Apple’s newly launched iPhone SE 2020 just became a new competitor to the mid-range market. But, will it be the better $399 deal compared to Google’s Pixel 4a?
Google’s Pixel series is, currently, the overall best mid-range phone. It’s current model, Pixel 3a, was weighed by many analysts as one of the grade-A smartphones within the budget.
Many, if not all, expect nothing less for Google Pixel 4a.
The next Google Pixel flagship phone is one of the highly anticipated releases for 2020. Of course, Google has always been known to offer the best phone specs for a budget-friendly price.
However, with Apple reentering the mid-range market, after its attempt in 2016 with the original iPhone SE, many are saying that the iPhone maker is now an actual threat to this market category.
https://twitter.com/1Obefiend/status/1250455591010484225
Just recently, Apple issued a press release via Apple Newsroom, introducing the second-generation iPhone SE. In a nutshell, it’s a reinvention of the well-loved iPhone 8 but with the power capacity of the iPhone 11, with a starting price of $399.
This will now make middle-class consumers conflicted as to which smartphone will give them the better $399 deal. Will it still be the Google Pixel 4a?
Or will the A13 bionic chip be enough to persuade consumers to turn to Apple? Let’s compare!
Design-wise: the reinvented or the latest display?
Although Google Pixel 4a is yet to launch, 9to5Google had exclusive intel on its specs, which we’ll use to compare with Apple’s iPhone SE.
Based on the smartphone design, as mentioned earlier, the second-generation iPhone SE is a reinvention of the iPhone 8. Many are calling the design “outdated” as it has a smaller display screen, compared to the commonly used widescreen or full-screen display today.
iPhone SE 2020 only has a screen size of 4.7-inch while Google Pixel 4a will have a 5.7-inch display. Google’s screen is pushed to the edges of the phone, eliminating the “top bezel” and having a hole-punch cutout for the front camera.
Moreover, the Google smartphone will also be equipped with a 1080p OLED display, while its Apple competitor only has a Retina HD LCD display.
Display and design-wise, Google’s upcoming mid-range phone is offering what Apple has with its high-end flagships.
Although, it is important to note that Google Pixel 4a’s casing will probably follow the same design of its predecessor, so it will be a durable plastic casing. Compared to the iPhone SE, which will come in a metal frame and a glass back casing.
Under the hood
With its processors, iPhone SE 2020 flat out wins over Google Pixel 4a.
A big point to consider for consumers is that they’ll be getting an iPhone 11 processor for a price of $399. With that said, iPhone SE users will be getting the same enhanced performance of Apple’s latest high-end phone in a compacted design.
The Google Pixel 4a, on the other hand, will be packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 system-on-a-chip with eight cores. Of course, the Titan M security chip will still be there, but not the Pixel Neural Core.
Most important part about iPhone SE having the A13 (the same SoC found in a $1,300 iPhone 11 Max): it will still be getting system updates in 2025. No other $400 phone can claim that.
— Quinn Nelson (@SnazzyQ) April 17, 2020
Meanwhile, Google Pixel 4a’s battery is set at 3080 mAh with 18W wired charging. The iPhone SE 2020, however, offers Qi wireless charging aside from the 18W wired capability, which Google still chose not to offer.
Apple promises a greater battery life with the A13 chip. “Also supports fast-charging, giving customers up to 50 percent charge in just 30 minutes,” per the iPhone maker’s announcement.
Storage-wise, however, Google Pixel 4a might have the upper hand as it may reportedly come only in a 128 GB storage capacity. Sticking to its tradition, Apple offers the new flagship in three storage variations – 64GB, 128 GB, and 256GB.
So that’s a 128GB Google Pixel 4a vs. a 64GB iPhone SE 2020 for $399.
Camera capacity and touch ID placing
Moving on to the camera specs, both phones offer the same single 12MP back camera.
However, Apple may have a better 12MP camera performance, again, because of the A13 bionic chip.
An excerpt in the announcement reads:
” iPhone SE features the best single-camera system ever in an iPhone with a 12-megapixel f/1.8 aperture Wide camera, and uses the image signal processor and Neural Engine of A13 Bionic to unlock even more benefits of computational photography, including Portrait mode,all six Portrait Lighting effects and Depth Control.”
Unfortunately, Google doesn’t have anything special to offer aside from its usual autofocus, OIS/EIS, and an 8MP front camera with an 84-degree field of view. Also, its video capturing will reportedly be the same with Pixel 3a.
Furthermore, both phones will have a Touch ID capacity. The only difference is – the Pixel 4a will have it on the back of the phone while the iPhone SE has it on the front.
Other points to consider
Aside from the design and performance factors, consumers will have to decide on which features they will necessarily need for their next smartphone buy.
Apple’s iMessage feature, for example, can be a dealbreaker to some. Google Pixel 4a has nothing similar to offer, so that’s something consumers might ponder on.
Also, rumors about the iOS 14 release are on a high right now. The amazing features that come with the new update can be part of the iPhone SE considering its latest bionic chip.
One unexpected new feature to note is that Apple finally caved in and created a dual-sim iPhone. Many Android phones have that,
It is also important to note that the Google Pixel 4a box will come with a charging set, while the iPhone SE charging cable and adapter are sold separately.
Lastly, if consumers still prefer a phone with a headphone jack, Pixel 4a will have it at 3.5mm. While iPhone SE is more likely to stick with the Bluetooth-type headphones such as the Airpods.
What do you think is the better $399 deal? Let us know!
Images courtesy of Apple Newsroom