Pixel 4a: Google’s next cheaper smartphone will have a better battery and more RAM than predecessor

Google's next phone launch, the Google Pixel 4a, may finally be on its way.

Last year, Google released a more affordable version of its Pixel phone line in the form of the Google Pixel 3a at its annual Google I/O conference. With a better battery and just as good camera, the Pixel 3a was a big hit for those unsure about forking out more for the Pixel 3.

Things have been a little different for the 4a. For one, Google cancelled I/O due to the coronavirus which left the rumoured phone without a release date. But given the 3a is no longer on sale at the Google Store, this is a pretty big hint an upgraded version is right around the corner.

Here’s what we know so far...

Google Pixel 4a: Design

The big design change for the Pixel 4a will be on the front of the phone according to 9to5Google. Instead of sporting the thick-ish bezel (frame) like the Pixel 4, the new phone will instead feature a punch-hole selfie camera, à la the new OnePlus 8 range and Samsung S20 devices.

This also means the phone won’t feature face unlock as there won’t be enough space to squeeze in the Google Soli sensors. Given the original issues Google had with its facial recognition last year, such as unlocking when someone had their eyes closed, this is probably a good thing.

The phone will have a 5.8-inch OLED full HD+ screen, which should be easy to handle, with a fingerprint sensor on the rear.

Like the 3a, it will have a plastic body which helps to keep the cost down, as opposed to the glass design featured on the Pixel 4 range.

The new phone will come in three colours in true Google style: black, white and a new “Barely Blue” which is replacing last year’s Purple-ish lilac colour.

Google Pixel 4a: Camera

The camera on the Pixel 4a is going to be interesting. Last year, Google added a second lens to the Pixel 4, however it appears to be keeping this to just one 12.2 MP camera on the back of the 4a. Despite only having one rear lens, Google is keeping the blocky design to house it.

9to5Google says that the front-facing camera is identical to the 3a’s too, with 8MP and an 84-degree field of view.

Last year’s Pixel 3a was such a hit in part because it had the same camera as the more expensive 3 model. However, Apple has also chosen to keep just one rear lens on its cheaper new iPhone SE2 model which is supposed to be the best single-lens camera system of any iPhone. We’ll have to see how it works in practice before we judge it too harshly.

Google Pixel 4a: Specs

It’s thought the new Pixel 4a will sport Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 730 system chip, an improvement on last year’s 670 processor. Benefits of using the 730 include better power efficiency, faster graphics rendering for gaming, and 2x faster AI processing.

The phone will also include Google’s Titan M security chip, like the Pixel 4.

Battery-wise, the phone is likely to include a 3,080 mAh battery, but you won’t be able to charge it wirelessly. This is bigger than the Pixel 4’s, which comes with a 2,800mAh battery as well as the Pixel 3 range. Given that the Chinese phone brands bring out devices with 4,000 and even 5,000mAh batteries, it’s always strange that Google tries to keep this to a minimum.

When it comes to memory, the 4a is thought to be available with 6GB of RAM, which is again bigger than its predecessor, and either 64GB or 128GB of storage.

Headphone jack fans: you’ll be happy to know that Google is keeping the 3.5mm jack for the 4a range too.

Google Pixel 4a: Price and release date

The Pixel 4a was initially thought to be launched at this year’s Google I/O in May, however, this was cancelled earlier this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the German website Caschys Blog, the smartphone will be available to order via Vodafone on May 22, which was thought to be a global release date. However, it's now July and we're still no closer to finding out when the new phone will be announced.

Prices for last year’s Pixel 3a started at £399, and it’s likely the 4a will cost $399, so we’re hoping this stays the same for the UK.

The affordable phone market is heating up. This year, Apple finally announced its follow up to the popular iPhone SE, and OnePlus has just revealed it's going back to its roots with the new, cheaper, OnePlus Nord device. Given the impending recessive, thanks to Covid-19, the time seems to be right to launch devices that don't cost £1,000+, and we're intrigued to see what Google brings out next.

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