Pixel 5 and 4A 5G review: classic Google
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- The Pixel 5 and 4A 5G are Google's flagship phones that aren't technically flagships. They have the classic Google cameras but they also have other "classic" parts like a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and processor that isn't the fastest you can get. Do they do enough to justify their prices? Dieter Bohn reviews both phones.
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www.theverge.com/e/21278337
www.theverge.com/e/21278353
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0:00 Intro
0:57 Hardware
3:47 Performance
6:37 Camera
9:42 Original formula
11:16 Outro
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I will never understand the fixation on "design" for an item that 90 percent of people just slap a case on anyway.
You can find really good and secure clear cases.
I know a lot of people do, but I never have. And I know I'm not alone. A lot of people genuinely enjoy the feeling of their phone naked!
This is really about the iphone they are all for whatever reason considered beautiful, and it is a nice looking phone just not exactly sure how for example if looked better than the not so orange pixel 4. When it comes to Apple things like notches don't matter people accept what they are given.
Haven't used a case for 3 years man
I never understood it either because after less than a week we never look at the back of our phones again.
Dieter Bohn always says "hooraay" after he says "there is headphone jack"
Been waiting for people to notice this lol -- Dieter
1:50
And with the same tone! Of course we notice it lol
Yes.. he seems to like it but also sarcasm it ???? I dont know..
@@TheVerge Solid review
The cinematography tho... Hats off to the camera people/editors!
The only good thing about this video sadly
Thank you. We worked really hard
8:02 To stop that, go to the camera's settings while you're on the rear camera > press "advanced" > disable zoom in potrait mode
I have the 4a 5G and I cannot find the setting there or anywhere to disable the zoom. Is it possible that the latest camera update removed that setting?
I don't see the option you mentioned to disable Portrait Mode zoom, and I'm on Pixel 5.
@@joec2639 I don't use a Pixel. My phone comes with full Camera2API support out of the box, so I use a ported version of Pixel 3's GCam. I think the newer Pixels don't have the disable option unlike the older ones.
We are back to the Nexus 5 days!! Quality phones and good price!
All of this x1000
I miss my og nexus 4 a lot as well. It's the first and only phone with wireless charging I ever owned.
@Kent Kerr I still kept mine. But it has stopped working because I cracked the screen
Cost is still a bit high to be in the Nexus days, maybe if they dropped the price by $100
@@debaser3000 Yes, this too!
Either way, I'm not getting a Pixel this time around. As someone that has had every Nexus and Pixel up to the Pixel 2 XL, I made the jump to a OnePlus 7 Pro late last year for $550, after seeing what Google had on offer with the Pixel 4 XL... ATM I do not see a reason to buy any of Google's 3 offerings this year, as I'd be taking a step back spec wise in one way or another. Instead I have high hopes that they'll give me a reason to upgrade back to a Pixel in 2021 when next years models come out...
Now my wife on the other hand recently dropped her Pixel 3A in the toilet, breaking it in the process, and has fallen back to using her old Pixel 1 XL. After waiting to see what others have said I think she's just going to get a Pixel 4A. She's not a big gamer, so the money she'd save by getting a 4A vs 4A 5G or 5 just makes more sense to her (all she wants is Google's OS with fast updates for as long as possible and a good camera at the best possible price, so 4A it is...).
I think they made smart choices (battery, finger print scanner, price), and you nailed all of my thoughts as well. But as a 4XL owner, I'm planning to hold off, hoping they create a true flagship next time along with this midrange approach. I am sad I won't get the back finger print scanner yet as it was one of my favorite features on the 3, but I can't justify upgrading/downgrading to the Pixel 5.
imo top hardware shouldn't be your goal especially in the case of p5 as 765G is still a really good chip it'll do everything you want it to do. unless your a really hardcore gamer.
I'm in the same camp. Seems like a solid phone but not worth "upgrading" from a 4XL where you are losing a lot of features even though you are gaining some. This is probably the phone they should have released last year.
