Pixel 4a Vs Galaxy A51 Two Years Later Is The Pixel Still Worth It

When the Google Pixel 4a launched in August 2020, it was hailed as one of the best mid-range smartphones for photography and software experience. Around the same time, Samsung’s Galaxy A51 offered a more balanced hardware package with broader availability. Now, two years later, both devices are considered legacy models. Yet many users still rely on them daily. The real question isn’t just which phone was better at launch—but whether the Pixel 4a still holds up against the Galaxy A51 in 2023 and beyond.

This comparison dives into long-term performance, software support, camera longevity, battery life degradation, and real-world usability to determine if the Pixel 4a remains a smart choice—or if the Galaxy A51 offers better value over time.

Performance and Hardware: Two Different Philosophies

The Pixel 4a and Galaxy A51 were built with different priorities. The Pixel focused on clean software, excellent cameras, and timely updates—all powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G. The Galaxy A51 took a more conventional approach with Samsung’s Exynos 9611 (in most regions), paired with a larger battery and display.

On paper, the Exynos 9611 isn't weaker than the Snapdragon 730G, but in practice, especially over time, the difference becomes apparent. The Snapdragon chip, optimized for stock Android, handles multitasking and background processes more efficiently. After two years of use, Pixel 4a owners report fewer stutters and smoother app launches—particularly in messaging apps and browsers.

In contrast, the Galaxy A51 runs Samsung’s One UI, which overlays heavy customization on top of Android. While feature-rich, this skin demands more RAM and storage overhead. Over time, with system bloat and slower update rollouts, the A51 shows signs of lag, especially when switching between multiple apps or using newer versions of social media platforms.

Tip: If you're holding onto either device, disable unused pre-installed apps and widgets to reclaim memory and improve responsiveness.

Software Updates and Longevity

Google promises three years of OS and security updates for its Pixel phones. The Pixel 4a launched with Android 10 and received upgrades to Android 11, 12, and 13—with monthly security patches through late 2023. This means that even today, the Pixel 4a supports modern apps, privacy features, and encryption standards critical for secure browsing and banking.

Samsung has improved its update policy in recent years, but the Galaxy A51 only received two major OS updates (up to Android 12) and security patches until mid-2022. By 2023, it no longer receives official updates, leaving it vulnerable to emerging threats and incompatible with some newer app requirements.

“Phones don’t age just because of battery wear—they age when they stop receiving updates. That’s when functionality starts to erode.” — David Kim, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

For users concerned about digital safety or relying on mobile work tools, the lack of ongoing support on the A51 is a growing liability. The Pixel 4a, despite its age, remains compliant with current enterprise and consumer app ecosystems thanks to continued patching.

Camera Quality Over Time: Where the Pixel Still Shines

The Pixel 4a’s 12.2MP rear camera was exceptional in 2020, and two years later, it continues to outperform the Galaxy A51’s 48MP quad-camera array in real-world conditions. Why? Because megapixels aren’t everything—the quality of image processing matters more over time.

Google’s computational photography algorithms, including HDR+ and Night Sight, are still highly effective. Even under low light or high contrast, the Pixel delivers natural color balance, accurate skin tones, and minimal noise. More importantly, Google hasn’t degraded these features in updates; instead, it refined them.

The Galaxy A51’s camera setup includes a main sensor, ultra-wide, macro, and depth lens. In daylight, photos look vibrant—sometimes overly saturated. But in dim lighting, images become grainy, details blur, and autofocus slows down significantly. Over time, firmware limitations and lack of optimization mean these issues haven’t improved.

Feature	Pixel 4a	Galaxy A51
Main Camera	12.2MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel PDAF	48MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Night Mode	Excellent, fast processing	Available, but slow and noisy
Front Camera	8MP, f/2.0	32MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	4K@30fps, steady stabilization	4K@30fps, noticeable shake
Software Tuning (2023)	Still actively optimized	No further improvements

Battery Life and Degradation Patterns

The Galaxy A51 came with a 4,000mAh battery versus the Pixel 4a’s 3,140mAh. On paper, that’s a significant advantage. However, actual endurance depends on screen size, software efficiency, and battery health after prolonged use.

In real-world testing after two years, many A51 units show faster capacity loss due to continuous full-screen usage and heavier background services. Users report needing midday charges even with moderate use. The Pixel 4a, while starting with less capacity, benefits from a smaller OLED panel and aggressive Doze mode, often lasting a full day on older batteries.

That said, battery replacement is easier and cheaper for the A51 due to wider service availability. For the Pixel 4a, third-party replacements exist but require precision due to adhesive sealing and fingerprint sensor integration.

Real-World Example: Daily Use After 24 Months

Jamie, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used the Pixel 4a as her secondary device for client previews and social media posting. She bought it in 2020 alongside her main DSLR. Two years later, she still uses it daily. “It doesn’t have the biggest battery,” she says, “but I trust the camera to show clients accurate colors. And since it got Android 13, my banking apps finally stopped giving me errors.”

Her friend Alex, who chose the Galaxy A51 for its bigger screen and expandable storage, upgraded in early 2023. “It started slowing down last year. Apps like Instagram would crash constantly. Once it stopped getting updates, I felt uneasy using it for anything important.”

Maintenance Checklist for Extending Smartphone Lifespan

If you’re still using either device, follow this checklist to maximize performance and longevity:

• Clear cache regularly: Go to Settings > Storage > Internal Storage > Cached Data and clear every month.
• Limit background apps: Disable auto-start for non-essential apps in Developer Options or App Settings.
• Use adaptive brightness: Reduces strain on the display and saves power.
• Update manually: Check for pending security patches weekly if automatic updates fail.
• Factory reset (if sluggish): Back up data and wipe the device to restore near-original speed.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Heat accelerates battery degradation—don’t leave phones in cars or direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pixel 4a still getting updates?

Yes. The Pixel 4a received Android 13 and will continue receiving monthly security patches until at least October 2023. Some users may see extended support depending on regional rollout schedules.

Can the Galaxy A51 run Android 13?

No. Samsung did not provide an Android 13 update for the Galaxy A51. The final OS version is Android 12 with One UI 4.1.

Which phone has better resale value now?

The Pixel 4a generally retains higher resale value due to its reputation for clean software and superior camera. However, availability of functional units affects market price—many A51s are sold as “used with issues” due to screen burn-in and swelling batteries.

Final Verdict: Is the Pixel 4a Still Worth It?

After two years, the Pixel 4a proves that thoughtful design and consistent software support can outlast raw hardware specs. While the Galaxy A51 offered more on paper—a larger screen, bigger battery, and extra cameras—it falters in long-term reliability, update support, and overall user experience.

The Pixel 4a may be compact, lack a headphone jack (despite marketing), and have modest processing power, but its strengths lie where they matter most: camera consistency, update cadence, and smooth Android integration. For anyone seeking a dependable second phone, a minimalist daily driver, or a budget option with trustworthy performance, the Pixel 4a remains a compelling choice—even in 2023.

If you already own a well-maintained Pixel 4a, there’s little reason to upgrade immediately. For those considering buying one secondhand, ensure the battery health is above 80% and verify it’s updated to Android 13. With proper care, it can easily serve another year or more without compromise.

🚀 Still using your 2020 phone? Share your experience below. How has your Pixel 4a or Galaxy A51 held up? Your story could help others decide what really lasts.