Have you considered installing a custom ROM? That's what I do especially if the phone is still totally functional. It looks like Lineage supports the 4A https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/sunfish/

Im starting to think that this whole "security updates support" is just another layer of planned obsolescence. Perfectly running phones with hardware that works just fine and could surely easily support any future security update, becoming "obsolete" simply because the manufacturer does not release updates these "security updates" anymore.

If the hardware is still great, how about installing LineageOS? Here's the direct link to LineageOS for the Pixel 4a: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/sunfish/. I've been using LineageOS on all the old devices which are supported, mostly OnePlus and Nexus devices. Lightweight, and does everything I need.

Install LineageOS on it, and keep using it (or have it as a spare backup phone).

Congrats on making it to 3 years without breaking your screen.

As the others have suggested, i would install lineage with open G apps instead of buying a new phone.

I have a 4a/5G and speaking of security, I would like to get off the Google spyverse, so I may try replacing Android with real Linux DE, there are a handfull available. All the pixel phones are compatible for replacing.

Google changed its latest privacy police to add total filtering of your info via AI. If that isn't a "security" concern, it is definetely a privacy one.

If you do want to stay on the Google gravy train, a 7a would be a good replacement. Google has lengthened their support window on new Pixels from 3yrs to 5yrs.

like many have already said, a custom ROM is a pretty good option. Aside from LineageOS, I'd recommend DivestOS which is a fork with some security and privacy enhancements

I had the 4a as well. Bought a Pixel 6a directly from the Google Store, traded-in my 4a and got some money back. That way I only paid like 200 bucks for the 6a.

Changing your phone just because it doesn't have security updates anymore is a bad idea. Not only those security issues are very likely to be almost impossible to encounter in real life, it will also create more e-waste we definitely don't need.

As suggested, install a custom ROM if you're worried, otherwise just enjoy your phone it will still work perfectly for 2+ years.

I've been on a Samsung A13 5G for about a year and a half. I switched to Samsung after I dropped my Pixel 5a one single time, and the phone totaled itself...

The A series is alright. My A13 isn't too laggy or anything, and Samsung sends out monthly updates just like Google does. The only thing is I'm not sure how long Samsung supports each of their A devices.

Of course there are compromises that Samsung makes with their A series, since it's a budget line. Like I think the A13 has a 720p screen iirc, which is kind of lame. So just be sure to check all the specs of whatever A series phones you're considering.

But overall, I've been happy enough with Samsung, and would recommend them. I'm probably going to stick with their A series for my next phone.

Pixel 7a is really nice, and the 6a goes on sale pretty cheap if you can find it in stock

I have a fairphone I am very happy with.

I don't feel safe trusting my bank accounts and so on to a phone without security updates

You're more responsible than I am. I'm rocking a Pixel 4XL which Google cut loose last year. I mostly use Google apps, which are still updated, so I feel secure enough.

I'm in a similar situation. My Pixel3 is the only phone I have that can install a banking app, but my Nexus 6 still gets monthly security updates via LineageOS. Since Google wants me to repla e phones every few years, when one of these dies, I'm getting an A14 5G. On a cost per year of running everything including apps that block custom ROMs, Pixels are far too pricey. I think they envy Apple their pricing, but don't do support.

And as long as I'll have to get a phone, I want newer radios.

I am in the same boat. Since the size of the phone is a major draw for me, I will hold out for the zenfone 10. Ive never been too impressed with the 4a, but it was the smallest decent phone I could get at the time.

Totally would’ve continued using my Pixel 2 beyond the 3,5 year mark, but yeah, software support and security updates are kinda important. Also the next to impossible to replace battery didn’t make things any easier, usually I would have replaced it and passed the phone to somebody like my grandparents who only use it for WhatsApp calling.

I would say as someone who's moved from a Pixel 7A from a 4A, don't waste your money. The fingerprint sensor is absolute shite (they moved away from the dedicated sensor) and I would say the phone runs too hot. Maybe if you don't care about those things, it's fine.

The 4A was (still is?) a far better phone overall.