iPhone SE vs. Pixel 4a comparison: Does Google’s mid-range smartphone stand a chance against Apple's A13-powered contender?

Those who have been hoping to upgrade to a budget-friendly smartphone can finally make a decent comparison between Apple and Google’s newest mid-range offerings. With the Pixel 4a finally announced, they can now determine if it stands a chance against the iPhone SE that is powered by the same processor as the latest premium iPhones.

iPhone SE vs. Pixel 4a CPU, RAM, and storage options

One of the things that will always set iPhone SE apart from the other mid-range smartphones this year is that it is powered by the A13 Bionic, which is the same chip on the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models. This aspect alone says plenty about the capacities of the device and its likely long-term compatibility with new iOS updates in the coming years.

Pixel 4a, on the other hand, is equipped with the Snapdragon 730 which is as mid-range as it can be. However, the device makes up for it with a higher standard RAM of 6GB compared to iPhone SE’s 3GB. The latter’s storage options range from 64GB, 128GB, to 256GB while Pixel 4a’s option is limited to just a 128GB storage.

iPhone SE vs. Pixel 4a cameras

The iPhone SE may look like the iPhone 8, but having the A13 allowed it to have a better camera feature. The presence of the A13 means it has the Portrait mode like in the iPhone 11 series allowing the device to “intelligently” blur the background of the image in one tap.

Smartphone fans should also not dismiss the Pixel 4a camera. Even though it is just a single-lens module, it features the same dual-pixel 12.2MP wide sensor found on the Pixel 4 models. Google promises that its new mid-range device is also capable of capturing good-looking photos in low-light environments without using the flash.

iPhone SE vs. Pixel 4a battery

There is a huge difference between the iPhone SE and Pixel 4a batteries. Apple smartphones are not known for packing batteries with hefty milliampere-hour capacities, and the iPhone SE is not an exemption. It has a 1,821mAh battery while Pixel 4a’s is measured at 3,140mAh. iPhone SE’s clear advantage, however, is the support for Qi wireless charging that is missing from the Pixel 4a.

iPhone SE vs. Pixel 4a body, color variants

What makes Qi wireless charging an option on the iPhone SE is the component used to build its shell. Its body sports glass panels on the front and back along with an aluminum frame. The Pixel 4a has plastic materials on its back and frame.

Those who value the appearance of a smartphone may have to give a point to the iPhone SE as it comes with three color variants: Black, White, and Red. The Pixel 4a was previously rumored to have at least two color options, but the staple Just Black color is the only option announced and available for pre-order at $349. Apple’s mid-range device’s price starts at $399.