Google Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 4a (5G): Which Should You Buy in 2026?

Between these two, choose the Pixel 5 for a smaller, lighter phone with 90 Hz refresh, wireless charging and an IP68 rating; choose the Pixel 4a (5G) for its larger screen and 3.5 mm headphone jack. But both are past Google’s Android-version and security-update support, so neither is a good long-term choice if current security updates matter. Consider a newer supported phone instead.

How the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) compare

These 2020 phones share the Snapdragon 765G processor, 128 GB of storage and the same headline rear-camera hardware. Their practical differences are mostly about size, display behavior and a few hardware conveniences.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Google Pixel 6 5G, 128GB, Stormy Black - Unlocked (Renewed)	$225.30	Buy on Amazon
2		Google Pixel 8 5G,US Version, 128 GB Obsidian - Unlocked (Renewed)	$264.44	Buy on Amazon

The figures are Google’s published specifications, not independent comparative test results. The Pixel 4a (5G) brochure does not state a refresh rate, so this comparison does not assume one. Google’s hardware specifications and its Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) brochures provide the listed details.

What matters most when choosing

Pick the Pixel 5 for a compact phone and extra conveniences

At 151 g, the Pixel 5 is lighter than either listed Pixel 4a (5G) configuration, and its shorter, narrower body suits people who prefer a smaller handset. Its display is also the only one of the pair for which Google explicitly lists refresh up to 90 Hz. That can make supported on-screen motion look smoother, though it does not change the shared processor or prove a camera or battery advantage.

#1 Best Overall

Sale

Google Pixel 6 5G, 128GB, Stormy Black - Unlocked (Renewed)

• Google Pixel 6 powered by Google’s first-generation Tensor processor, enabling advanced on-device AI features such as more natural voice typing, quick language translation, and improved image processing without relying heavily on cloud services.

$225.30

Buy on Amazon

The Pixel 5 adds Qi wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. A compatible charger is sold separately, and a case may affect charging. Google also lists an IP68 dust and water protection rating under IEC 60529. That rating is not a guarantee for a used phone: Google cautions that resistance is not permanent and can be compromised by wear, repair, disassembly or damage.

Pick the Pixel 4a (5G) for more screen area or wired headphones

Its 6.2-inch display gives you more screen area than the Pixel 5’s 6.0-inch screen. The 4a (5G) also has a 3.5 mm headset jack, useful if you want to connect wired headphones directly. Google does not list a water-resistance rating for this model in the cited specifications; do not treat the absence of a listed rating as protection.

Do not expect a major performance or camera split

Both use the Snapdragon 765G, offer 128 GB of storage, and list the same main and ultrawide rear-camera resolutions. The Pixel 5 has 8 GB of RAM versus 6 GB on the 4a (5G), but the published specifications alone do not establish a noticeable speed difference for a particular owner. They also do not establish that one phone takes better photos.

Update support changes the 2026 buying decision

Google’s current Pixel update-support page lists both the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) among phones that no longer receive Android version updates or security updates. That makes either a compromised choice for someone who needs ongoing security fixes or plans to keep a phone for years.

Rank #2

Sale

Google Pixel 8 5G,US Version, 128 GB Obsidian - Unlocked (Renewed)

• 6.2" OLED 428PPI, 1080x2400px, 120Hz, HDR10+, Bluetooth 5.3, 4575mAh Battery, Android 14
• 128GB 8GB RAM, Octa-core, Google Tensor G3 (4nm), Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510), Mali-G710 MP7
• Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.7 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10.5MP, f/2.2
• 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1700/1900, 3G: HSDPA 800/850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/46/48/66/71, 5G: 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/66/70/71/77/78/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Nano-SIM and eSIM
• Compatible with Most GSM + CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.

$264.44

Buy on Amazon

At launch in 2020, Google said both phones would receive three years of software and security updates and included its Titan M security chip. That was the original launch-era commitment, not their present support status. Google also described battery life of up to 48 hours with Extreme Battery Saver; that conditional maximum is not a normal-use runtime figure or a head-to-head battery test. See Google’s September 30, 2020 launch announcement for those original claims.

What to check before buying a used one

Original battery capacity does not tell you the health of a particular phone. These are now old devices, and battery condition varies by unit; ask about battery condition and return terms, and inspect the phone for damage before committing. Do not infer current runtime from the 4,080 mAh and 3,885 mAh specifications.

• Confirm the exact model and carrier compatibility. Google says 5G availability depends on carrier, device configuration, location and network conditions. Check the exact regional model and supported bands with your carrier; the “5G” name alone does not guarantee service where you live. Details appear in Google’s hardware specifications.
• Inspect condition rather than relying on the original rating. In particular, do not assume a used Pixel 5 remains watertight just because it originally had an IP68 rating.
• Compare the specific seller’s price, condition and return policy. Used and refurbished prices and stock vary, and no current price or seller quality is established here.
• Choose based on the trade-off you will notice. The Pixel 5 prioritizes compact size and hardware conveniences; the 4a (5G) prioritizes a larger screen and a wired-headphone jack.

Verdict

If you are set on one of these two, the Pixel 5 has the stronger compact-hardware feature set, while the Pixel 4a (5G) is the clearer fit for a larger display or wired headphones. In 2026, however, their shared end of Google update support is the most consequential difference between this comparison and a typical new-phone decision: choose a newer supported model if ongoing security updates are important.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1

Google Pixel 6 5G, 128GB, Stormy Black - Unlocked (Renewed)

$225.30

SaleBestseller No. 2

Google Pixel 8 5G,US Version, 128 GB Obsidian - Unlocked (Renewed)

6.2" OLED 428PPI, 1080x2400px, 120Hz, HDR10+, Bluetooth 5.3, 4575mAh Battery, Android 14; Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.7 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10.5MP, f/2.2

$264.44

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.