Compared: Google Pixel 4a vs iPhone SE
Announced on Monday, Google's Pixel 4a is an aggressively priced Android smartphone with a suite of competitive features. Here's how it stacks up against Apple's 2020 iPhone SE.
Credit: Apple and Google
Apple's 2020 iPhone SE refresh, and the Google Pixel 4a both deliver a lot of features and capability for the price. In a one-on-one comparison, they're effectively on equal ground. There are, however, some considerations beyond the manufacturer and choice of operating system.
Here's a closer look at how the iPhone SE compares to the newly announced Google Pixel 4a.
It is an aging form factor with a 4.7-inch LCD display and prominent head and chin bezels. On the other hand, the design is time-tested and is sure to be familiar with slow iPhone upgraders.
The Google Pixel 4a, packing a 5.8-inch OLED display, features more modern design considerations than its iPhone counterpart. Although its plastic housing and overall design are familiar to the Pixel lineup, there are some notable changes here.
In lieu of large front bezels, Google has gone with a hole-punch design for its front-facing camera. Although the Pixel 4a doesn't have a dual-camera setup, it does adopt an iPhone-esque square camera bump on the rear. As with past Pixel devices, the fingerprint sensor remains on the rear of the device.
Credit: Xleaks7 and Pigtou
The iPhone SE sports 3GB of RAM, which is objectively low compared to most mid-range Android devices. It does, however, sport one of the fastest smartphone processor currently on the market: the A13 Bionic.
Google's Pixel 4a is slated to pack a mid-range Snapdragon 730G -- a gaming-optimized variant of the Snapdragon 730. It's also equipped with 6GB of RAM, which is on-par for most mid-range Android devices and twice that of the iPhone.
However, Apple's iPhones have always delivered more performance with less RAM. Although the Pixel 4a may have more memory on paper, it's likely that it won't benchmark or perform as fast as the iPhone SE in real-world applications.
For internal storage, the iPhone SE comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB configurations. Per the latest rumors, the Google Pixel 4a will only come in a 128GB model.
That's a similar tune to the Pixel "a" lineup. The Google Pixel 4a is rumored to pack a single camera but will compensate with computational photography features.
On paper, both devices are fairly evenly matched. Google has long been ahead of the game when it comes to computer-assisted photography, though in recent years, Apple's devices have caught up.
When two devices have camera specifications and features this close, overall image quality is going to come down to subjective preference. We'll be looking more at this in the future.
Credit: Apple
The iPhone SE retains Apple's signature Lightning port, but doesn't have a headphone jack. For users who hate wires, Apple's cheapest iPhone also supports Qi wireless charging.
Google's Pixel 4a has a USB-C connector and, as with past Pixel devices, it still has a 3.5mm auxiliary headphone jack. But, there is no wireless charging capability.
Both devices have similar battery capacities, and will support 18W fast-charging with the appropriate hardware.
The iPhone SE has a water-resistance rating, carrying an ingress protection rating of IP67. Google Pixels "a" devices have never had an IP rating, and it's not likely that the Pixel 4a will change that.
By the looks of it, it appears that the Pixel 4a 5G is going to be a different smartphone altogether. Rumors suggest that it'll sport a second camera lens and a larger display than the current Pixel 4a. It'll also cost more, with a $499 price tag.
Because of its higher cost and the fact that it's a 5G-equipped smartphone, it may not be as much of a direct comparison to the iPhone SE as the lower-priced Pixel 4a. There's also the fact that specifications aren't readily available for the 5G device. With all of that in mind, we've left the Google Pixel 4a 5G out of this comparison.
Apple's first 5G-equipped iPhones are expected later this year. And there may be mid-range or lower-priced devices among the so-called "iPhone 12" handsets that more accurately stack up versus the Pixel 4a 5G.
Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider
The Google Pixel 4a is the cheaper device here, but still delivers a similar range of features. While the iPhone SE is a hit among consumers of every type, the Pixel 4a may just give it a run for its money.
Google has taken some cost-saving measures with its Pixel 4a, however. It doesn't support wireless charging, isn't water-resistant, and its overall construction isn't going to be as "premium" as the iPhone SE.
The iPhone SE actually packs flagship-level capabilities into a sub-$400 price point. That includes the A13 Bionic, which runs circles around the Snapdragon 730G -- and pretty much any Android processor.