@@yashsoman1125 it's good. Just not worth upgrading from 4xl
I pre-ordered the 5 but after watching some reviews, I'm already regretting it and most likely going to cancel it. Like some have already said in the comments, I'm coming from my pixel 4 XL and I'm losing pixel neural core which I don't understand why they would take it out especially when it's very helpful with picture taking. I'm losing Soli Radar and face unlock which I really enjoy, squeeze for assistant, better processor, and a smaller screen which really bothers me bc I've always had the XL variant and idk why they skimped this year. I don't see where the upgrade is for me at least. I don't really need Ultra Wide camera which isn't even as good as others who offer a 127° field of view, Google opted for only 107° 🙄🤦🏼. Hopefully Pixel 6 draws me Back!
I have Pixel4XL as well.. I like what Google has done with Pixel5 and I'm glad they went with midrange processor.. it means my Pixel4XL will remain Google's most powerful phone for another year. They probably will optimize Android 12 in Pixel5 which means it will run even better in my P4XL. Good job Google .. I'm looking forward to Pixel6!
Symmetrical bezels are sooo underrated!!
To me this phone is damn near perfect. I don't need bleeding edge specs. This phone has refined the details so much I can't really complain about much anymore.
If only they nailed the speaker quality
Then get a pixel 3xl 2nd hand.. that's cheaper and a better phone accept for battery life
@@freibuis that's a big exception. The 3xl has battery life that's only just better than the 4 which is to say it's really bad. And the fact it's software updates is finishing after 1 more year make it a non starter
@@supaahflyy and the 6 will be out next year. So getting a second hand 3xl which is a better phone (every metric except battery) is a better deal. I can get a 3xlbfor 200$.. I picked up my pixel5 for 1000$...... So that's my point.. if it's going to be cheaper then it needs to be way cheaper. I'll be using my new 5 until my 3xl screen gets replaced
@@supaahflyy agreed the battery life is terrible but every thing else is better. I am currently using my pixel 5 to charge my pixel 3xl, because its just.. well better. my point is.. cost.. pixel 5 cost me1000$ when you can pixel up a second-hand 3xl for 200$ so if its price thing.. don't bother with the "cheap" pixel 5 thats why I am arguing for an "xl" version of the 5. I would be happy to pay more for it. just give me an 5Xl that has 6,000 m/ah battery and image proceser and the new cpu. I do believe the 5 has its place... but I cant beleive that I paid $1000 for a phone thats worse than my 3xl ...
I am always amazed by how well the music transitions from one topic to the other. Amazing production quality!
I'm upgrading from my Pixel 3. Between the symmetrical bezels, ultrawide camera, and good battery, I'm sold.
Ditto, currently have 3xl, just waiting for solid reviews first and I think I'm sold on that sage green
It's too close to the p3 for me, I'll wait until the p6. Still have a year of software updates, no need to rush.
I want to, but don't want to lose the great stereo speakers.
Same
3xl is faster, better sound. Better screen, photo chip.
I would just repair it if it's broken or battery is dieing. That would be cheaper and have a better phone
Hope you enjoyed the Hudson Valley. Good time of year to be here!
As a Pixel 4 owner, I'm mainly jealous of that battery life...😳
that's the only feature I'm looking at, honestly. Can barely get through half the day with my 4 lol
That's a fact. I'm on the fence to get it for battery but I can't justify losing the face unlock and the glass feel.
It is actually why I like Google Pixel phones. They are ordinary, with none of the bloatware added by companies like Samsung.
On Samsung Google is the bloatware.
Bixby, lol
Just useless gimmicky features that no one actually uses unless they're prepubescent children
@@sic22l without google, samsung wouldn't have an os. You're basically saying the os is bloatware.
@@Andrew-it7fb Not the OS. Android and Google's commercial services (Chrome, Gmail etc) are two different things.
This time google did a really good job giving people more choices, nailed the fundamentals.
Also The Verge did a really good review 👍
I agree! The Verge and Dieter Bohn are excellent reviewers, and the Pixel 5 is beautiful phone with beautiful s/w and camera at a great price!
@Onouphrios Cheap? Where?
Also, go buy a flagship if you want one. There's plenty of them out there.
@@1985cactus The value you get for the 4A in the States beats is pretty good. We don't have the Nord, or Xiaomi, and the 4A gives you a experience better than Motorola or Nokia. Samsung's A51 is not worth what you pay for it, and starts at $50 more. Who else am I missing?
