Now that Google’s released its shiny, new flagship device — many people are considering snagging a Google Pixel 5 for themselves. However, just because a phone is newer doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. Since you can shop for newish devices safely on Swappa, now might be an even better time to save on a Google Pixel 4. Which device is right for you? We’ll take a look at that question in this article.
Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4
Price isn’t the only difference between these two devices. When it launched in 2019, the Pixel 4 was priced at $799 for the 64 GB version and $899 for 128 GB. Today, the 128 GB Pixel 5 retails at only $699. This $200 difference tells you that although one year has gone by, the Pixel 4 was even higher end than Google’s current flagship.
Google discontinued the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 4, and 4 XL earlier this year — but you can still find these phones newish on Swappa. As of publication, you can find a Pixel 4 for as low as $325 on Swappa.
Just like the newly announced Google Pixel 4a 5G, the Pixel 5 is 5G-capable. This means users are able to take advantage of faster data speeds for downloading videos and streaming games, and lower latency for video calls. The Pixel 5 can also act as a 5G hotspot, bringing a 5G internet connection to your laptop or other mobile phones.
Another addition to the Google Pixel 5 is more RAM. The newer Pixel hosts 8 GB of RAM, whereas the Pixel 4 has 6 GB. This allows more apps to run in the background without automatically quitting due to low memory or slowing your phone down.
Both phones feature wireless charging, but the Pixel 5 introduces reverse wireless charging, calling it Battery Share. This allows you to charge other accessories (like headphones) on the back of your phone.
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two phones is that the Pixel 5 ditched Google’s Project Soli, which brought Motion Sense to the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. Motion Sense is a combination of radar hardware and innovative software, bringing the most advanced motion sensing features and gesture recognition ever seen on a consumer device. This creates a bubble of awareness around the Pixel, which allows for touchless gestures and more.
With this feature no longer available on the Pixel 5, you’ll need to grab a Pixel 4 or 4 XL if you want to easily swipe between tracks while listening to music, or swipe to dismiss calls.
Specs
| Google Pixel 5 | Google Pixel 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6 inches | 5.7 inches |
| Network | 5G | 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+ (1,080 x 2,280) OLED at 444 ppi Smooth Display (up to 90 Hz) |
| Battery | 4080 mAh Fast wireless charging Battery Share | 2,800mAh Wireless charging |
| Water resistant? | Yes | No |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Face unlock |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G with Octa-Core | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Rear camera | 12.2 MP dual-pixel 16 MP ultrawide | 12.2 MP dual-pixel 16 MP telephoto |
| Front camera | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 4K | 4K |
| Camera features | Night Sight Top Shot Portrait Mode Super Res Zoom Motion Auto Focus Live HDR+ Frequent Faces Dual exposure controls Cinematic Pan Ultrawide Lens Portrait Light | Night Sight Top Shot Portrait Mode Live HDR+ Dual exposure controls Motion Auto Focus Super Res Zoom Group Selfie Cam Frequent Faces |
| Audio | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
Learn more about the Pixel 5 in our Pixel 5 Buyer’s Guide and our full Pixel 5 Review, then see how it stacks up against other Pixel phones in our Pixel Phone Roundup 2021.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 5 Processor
The Pixel 5 has a lower end processor than the Pixel 4. This is part of why the Pixel 5 is able to be more affordable than its predecessor.
The Pixel 5’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G isn’t as powerful as the Pixel 4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, however many users may not notice a big difference unless engaging in demanding tasks (such as gaming, multitasking, or watching movies on Netflix).
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 5 Screen
While the Pixel 4 has a large forehead (to make room for Motion Sense), the Pixel 5 screen has a small hole punch in the left corner. Both phones have sharp and vibrant OLED displays, with the Pixel 5 offering a slightly lower pixel density of 432 ppi versus the Pixel 4’s 444 ppi. Both screens support high refresh rates of up to 90 Hz, leading to a smoother experience than traditional 60 Hz devices.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 5 Size
Let’s talk about size. The Pixel 5 has a slightly larger screen, at 6 inches, while the Pixel 4 is 5.7 inches. However, if you love the Pixel 4 but want a larger size, go for the 6.3-inch Pixel 4 XL. There is no XL variant of the Pixel 5, but for most people 6 inches is already big enough.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 5 Camera
Both phones share an 8 MP selfie camera and a 12.2 MP dual-pixel rear camera. One of the biggest differences between the two is that the Pixel 5 features a wide-angle lens, whereas the Pixel 4 includes a telephoto lens. This means the Pixel 4 is slightly better for accurate, zoomed-in shots, but the Pixel 5 can snap a wider picture.
But the real magic of a Google Pixel camera doesn’t come with the actual camera hardware — it has more to do with Google’s machine learning imaging software. Google’s advanced computational photography uses machine learning algorithms to deliver Auto-HDR, Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Super Res Zoom — leading to impressive, vivid shots.
Google introduced new camera features with the Pixel 5, making Portrait Mode even more powerful in low light situations. Google’s HDR is also improved with the Pixel 5, bringing more vivid photos and upgrading their photo editing software.
Pixel 4 vs Pixel 5 Battery
Google doubled the size of the Pixel’s battery with the Pixel 5, bringing it to 4080 mAh. The Pixel 4 battery (2,800mAh) was much smaller. Battery life isn’t the Pixel 4’s strong suit, but for most people you can get through the day with it just fine. But if you’re a power user who demands an all-day, always-on activity — go for the Pixel 5 instead.
Which Pixel should you go with?
Depending on what you are looking for, each of these phones have obvious benefits over the other. While the Pixel 5 brings 5G to the table and a bigger battery, the Pixel 4 has fast face unlock, Motion Sense technology, and a better processor.
Where things get really interesting is price. In September 2020, the 64 GB Pixel 4 was worth an average of $387 on Swappa, and the 128 GB model about $438. So if you’re looking for a phone with 128 GB, you’ll save $261 by choosing the Pixel 4 over the Pixel 5.
Of course, if you’re set on the new features in the Pixel 5 — it’s a great choice for those looking for a reliable, sleek Android experience with 5G wireless connectivity. But if you don’t need 5G and you’re just looking for a phone with a great camera that checks all the boxes, don’t overpay. Buying newish on Swappa will help you save much, much more while still grabbing a phone you love.
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