Apple iPhone 17 vs Google Pixel 4a
The Verdict
The Apple iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 4a sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Google Pixel 4a is the cheaper of the two at $349 versus $799, a difference of about $450. The Apple iPhone 17 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPhone 17 stands out for a19 chip with improved efficiency, while Google Pixel 4a is praised for incredible value at $349. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 if…
- →A19 chip with improved efficiency
- →Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- →48MP main camera with improved processing
Buy the Google Pixel 4a if…
- →Incredible value at $349
- →Same 12.2 MP camera quality as Pixel 4
- →Headphone jack retained
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 17
Pros
- A19 chip with improved efficiency
- Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- 48MP main camera with improved processing
- ProMotion 120Hz display
Cons
- Still only 27W wired charging
- No telephoto lens
- 8GB RAM vs 12GB on Pro models
Google Pixel 4a
Pros
- Incredible value at $349
- Same 12.2 MP camera quality as Pixel 4
- Headphone jack retained
- Compact and lightweight at 143 g
- Clean stock Android with fast updates
Cons
- No water resistance rating
- 60Hz display
- No wireless charging
- Single rear camera only
- Plastic build feels cheap
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 | Google Pixel 4a |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 19 | Android 10 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 174 g | 143 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield 2 | Polycarbonate unibody |
| IP rating | IP68 | No official rating |
| Dimensions | 147 x 71 x 7.8 mm | 144 x 69.4 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP, f/1.6, OIS | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 24 MP, f/1.9, Center Stage | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Cinematic mode | 4K@30fps |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3600 mAh | 3140 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 18W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 5.81 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | 6-core | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz + 6x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | 5-core GPU | Adreno 618 |
| Chipset | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Google products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 17 or the Google Pixel 4a.