The Google Pixel 4 is an excellent Android smartphone, best known for its great camera. But with the release of Google’s latest Pixel lineup, many with the Pixel 4 may be wondering if it’s time for an upgrade.
Many people love the Pixel 4 for its streamlined, cohesive Google software experience. Seeing as how the phone was released in 2019, you can only expect major Android updates until October 2022. If you’re looking to future-proof your phone — and have access to the future software features — upgrading to a newer Pixel will guarantee you receive new Android updates in the future.
However, there are some features in the Pixel 4 series that are not available in the Pixel 5 (Face Unlock for instance). So if you were looking for better battery life and a larger screen, you can always sell your Pixel 4 on the Swappa marketplace and put that cash toward a Pixel 4 XL. With Swappa, upgrading to a better phone is super affordable and easy.
In this post, we’ll break down your upgrade options and compare the Pixel 4 to other Pixel devices so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Pixel Specs
Pixel 5 | Pixel 4a 5G | Pixel 4a | Pixel 4 XL | Pixel 4 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 6 inches | 6.2 inches | 5.8 inches | 6.3 inch | 5.7 inches |
Network | 5G | 5G | 4G | 4G | 4G |
Display | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) Flexible OLED at 432 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) OLED at 413 ppi Full 24-bit depth for 16 million colors | FHD+ (1080 x 2340) OLED at 443 ppi | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,280) OLED at 537 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) | FHD+ (1,080 x 2,280) OLED at 444 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) |
Battery | 4080 mAh Wireless charging Battery Share | 3885 mAh | 3140 mAh Fast charging | 3700 mAh Wireless charging | 2,800 mAh Wireless charging |
Water resistance | IP68 | n/a | n/a | IP68 | IP68 |
Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Face unlock | Face unlock |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB | 6 GB |
Rear camera | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP telephoto | 12.2 MP dual-pixel wide angle 16 MP telephoto |
Front camera | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP | 8 MP |
Learn more about the Pixel 4 in our full Pixel 4 Review and Pixel 4 Buyer’s Guide. Not sure if the Pixel 4 is the phone for you? Head over to our Google Pixel Roundup 2021 to see how the most popular Pixel phones stack up.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 5
The biggest reason why someone would switch from the Pixel 4 to the Pixel 5 is for its 5G capabilities. This allows for faster data speeds and lower latency, so you can download higher definition videos, stream games faster, or stream music at higher quality. Even if you can’t access 5G at the moment, it still might be a good idea to invest in a 5G phone now, as this new technology is becoming more and more commonplace. Why not future-proof your phone with Google’s latest Pixel 5?
Released in October 2020, the Pixel 5 has a high 90Hz refresh rate display, a 6-inch AMOLED display and an impressive camera. The Pixel 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, is protected by Gorilla Glass 6, and was marketed as a more budget-friendly flagship than the Pixel 4 that first launched in 2019.
Unlike the Pixel 4’s speedy face-unlock, the Pixel 5 brought back the fingerprint sensor on the back of the device. Another big change is that the Pixel 5 has 8 GB of RAM, a boost from Pixel 4’s 6GB. This facilitates multitasking and improves the phone’s overall performance.
Battery life is excellent on the Pixel 5, with a 4,080 mAh battery compared to the previous generation’s 2,800 mAh. It’s not just the higher capacity either, the Pixel 5 features a much more power efficient Snapdragon 765G chip. Google also introduced a new Battery Share feature to the Pixel 5, which automatically preserves the battery, so it’s there when you need it most. There is also no XL variant on the Pixel 5, so if you’re looking for a smaller phone closer to the Pixel 4’s 5.7-inch screen, consider the 5.8-inch Pixel 4a.
With an 8MP hole-punch selfie camera, the Pixel 5 has a larger screen and says goodbye to the forehead of the Pixel 4. In addition to the rear 12.2MP dual-pixel camera, the Pixel 5 also includes a 16MP wide-angle lens. This is a shift from the Pixel 4’s telephoto lens, which allows for super close and detailed shots. Whether you prefer wide or zoomed shots is a personal preference, but something to keep in mind when deciding which phone to buy.
Pixel devices are known for their cameras, and the Pixel 5 is no different. But what makes Pixel camera’s great has more to do with Google’s machine imaging software than anything else. If you’re moving from the Pixel 4 to 5, you will notice a few new camera features like improved HDR and low-light Portrait Mode, making for more professional looking snapshots in any lighting condition.
