If you’re in the market for a new mobile device and are on the hunt for Android smartphone deals, then now’s a great time to look at getting a Google Pixel 4 in the wake of the recent Pixel 5 rollout. Google Pixel deals in particular are always among the best mobile bargains to be had at any given time, too, and to save you a bit of time, we’ve already corralled all the best Google Pixel 4 deals for January right here, along with a quick buying guide.
Today’s Best Pixel 4 Deals
Google Pixel 4 vs. Google Pixel 5
Google just rolled out its fifth-generation smartphone, the Google Pixel 5, and while it’s a fine device, it doesn’t mark a huge upgrade over the last-gen model — meaning that your choice between the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL might not be a simple one. The bevy of Google Pixel 4 deals won’t make that choice any easier, either; even if the Pixel 5 isn’t as costly as an Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy Note 20, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL offer a value that’s hard to beat right now.
Although they are from 2019, the Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL can hardly be considered long in the tooth by 2020 standards. These 2019 Android flagships still offer excellent hardware performance, superb camera modules (a feature that has always shone on Pixel phones), vibrant and buttery smooth displays, and one of the best software experiences to be had on a modern smartphone — no huge surprise given that Google is the company largely responsible for creating and maintaining the Android mobile operating system.
If you’re stuck trying to decide whether you should spring for the new fifth-gen Pixel or opt for one of the last-gen flagships, then the closest side-by-side comparison is arguably between the Google Pixel 4 XL and Google Pixel 5 (there was no Pixel 5 XL model released in 2020). Using those two as a benchmark, we can see that although the Pixel 4 XL packs a Snapdragon 855 chip that utilizes last-gen architecture, it still outperforms the Pixel 5’s newer Snapdragon 765 processor overall. The Pixel 4 XL also has a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 3,040 × 1,440 pixels (537 pixels per inch) — clearly superior to the Pixel 5’s 2,340 x 1,080/432ppi OLED touchscreen, which has the same resolution as the Pixel 4’s OLED 5.8-inch display.
That said, the Pixel 5 does boast more RAM (8GB instead of 6GB) and an improved camera module that finally adds the wide and ultrawide lenses that were curiously absent from Google’s fourth-gen flagships. The Pixel 5 also improves the battery life, which was another sticking point our review team had with the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Overall, however, with the bevy of Google Pixel 4 deals now available, it’s hard to beat the value that these 2019 models provide. Make no mistake: The Pixel 5 is a great phone, but it’s clear that the Google design team cut some corners to keep the price down. That lower retail cost might be enticing compared to a $1,000-plus flagship like the iPhone 12 Pro but it’s less appealing when you consider that still-great last-gen models like the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL can be had for even less in 2020.
Worth a final mention is the Google Pixel 4a, a mid-range “flagship alternative” and heir to the excellent Pixel 3a. Even though it bears a moniker with the number four, the Pixel 4a isn’t really comparable to the Pixel 4 in the same way that, for example, the iPhone 12 is comparable to the iPhone 12 Pro (in that both are premium flagships). The Pixel 4a is a mid-range phone — not a true flagship — and is priced accordingly at around $350, but it’s nonetheless one of our favorite Google releases. It’s an incredible value and a 5G-capable variant was also just released, so if worthy Google Pixel 4 deals are eluding you, the Pixel 4a is definitely one that you should check out.
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