, the Pixel 3a only came with 64 GB. The Pixel 4a doubled that with 128GB of storage, so if you have a tendency to take up your phones' memory space with apps, downloads, photos and videos, then you'll definitely want to upgrade to the Pixel 4a.

Both phones also have 8 CPU cores and run Android 11 as their operating system, but differ in RAM capacity. The Pixel 4a has 6GB RAM, while its predecessor only offers 4GB RAM. You might notice a difference when running multiple apps simultaneously or playing games with high graphics requirements.

Processor

The Pixel 3a runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670, while the 4a has an upgraded Snapdragon 730G chip. The latter isn't a whole lot faster, but it does give you more processing power at the end of the day.

Given that both of these phones are so similar, we'd usually steer you to save your money and opt for the earlier model in the Pixel 3a. However, the Pixel 4a was launched at a lower price than the 3a ($349 vs $399), so there's a chance that you'll actually find this model for less. We don't see any reason why you would consider the 3a over the 4a if the more recent model is cheaper, but if you currently own a Pixel 3a, then you might want to consider keeping your phone or upgrading to the Pixel 5 or 6.

From phones to fridges, you can’t choose wrong.

Back Market only sells the highest quality refurbished items, at the best prices, risk-free.

  • Easy returns

    Not that into it? No worries. Return any item for a full refund within the first 30 days

  • Positive impact

    By buying refurbished, you're keeping e-waste out of landfills. Huzzah!

  • Strict quality control

    We ensure that the sellers we partner with maintain high standards.

  • Caring customer service

    Our friendly support team is always on standby