More than five weeks after the Google Pixel 4a went on sale, it’s finally available to buy in the UK. The phone has come to market much later than originally planned, with the immense impact of the coronavirus pandemic thought to be to blame.
The Pixel 4a builds on the strong performance of its predecessor, with an updated design which makes it more in keeping with the flagship Pixel 4 range. Elsewhere, the phone retains a best-in-class rear camera, full HD screen and even 3.5mm headphone jack, making it a compelling option in the competitive mid-range market.
Despite the device sporting a more durable polycarbonate build than flagship Pixels, it’s still worth throwing on a case to keep it in top condition. Here are our favourites.
Official Google Fabric
Like the phone itself, Google has kept the official Pixel 4a case lineup relatively straightforward.
The highlight has to be its Fabric range, which has been custom knit to fit the phone. Made from over 70% recycled material, the case provides excellent support and adds lots of grip to the device. It’s even machine washable, making it easy to keep clean.
We particularly like the eye-catching Blue Confetti variant (pictured), but it’s also available in Static Gray or Basically Black if you’d prefer.
You can buy it now for £35/ US$40.
Otterbox Symmetry
If you’d rather not obscure the attractive Pixel 4a design, Otterbox’s Symmetry is a great option.
This clear plastic case is incredibly easy to install and has been fortified with drop protection, meaning it can stand up to everyday wear and tear.
There are also raised bumpers to protect the screen, all while adding very little bulk to the device.
You can buy it now for £29.99/ US$49.95.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid
Spigen is a staple of our case round-ups, and with good reason: the build quality is always excellent.
The Ultra Hybrid is a little less rugged than some of the company’s other options but doesn’t compromise on protection. The case has been tested to provide military-grade protection, while Air Cushion technology helps preserve all four corners of the device.
The ‘Hybrid’ name refers to its clear back and minimalistic look, providing a great blend of style and substance.
You can buy it now for £11.99/ US$24.99.
UAG Scout
UAG are specialists in rugged cases, and with the Scout Series that’s no different.
The exterior is made from lightweight TPU, which provides military-grade protection without adding extra bulk to the device.
Its rugged nature provides another key benefit, with the non-slip design providing plenty of extra grip. On the inside, the soft core gives the case great impact resistance.
There’s a raised screen surround for all-around protection, while it’s still compatible with wireless charging and Google Pay.
You can buy it for £24.99/ US$29.95.
Bellroy Leather
For an extra touch of class, you can’t go wrong with this Bellroy case.
Made from environmentally certified leather that ages well, it provides excellent shock absorption for the Pixel 4a. The tough exterior helps protect the device from bumps and drops, while the soft microfibre lining cushions the phone itself.
We particularly like the Caramel variant pictured, but it’s also available in Black and Coral.
You can buy it now for £35, although it’s currently unavailable in the US.
Pela Eco-Friendly
Described as “the world’s first truly sustainable phone case”, Pela’s eco-friendly cases are made from flax shive and a plant-based polymer, making them 100% compostable.
That doesn’t mean they compromise on durability though, with official drop tests suggesting phones can survive 20ft drops with a Pela case on. As you can imagine, that means it can easily cope with the drops and scratches you might associate with everyday usage.
If that’s not enough, Pela also donates a percentage of every sale to Ocean Cleanup and Preservation Initiatives. If you’re not a fan of the green case pictured, there are plenty of other case options to choose from.
You can buy it for US$39.95 (approx. £31.10) although Pela does ship internationally for a small fee.
Caseology Parallax
The Caseology Parallax has been featured in our round-ups in the past, but we just had to include it again.
The key feature of this case is the unique 3D pattern on the back, which is only accentuated by the Purple version pictured (it’s also available in blue, pink and black).
However, the combination of a soft TPU body and protective frame gives it excellent drop protection. There’s also anti-shock protection, meaning the phone will stay safe from everyday scratches and bumps.
You can buy it now from Amazon for £12.99/ US$14.99.
You’ve seen the cases, but what if you haven’t ordered the phone itself yet? Check out our guide on where to pre-order the Pixel 4a.
There’s also a 5G version on the way, but that’s expected to have larger screen size and so cases won’t fit both models.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.