@@tjwatson2249 iPhone SE is a good competitor in the high-budget/low-midrange space. It’s a decent performer because of its A13 SoC, but the display (while plenty bright) is a low-res LCD panel, and the phone’s diminutive size means that battery life suffers.
I’d still recommend the Pixel 4a over the SE (at least for those not immersed in the Apple ecosystem) because of its larger OLED screen, much bigger battery, value-added software features, headphone jack, and superior cameras with Night mode (SE does have the edge in video shooting though).
They gave us less choice this year. They made three mid range phones.
Appreciate the effort put in for the review. Night shots looks beautiful!
Big fan of your choice of reading at 3:15 🔥
Green and gold! #GGMU- Vjeran
@@TheVerge Glazers out !!!!!
Nice observation.... Dieter just became even bigger fan of you for your reviews !!!! We know the struggle as a team...
Dieter has become my favorite Android reviewer. This video helped me out a lot. Could we get a Galaxy FE vs Pixel please.
Sounds like this camera module is at it's physical limits/last legs, time to usher in something better for Pixel 6.
Time to upgrade to those bigger Sony 12MP sensors. The iPhone 12 Pro MAX Championship Edition has one & so do the Xperia mark II’s (on all 3 lenses IIRC).
Google Pixel always have this utilitarian design which is not that bad in my opinion.
Yeah think its great too
Just everything you need an not more...
And now for some drop tests !!
I currently have the 4A and as a non power user, don't feel like I'm missing out on all that much with the release of the 4A 5G or 5. Really feel like Google found their sweet spot this year! I would be interested though to see a super high-end flagship from them -- feel like that would be pretty cool.
You aren’t missing anything
I'm upgrading to the P5 from the P2, so it's going to feel AMAZING!
That's the beauty of waiting so long to upgrade. Everything is a huge upgrade.
I've had my 4a for 6 weeks now. It's been just what I wanted. Simple features, strong software. I like Google's focus away from really high end to mid to high end design starting with the Pixel book Go and now the phones.
"Hidden cutout under the aluminum"
**JerryRigEverything has entered the chat**
There's a chat??
@@PeterOekvist .
I don't care about that is the best Android phone ever made
@@manowar2816 s20 fe is killing the pixel 5 LOL.
I really appreciate that y'all output this video in a taller aspect ratio.. on my OnePlus 7 Pro it fills the screen beautifully!
This is an incredibly useful review, thank you!
Every 4 years is when I get that upgrade itch and when I finally do upgrade, I wonder why it took me so long because the differences are noticable!
I still have (and love) my Pixel 2 with my only regular frustration being the battery life. As a delivery driver I'm streaming podcasts, music, and audio books all day, every day! Among battery life, my other priorities are picture quality (for outdoor adventures/travel), and speaker quality (for watching videos).
I was convinced it was time to upgrade but wonder if it's worth waiting until the Pixel 6 releases to see if anything really significant happens with the camera quality.
I'm tempted for the battery life and additional feature of 16mp ultra wide but just don't know that those are worth hundreds of dollars...
Glad that I went with the 4a. Does a solid experience without breaking the bank. Might look into the 5 when prices come down some.
4:32 I think this extreme option could come in handy when you are somewhere (Backpacking) where there isn't easily available power.
Glad I found this channel. Awesome review format and on par presentation!
I believe this is the first review of yours that I have watched, excellent job, you have a new fan! Great detail on the camera systems. Thanks.
The cinematography in this video is on another level, good job verge team
The thing is : Those phones are the only ones who are still SMALL with the Galaxy s10e which is soon 2 years old and the upcoming iPhones.
Yep. I'd even change that slightly and state those are the only phones that are not large phablets. It's crazy that we have a market of thousands of phone models now, but you can't find a pocketable smartphone on the Android side apart from these Google phones that don't even exist in my country.
@@C3lloman try getting a Samsung Galaxy j7
@@C3lloman same man :(
Had to go for giant poco x3 because phones either fit my budget, or my hand. Hard choices had to be made.
Video looks so professional. You reviews are waaaaay underrated.
Thank you for this. This was the review/overview I have been waiting for.
