RIP Google Pixel 4a — let's pour one out for the best cheap phone ever

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RIP Google Pixel 4a — allow's pour 1 out for the best cheap phone ever

(Image credit: Tom'southward Guide)

Google has officially discontinued the Pixel 4a. Rest in peace. The little budget device of 2020 was the image of the Android smartphone that could. For just $349, you got adequate performance and decent battery life, only more than chiefly, yous got a camera that punched well above its weight.

In fact, we lauded the Pixel 4a as a budget handset revelation. Information technology diameter a office-over-grade blueprint with nix fancy except its slim bezels surrounding the display. Its plastic construction was nothing to write home about, but the Pixel 4a got the chore done, especially with its software support. Despite its bargain toll, Google'due south phone enjoyed first-24-hour interval admission to the latest Android versions and security patches. And information technology's still got a year of platform updates left if you already ain a Pixel 4a.

While the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL earlier it were good phones, the 4a was a pace above its predecessors. The Pixel 4a proved that Google knew how to brand a budget device right, by giving buyers the best camera experience under $500 at the time. Fifty-fifty the iPhone SE (2020) couldn't compare in this area — though Apple tree's electric current low-cost iPhone stomped the 4a in the performance category.

Concluding yr, I got to check out the Pixel 5a, the follow-upwards to the venerable 4a. Correct off the bat, Google's latest A-series Pixel was noticeably larger with its 6.43-inch display. Merely it also had a crash-land in performance and an ultrawide rear camera lens to kicking. It also toll $100 more than than the 4a.

(Image credit: Tom'south Guide)

Strangely, though, the Pixel 5a was limited to the US and Nihon. I figured that restriction had something to do with the chip shortage or supply concatenation issues. But now that the 4a has been laid to rest in terms of sales — information technology's even so supported software-wise — my heed immediately goes to the upcoming Pixel 6a.

What the Pixel 4a's end means for the Pixel 6a

Google's next upkeep phone might be even more interesting than the Pixel 4a, if the cost is right. Rumors suggest that the next A-series volition have the same Tensor arrangement-on-chip that powers the Pixel 6 series. This would be a very Apple-like motion, since the iPhone SE (2020) had the aforementioned A13 Bionic chip that we saw in the iPhone eleven. And nosotros know past now that, while imperfect, the Tensor GS101 is solid performer, especially when it comes to AI and machine learning applications.

But what does that to practise with the Pixel 4a'southward discontinuation? I recollect at that place are ii hypotheses we can make from this. The first is that Google might be making room for the Pixel 6a — this much is obvious — merely besides that this discontinuation timeline could line upwards with rumors that Google will unveil the 6a at its Google I/O briefing in May. If the Pixel 6a was slated for a late summertime release like the concluding ii A series phones, then why discontinue the 4a viii months before?

(Epitome credit: Tom's Guide)

The second takeaway is a bit more far-fetched, but hear me out. The Pixel 5a had an availability problem, as I mentioned earlier. Discontinuing the A-series model that was available internationally could mean that Google will release the 6a in more markets, namely Europe, India, and South America. I call back that the 4a being put out to pasture makes room for the 6a to swoop in and fill the gap the two-year-old phone leaves.

Google could accept also just run out of Pixel 4a stock and didn't want to make whatsoever more. That'due south probably the most probable explanation, but it's fun to speculate. Business decisions like canceling an older model are very involved, so Google probably has a multitude of reasons for this.

Regardless, I hope we get the Pixel 6a sooner rather than later. While a May launch for the Pixel 6a would mean the 5a enjoys less than a yr in the sun, I'm pretty excited for the 6a. The possibility of Tensor at an even more affordable cost than the $599 Pixel 6 is just thrilling.

Jordan is the Phones Editor for Tom'south Guide, covering all things phone-related. He'southward written nigh phones for over 5 years and plans to proceed for a long while to come. He loves cipher more than relaxing in his home with a book, game, or his latest personal writing project. Jordan likes finding new things to swoop into, from books and games to new mechanical keyboard switches and fun keycap sets. Hashemite kingdom of jordan tends to lurk on social media, but you tin can best achieve him on Twitter.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/opinion/rip-google-pixel-4a-lets-pour-one-out-for-the-best-cheap-phone-ever

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