Pixel 6 is coming, but should you buy a Google Pixel 3, 4 or 5 instead? – CNET [CNET]

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Straight Android, no chaser

After I went pure Android, the way Google intended, I could never go back. Duplicate apps and tons of nonremovable carrier bloatware are but a distant memory. Pixel phones are also the first to get Android OS and security updates. That’s not usually the case with Samsung or OnePlus devices. And the fact that I’m a Google Fi cellular subscriber often narrows my phone replacement options. All that makes getting a Pixel, any Pixel, my chosen path.

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Choice 2: Pixel 4A

The Pixel 4A comes with the Snapdragon 730G, a better processor than the 3 XL. You also get 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal memory and promised software updates from Google up until August 2023. Not a bad deal for $349 — it’s a compelling option. Still, I could do better.

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Choice 4: Pixel 4A 5G

This is the phone I ultimately selected because it’s a perfect compromise of price, performance and potential. Back when I ordered my Pixel 4A 5G in June, I was able to snatch one for $500 through Google Fi. Right now, Amazon has the model in clearly white listed at $499. It’s out of stock for the moment but should come back soon.

With the same Snapdragon 765G processor as the Pixel 5, 128GB storage and 6GB of RAM, the Pixel 4A 5G also packs a punch. It supports 5G wireless and has a bigger battery than the classic Pixel 4A, too.

Google expects to provide Pixel 4A 5G software updates until November 2023 — oddly, one month longer than the Pixel 5. All that made this phone the clear choice for me. Of course, I’ll revisit my decision once the Pixel 6 launches.