The music in the background sounds really wonky lol, but overall im sold on this phone! :)
I'm gonna need a playlist of each piece!
Especially the one during the camera chapter
Dude the music is cool as hell
Which one
@@Mkrabs righttt drop the links, verge!
Sound design in this clip is GREAT with headphones.
Been rocking this Pixel 2XL forever, finally think it's time to upgrade!
Another awesome video. Loved the effects and editing.
That transition when the video moving into performance section, class edit, class background music 👍
I feel like this is a very good and accurate review on the current Pixel line up. I still feel the prices could be cheaper.
I honestly think no other phone can match pixel's aesthetic. It's so subtle and clean. I don't understand how can someone call it boring :3
Thank you for your comprehensive review. However I'm curious why the weather sealed feature for water resistance was omitted. The Pixel 5 is smaller and $200 more than the 4a 5G with few Spec differences, so mentioning the weather sealing helps to explain both the cost and sound/speaker differences between the two devices.
I enjoyed your review and I subscribed as I look forward to watching future reviews that you post!
You're my favourite reviewer mate! I really look up your reviews before my every purchase :)
I'm going to miss squeezing my Pixel with the loss of Active Edge :(
Never use it.
Wait for real
Wtf they took it out! I use it everyday
I used it a lot and was sad to hear they removed it. But I'm glad rear fingerprint scanner is back
No say they removed it 😔
I can't help but feel it's a sad state of affairs that £599 is considered a 'reasonable' price :/
Yeah, I know what you mean.
@Brap Nation yes
For the kind of computer device you’re getting, 600 might be a reasonable price, but for an average consumer it’s just not.
So buy a cheaper phone?
Loved the review. The video production is just on a different level
I was so waiting for this video. Thank you 🙏
(Pixel 2, you have been awesome...)
Water resistance is huge reason I'm going P5
water resistance, slightly bigger battery, slightly better screen glass. I'm planning on upgrading from a pixel 2 and it just seems like a better long term purchase
does water resistance matter a lot?
@@amaihito same, I loved the innovation that the p4 brought but I think the the p5 hit fundamentals that I need. It feels like a worthy successor to my p2. Other phones might be better buy I don't see myself using anything other than vanilla android from Google.
@@amaihito exactly the same with me, but after seeing all these reviews I feel like i made the wrong choice tbh
@@myntco I dont feel like i needed it in three years with Pixel 2 ... I leaning towards 4a 5G, have to see the screen quality ..
Damn, I'm only 4 minutes in and the cinematography and music choice so far is fire! 🔥
Thank you :) let me know how's the remaining 8 minutes though. - Vjeran
Been waiting too long for this review! 🙌🏼
I think Extreme Battery Saver was more of an update for older Pixel models.
Really good screen, camera, battery life and software. Yeah, I'm happy to pay $699 for that.
Last time I was this early, Pixel was still a flagship phone.
Must have been centuries
Everyone wanted the Pixel to be cheaper, and more affordable, and now that it is it isn't good anymore...
It really is hard to please everyone
@@Zane-dl5ke nah, I just pointing out that the Pixel used to be flagships. People mad at Google because they deliver half-baked tech (soli), bad decision (telephoto on pixel 4), bad battery life etc, with a hefty price tag. In fact, I love the idea of Pixel 4a, an affordable android phone with the essentials nailed. It is also interesting to see Google change strategy for their Pixel phones.
@@luqmanwaqiuddin7543 yeah that could be the case, but recently Google has been trying to use Pixel as a showcase for software features, like the Recorder app or the Next Generation Google Assistant, and how they can use AI to solve issues people have with phones like bad camera quality...
It is sad Google took away some features, or added in features that were not necessary but the pixel line of phones now is basically the "essentials only phone"
@@Zane-dl5ke I think people just wanted Google to justify the pricetag. Make a premium phone, but that's worth it and well made.
Great video as always! Coming from a Pixel 2 (which battery is slowly getting worse and worse) definitely looking at getting the Pixel 5. Still a bummer that they took out the Pixel Neural/Visual Core and the squeeze grip to activate assistant since I used that a lot
@Dieter - the background music during Performance segment is just amazing. Super!
