In 2019, Google surprised everyone by launching the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, affordable versions of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL that brought some of the hardware and software of high-end devices, but offered them at a more attractive price. We expected it to be the same in 2020, the Pixel 4a and 4a XL should present some of the features of the recent Pixel 4 and 4 XL in a more affordable package.
There are no leaks or rumors about future Pixel 4a devices yet. So we took the opportunity to speculate on what we might see on the device and list some features that we would like to see in the future. handset.
The Pixels 4 and 4 XL were popular devices, but they didn't land with all the fanfare of the Pixel 3 devices. So the following phones could be a chance for Google to win back buyers who were shocked by some intriguing design decisions. What do we mean by that? Read on to find out.
Cut to the hunt
- What is an affordable variant of the Pixel 4 smartphone
- When did he come out? Probably May 2020
- How much will it cost? Approximately € 399 / € 399 / AU € 649
Google Pixel 4a launch date and price
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
As we are not yet in 2020 and the Pixel 4 devices are still fresh in our minds (and in our hands), it is still early to try to guess the Pixel 4a release date. However, we can take a rough estimate.
Pixel 3a was available on May 8, a day after its announcement at Google IO 2019, and we can expect this model to repeat itself. We don't know when Google IO 2020 will be available, but it will be around the same time of year.
As for the amount you'll pay, the Google Pixel 4a's price might actually be lower than the Pixel 3a's price, at least at launch. We say that because the Pixel 4 costs less than the Pixel 3 (directly comparing the starting prices), and we could see this trend repeat itself in 2020.
Of course, these are the two assumptions, and when we hear concrete leaks, we update this article.
What we want to see in Google Pixel 4a
Google Pixel 4 was a groundbreaking flagship feature, but we want to consider some aspects of its adaptation at an affordable price.
1. Bring back the fingerprint scanner
(Image credit: future)
The Google Pixel 4 doesn't have a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner like the Pixel 3, nor does it scan on the screen like many high-end smartphones. Instead, it relies on unlocking facial recognition so you can access your phone.
For some, it is a useful feature to help them access their phone quickly and easily. others find this experience frustrating and unsafe. For the Pixel 4a, we'd like Google to remove this feature and have a physical or display-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Google is likely to bring this change because the technology used for effective face unlocking adds a certain price to the phone. If the company wants to lower the price of the new device, it would make sense to remove facial recognition first. .
2. Improved battery life
(Image credit: future)
A recurring problem with Google Pixel smartphones is that their battery life still leaves a lot to be desired and it dips faster than competing devices. By saying this, the Pixel 3a solved this problem with a higher battery capacity and a lower processor, which meant the battery drained less.
Since most normal people need smartphone batteries that last a day, even to the limit, the more affordable and more accessible Pixel 4a needs a battery that lasts that long, which means a capacity of more than 4, as well as tools to keep it longer, such as sophisticated optimizations.
3. Release the 90Hz display
(Image credit: screenshot)
This is probably a controversial suggestion, but if Google is looking to cut down on features to keep the price of the Pixel 4a low, we'd say the 90Hz display is a useless luxury that could be missed without aggravating the device.
While some people really like 90Hz displays on phones like the Pixel 4, the viewing experience is a bit smoother, many more people have a hard time noticing the difference, especially people who are not big tech fans who do not know the existing functionality.
This means that it is not a vital feature, and when we would like to see aspects of the Pixel 4 in 4a, we would say that the 90Hz displays are consumable.
4. Keep the telephoto
(Image credit: future)
Google Pixel 4 smartphones have increased the number of cameras on Google devices from one to two by adding a telephoto zoom lens.
The Pixel 3a cameras saw the cameras degrade slightly compared to the Pixel 3 lineup, but it was just post-processing software and the hardware was exactly the same.
A telephoto lens on a camera is really useful, so you can take better photos of a subject without losing a lot of quality that we'd like to see stored on the Pixel 4a. We'd be surprised if this wasn't the case, because the telephoto lens really connects the rear design. And speaking of the Pixel 4a design…
5. Stick to the weird design
(Image credit: future)
Google Pixel 4 smartphones are strange devices, there is no way around them. They're bare on the back, with the exception of a nice camera hump (no fingerprint sensor, as in previous pixels), with a glass back but a rubberized frame around the edges. Yes, you have read correctly on a smartphone!
On the front, there is a notch that is barely seen on modern smartphones, with a large chin at the bottom of the screen. In general, Pixel 4 devices are far from "classic" Android phones, for better or for worse.
Well, we like the design. It's unique, and the Pixel 4 feels different in your hand when you use it. We would like the Pixel 4a to keep the "weird" design, especially the rubberized frame, as we find it very useful in protecting the phone.