With the Pixel 5 you’ll get Android software updates until October 202 — the longest of any Pixel device currently available. Right now the Pixel 5 retails at $699, but you can get the Pixel 5 for as low as $610 on Swappa. If you want to stretch your dollar further, you can even sell your old phone on Swappa to help recoup some of those costs.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4a 5G
If you want 5G on your phone but want to save a bit of money, go for the Pixel 4a 5G. This phone has a lot of the same features as the Pixel 5 and was also launched in 2020. It’s also the largest phone in Google’s current lineup, at 6.2 inches. Since you can’t get a Pixel 5 XL, this is a great pick if you’re looking for a larger screen.
While the battery is a bit smaller than what you’d find in the Pixel 5 (3,885 mAh), it’s still larger than the Pixel 4’s 2,800 mAh — so you can expect an improvement in battery life. The Pixel 4a 5G also comes with 6G of RAM, delivering similar multitasking performance to the Pixel 4.
Like the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4a 5G also features an 8MP selfie camera and two rear cameras: one 12.2MP dual-pixel, and one 16MP ultra wide. So again, if you wanted to hang onto your telephoto lens, a Pixel 4 XL might make more sense. Both the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G are great choices if you’re looking to take wide-angle shots. Just like any Pixel, the Pixel 4a 5G sports great camera software features, like Night Sight, Top Shot, Super Res Zoom, and with this model you can count on Android software updates until November 2023.
As the phone is cheaper, the Pixel 4a 5G is missing a few features found in the Pixel 5 — such as water resistance and wireless charging. But if you want an affordable upgrade, the Pixel 4a 5G is a great choice — and it’s available for about $460 on Swappa.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4a
Released in August 2020, the Pixel 4a is Google’s current budget-Pixel still available in stores. While this phone is affordable, there are some premium features you loved in the Pixel 4 that aren’t available in the 4a.
With a 5.8-inch AMOLED display, the Pixel 4a offers a lot of what you love from Pixel phone — such as the great camera and seamless Google software experience. As it’s made of plastic, the cost is kept down and the phone is a bit more durable if dropped.
As to be expected, the Pixel 4a doesn’t have 5G compatibility. You also won’t get the high-refresh rate screen found in the Pixel 5 or the Pixel 4. And don’t forget with a Snapdragon 730G, you won’t get the same performance as the Pixel 4’s Snapdragon 855. Like the Pixel 5 and 4a 5G, the Pixel 4a has a fingerprint sensor on the back.
With just a single rear camera and one front camera, the Pixel 4a still offers a great camera for the price with lots of Google software features. One major selling point is that it has a headphone jack. You can’t find that on any other Pixel phone out today.
The Pixel 4a comes with Android software updates until August 2023. Find it on Swappa for about $322.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4 XL
The Pixel 4 XL has a lot of the same exact features as the Pixel 4. As both phones came out the same year, you may be wondering — why would I upgrade to the Pixel 4 XL?
At launch in 2019, the Pixel 4 XL was $899. It’s now available on Swappa for as low as $269. That’s definitely a more premium flagship than the Pixel 5, with an MSRP of $699 at launch. A lot of this has to do with Google nixing its Project Soli, which brought high-tech features like Motion Sense and ultra-fast face-unlock to the Pixel 4 Series.
Both the Pixel 4 and 4 XL also are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor — which is technically more “premium” than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor found in the Pixel 5. So one could argue that you’re getting more with your money when comparing the actual hardware of the Pixel 4 XL and the Pixel 5. However, what’s really the most important is how you plan to use your phone.
If you don’t want to give up face-unlock, processing power, or a telephoto lens, consider switching to the Pixel 4 XL. With a lot of the same features, this phone is larger than the Pixel 4 at 6.3 inches. It’s also larger than any other Pixel in Google’s current lineup. With a 3,700 mAh battery, this is also a slight improvement in the battery life of the Pixel 4.
Price
For many people, the phone you should upgrade to mostly comes down to price. Swappa is the best place to find a reliable, gently used Pixel in new, mint, or good condition. Not only is our marketplace safe and easy to use, but our moderation team protects buyers and sellers from junk devices and scammers.
You also save a ton of money. Not only is it cheaper to buy on Swappa, but you can easily sell your old phone for cash back and then use it to fund your upgrade. Whether you decide to switch to the Pixel 5, 4a 5G, 4a or 4 XL is ultimately up to the features you care about and how much you’re willing to spend.
Google Pixel model | Avg price (November 2020) |
---|---|
Google Pixel 3 XL (64 GB) | $194 |
Google Pixel 3 XL (128 GB) | $235 |
Google Pixel 4 (64 GB) | $322 |
Google Pixel 4 (128 GB) | $392 |
Google Pixel 4 XL (64) | $382 |
Google Pixel 4 XL (128) | $382 |
Google Pixel 4a (128 GB) | $324 |
Google Pixel 5 (128 GB) | $660 |