It does come down to iOS versus Android in this case, and fans of the respective operating systems will undoubtedly choose the device in their camp. Beyond that, dollar-for-dollar, the iPhone SE still delivers more features and better performance.
Credit: Apple and Google
Apple's 2020 iPhone SE refresh, and the Google Pixel 4a both deliver a lot of features and capability for the price. In a one-on-one comparison, they're effectively on equal ground. There are, however, some considerations beyond the manufacturer and choice of operating system.
Here's a closer look at how the iPhone SE compares to the newly announced Google Pixel 4a.
iPhone SE (2020) versus Google Pixel 4a specifications
| iPhone SE (2020) | Google Pixel 4a | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $349 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 | 5.66 x 2.73 x 0.32 |
| Weight (ounces) | 5.22 | 5.04 |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G |
| RAM | 3GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB |
| Display type | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 5.8-inch OLED display |
| Resolution | 1,334 x 750 at 326 ppi | 2,340 x 1,080 at 443 ppi |
| Rear Cameras | 12-megapixel wide angle | 12.2-megapixel wide angle |
| Front Cameras | 7-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
| Biometrics | Home button Touch ID | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Ports | Lightning No headphone jack | USB-C Headphone jack |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE Wi-Fi 6 | 4G LTE |
| Battery Size | Not disclosed, up to 13 hours of video playback | 3,140mAh |
| Special features | DualSIM, Qi wireless charging | Google Maps AR Always-on display |
| Colors | Black, White, Red | Just Black |
Design and display
Apple hasn't reinvented the wheel with its 2020 iPhone SE. The device looks the same as its iPhone 8 predecessor and most of the changes are internal.It is an aging form factor with a 4.7-inch LCD display and prominent head and chin bezels. On the other hand, the design is time-tested and is sure to be familiar with slow iPhone upgraders.
The Google Pixel 4a, packing a 5.8-inch OLED display, features more modern design considerations than its iPhone counterpart. Although its plastic housing and overall design are familiar to the Pixel lineup, there are some notable changes here.
In lieu of large front bezels, Google has gone with a hole-punch design for its front-facing camera. Although the Pixel 4a doesn't have a dual-camera setup, it does adopt an iPhone-esque square camera bump on the rear. As with past Pixel devices, the fingerprint sensor remains on the rear of the device.
Performance and storage
Credit: Xleaks7 and Pigtou
The iPhone SE sports 3GB of RAM, which is objectively low compared to most mid-range Android devices. It does, however, sport one of the fastest smartphone processor currently on the market: the A13 Bionic.
Google's Pixel 4a is slated to pack a mid-range Snapdragon 730G -- a gaming-optimized variant of the Snapdragon 730. It's also equipped with 6GB of RAM, which is on-par for most mid-range Android devices and twice that of the iPhone.
However, Apple's iPhones have always delivered more performance with less RAM. Although the Pixel 4a may have more memory on paper, it's likely that it won't benchmark or perform as fast as the iPhone SE in real-world applications.
For internal storage, the iPhone SE comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB configurations. Per the latest rumors, the Google Pixel 4a will only come in a 128GB model.
Cameras
The iPhone SE has a single-camera setup with a 12.2-megapixel sensor. That lags behind other flagships, including iPhones, but Apple has included more computational photography and machine learning features in its latest entry-level handset.That's a similar tune to the Pixel "a" lineup. The Google Pixel 4a is rumored to pack a single camera but will compensate with computational photography features.
On paper, both devices are fairly evenly matched. Google has long been ahead of the game when it comes to computer-assisted photography, though in recent years, Apple's devices have caught up.
When two devices have camera specifications and features this close, overall image quality is going to come down to subjective preference. We'll be looking more at this in the future.
Other considerations
Credit: Apple
The iPhone SE retains Apple's signature Lightning port, but doesn't have a headphone jack. For users who hate wires, Apple's cheapest iPhone also supports Qi wireless charging.
Google's Pixel 4a has a USB-C connector and, as with past Pixel devices, it still has a 3.5mm auxiliary headphone jack. But, there is no wireless charging capability.
Both devices have similar battery capacities, and will support 18W fast-charging with the appropriate hardware.