It would be really great if you could share that track, please? Please.
Wow... catched this one early!
I really love that the Google Design is so clean... New IPhones e.g. are just to much
The Pixel skin is just the best!
They should make a new Fingerprint sensor tho´
The difference between them is obviously to small, but they make the right move... its just not big enough
Two phones in the lineup are best cause there are people that want a bit more and some that want the basics and 200 $ between the two is also reasonable in my opinion, but people who pay more want more and that is what they missed here... premium is also features not just feel.
Am a huge fan of pixel ever since and think they definitely improved since the 4 wich was... let´s say a bit of.
How well do you think the Pixels compete in the midrange?
Hey👋 most of you won't see this but just chill out and be yourself,close to 5/k so stay cool and you are a real legend Yeah ❤ :)
I'd say the Pixel 5 is the best midrange flagship phone
i m gona buy pixel 4a 💕✌
Can't, mainly Google isn't trying to sell it big
I choose PixelOS over all others. That's still the big differentiator for me. And they are throwing in some bonus goodies on the services side you didn't talk about
Dieter, you are the main reason I watch the Verge. Your videos are so satisfying's, in-depth, and realistic.
Thanks for your review. I was wondering about the fingerprint sensor on the Pixel 4A5G in the Pixel 5. Your review answered my question. Time to upgrade to the Pixel 5 as soon as it comes back in stock.
9:52 do you see a qi-charging plastic circle on the back?
Nice catch!
That is the fingerprint sensor.
I really love the design of the Pixel phones a lot. I just love clean and minimal looking electronics. Just like the new Xbox series X or all the stuff they make at Teenage Engineering. 🔥🔥
Pixel visual core did not do the heavy lifting in image processing on Pixels. Only with the Pixel 4 did the offload *some* camera modes processing. The change in image processing speed has to do with the DSP on the 765G
I downloaded the wallpaper that you used in this video from The Verge website put the quality is really bad. How can I download a sharper version?
4:15 did I just see the area of the wireless charging cut out in a darker shade?
Yes you did.
Nope, those are the fingerprint sensor and google logo
It would be great if the numbers were up when you were talking about all this switching back from 4a 5g 4a 5 5g gets confusing
I'm picking mine tomorrow.
For me still there is one special think and something I actually use when outdoors. Astrophotography Mode. You need a tripod and 4 ish minutes but results are amazing. Looking forward to the new camera stuff.
I love your scan watch! I'm thinking of getting it too. Besides the pixel 5 around black friday
A pixel 4 xl with a bigger battery, a wide-angle lens, and a fingerprint sensor is the perfect phone for me.
Not everyone wants a piece a jewellery in their pocket (*cough* Apple) I prefer this minimalistic design.
Not everyone cares about your opinion
@@chydi10 neither yours
Same!
@@chydi10 True, not everyone likes a watered down OS like iOS.
I always loved your videos so much, the way you review and the way you shoot and represent the video, just a huge fan of THE VERGE , keep it up, wish you more and more growth, Love from India ❤️
Very very much appreciated! :)
Appreciate your unbiased reviews! I have my Pixel 5 pre-ordered, can't wait!
The most baffling thing is Google is still selling Pixel 4 at $799
The specs are so similar, they are afraid of the pixel 4 canabalizing sales of the pixel 5
So when's the Pixel 5G Pro Max Ultra+ coming out?
No. Just no.
Next month! Then it's the Pixel 5A 5G Pro Max Ultra+ and ixel 5A 5G Pro Max Ultra++ XL
OMG 0:58 that editing is amaaaaazing!!!
This man is the ONLY reason i am subbed and watch the verge. Keep up the great work!
Quality phones. Good price. None of the unnecessary bloat and pomp (and that's Dieter). Now about the phones... Great job Google.
I picked up a 4a while waiting for the 5 to be released in the United States but man...the 4a is so good I don't know if I'm going to grab the 5. I've been loving my 4a more than my Z Fold 2. There's just something about Pixels that makes the Android experience so satisfying.