The iPhone SE has a water-resistance rating, carrying an ingress protection rating of IP67. Google Pixels "a" devices have never had an IP rating, and it's not likely that the Pixel 4a will change that.
The Pixel 4a 5G
Google on Monday announced two versions of its Pixel 4a model, including a 5G-compatible variant that's slated for a release later in 2020. Although the Pixel 4a is available to preorder, Google hasn't confirmed much about the 5G variant.By the looks of it, it appears that the Pixel 4a 5G is going to be a different smartphone altogether. Rumors suggest that it'll sport a second camera lens and a larger display than the current Pixel 4a. It'll also cost more, with a $499 price tag.
Because of its higher cost and the fact that it's a 5G-equipped smartphone, it may not be as much of a direct comparison to the iPhone SE as the lower-priced Pixel 4a. There's also the fact that specifications aren't readily available for the 5G device. With all of that in mind, we've left the Google Pixel 4a 5G out of this comparison.
Apple's first 5G-equipped iPhones are expected later this year. And there may be mid-range or lower-priced devices among the so-called "iPhone 12" handsets that more accurately stack up versus the Pixel 4a 5G.
Our conclusions
Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider
The Google Pixel 4a is the cheaper device here, but still delivers a similar range of features. While the iPhone SE is a hit among consumers of every type, the Pixel 4a may just give it a run for its money.
Google has taken some cost-saving measures with its Pixel 4a, however. It doesn't support wireless charging, isn't water-resistant, and its overall construction isn't going to be as "premium" as the iPhone SE.
The iPhone SE actually packs flagship-level capabilities into a sub-$400 price point. That includes the A13 Bionic, which runs circles around the Snapdragon 730G -- and pretty much any Android processor.
It does come down to iOS versus Android in this case, and fans of the respective operating systems will undoubtedly choose the device in their camp. Beyond that, dollar-for-dollar, the iPhone SE still delivers more features and better performance.
Comments
/s
The iPhone SE does have an excellent SoC and I would assume many years of updates, but that's really its only redeeming feature. The dated camera, small battery and 4.7" display take away from the experience. Although an entry iPhone 12 will cost more (expected $649 for 128GB), from what we know, it will be a far better iPhone experience - much more in line with what we've come to expect since the iPhone X was released.
Canada:
Pixel 4a (128GB): C$479 before tax ($357 USD)
iPhone SE (64GB): C$599 before tax ($447 USD)
Australia:
Pixel 4a (128GB): A$599 including GST ($426 USD)
iPhone SE (64GB): A$749 including GST ($533 USD)
United Kingdom:
Pixel 4a (128GB): £349 including VAT ($456 USD)
iPhone SE (64GB): £419 including VAT ($548 USD)
Germany:
Pixel 4a (128GB): €340.20 including VAT ($400 USD)
iPhone SE (64GB): €466.90 including VAT ($549 USD)
SE is the better device.
What about the fact Apple isn't selling you a Trojan horse? The fact it's a genuine Apple iPhone and you get app support from developers.
Had Google put the much faster non-5G variant of the Qualcomm 765 in it and still managed to hit a similar price point, then maybe it would have been compelling for the sake of pure performance. As it is, I would really suggest Android mid-range Android device fans wait on the Nokia 7.3 or a similar phone on the way from Motorola.
Apple doesn't data mine users. Stop moving the goal posts.
Even iKnockoff users have shown their true colors as they blew their stimulus checks on Apple products!
Apple reported record users and switchers after the stimulus check! LOL
Manu Android users are pretending with the “freedom” they have with their OS. There's nothing less true.
With iOS I can choose to install apps that sell my privacy or apps that don’t. I am the boss. But with the “freedom” of Android you have NO CHOICE. Such apps, that don’t sell your privacy does not exist in Android OS
Outside of those two factors (and ignoring OS bias), I'd say the two are more or less a wash. The USB-C port on the 4a is nice -- but does it include USB-C headphones (or at least a dongle) in the box? Haven't seen any mention of that so far.
Where do people get this stuff? Obviously from a totally unreliable source.
The Pixel 4a has Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
It was only me, who got the price, RAM and storage wrong and I mentioned that in the same thread. I don't think anyone else got it wrong (or bothered about this phone). Yeah, this misinformation is beyond silly. A smartphone without wifi chip is unimaginable in 2010, let alone 2020.
This is based on Android/Chrome.
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