Don’t. Keep the 4a.. 5G is just a choice.. most people would be ok with 4G for now... wait for the Pixel 6
@@nikolasgunadi765 I'm well aware regarding 5G. I first tested out 5G with the OnePlus 7T 5G McLaren, S20 series, Note 20 Ultra, and of course now the Fold 2. I'm not concerned with 5G, I want the Pixel 5 simply for the water resistance and 90hz. I have 120hz on my Fold and although higher refresh rates aren't ground breaking, they're nice to have.
I'm in the same boat. Bought the 4a and I'm loving it but I feel like the battery life, though good, isint great if you use the phone heavily.
So I want the battery life of the 5 but the speakers of the 4a. I'm torn.
I picked up my 4a day one. I'm good to go.
id buy pixel 4a over 5 is my decision good
This is a fantastic review.
Great scripting and delivery.
Finally! Someone talked about the bezels! I thought it was symmetric, I just don't get how reviewers can't notice that or is just my OCD!
Can I still use 4g with these?
The embargo has lifted!!!
Along with OnePlus 8T.
My subscriptions feed is full of 8T videos with frequent Pixel 5 reviews in between
@Onouphrios I meant the videos were to be released after the launch. Both timings matched
Another straight forward, to the point review. The Verge does it right. I love my 4a.
One of the better Verge reviews! Great job!
Once upon a time, there’s a brand called nexus
I just replaced a nexus 6p battery for a friend. He flashed it himself to android 11. Super fast and works well.
5:03 reviewing Pixels about it's speed is slightly slower than others at the same time showing Apple's "Hi, Speed". Classic.
Amazing video as aslways at The Verge
Watching on my new pixel 5. Absolutely love this thing!
I feel like reviewers commonly missue the term flagship these days (by one definition, "the best or most important thing owned or produced by a particular organization") The pixel 5 is Google's flagship phone, even if it isn't the most top of the line in the entire phone industry.
I wished Google would release a Google Pixel 5 Pro, just so fans can get the 'Ultra' or 'Pro Max' version of the phones.
Very nice review, Dieter. Solid, pragmatic, honest. I feel like I can face other phone reviews now.
It is like seeing a movie with main actor as dieter😎😎 camera work
is sooo good ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I disagree, Dieter. That "extreme battery saver" mode sounds great! I wish it wasn't Pixel-exclusive.
Are you going three days between charging?
It's not, I can say for sure Xiaomi phones has it. Pretty sure other OEMs also have it.
@@AkobiGill They can have their own battery saver modes. They can reskin Android and add features as they see fit. But, no, they absolutely do not have this brand new "extreme battery saver" mode as implemented on the Pixel 5. I do trust Google's implementation more, and it seems very customizable.
Just gonna buy the standard 4A honestly
Honestly, as someone who goes back and forth between Android and iOS every 6 months to a year... the 4a is the phone to get.
Buying a 4a 5g and I couldn't be more stoked to get back to nexus / pixel. My last one was a nexus 5, so it's been a minute.. But I ran nexus 1 thru 5 and then hesitated when they started making their own hardware. I'm happy to be coming back.
This review is so crisp and beautiful!
Every year when Google brings out the Pixels i seriously consider them, but at the end of the day I don't buy them because I feel they just don't quite deliver enough value to cover the cost. I picked up the Galaxy S20 FE this time and it's a fantastic phone.
@Joey N. no not at all. Same with my Note8, no or at least minimal lag after 3 years. Samsung's software has improved markedly from the bad old days.
The B-Roll for this video was really nice
Those symmetrical bezels are LOVE ❤️ simple and practical. All we need. 👍🏼
Why can’t we just get a triple camera setup on a pixel already?
still waiting for mkbhd to drop his review
I am getting the Pixel 5. I am coming from the Pixel 2xl and before that I had the Pixel XL. I enjoy the software experience on the Pixel line and the updates.
Excellent comparison! I like the way you rated the phones in relative terms. Anyone trying to decide between the two will be greatly helped by watching this video. 🤔
I am getting my Pixel 5 tomorrow. The cleanest software, first one to get an update, incredible camera, and for me personally, wireless charging and water resistance, is the jump from 3a for 200€ more, totally worth it. I genuinely think paying 1000€ for browsing memes, Insta, and basic stuff is ridiculous. Google finally realised that the best of specs is not everything. Create your own niche in the market and make quality products.