Rating 4.3 49 reviews

Google are making big strides in the smartphone field. The Pixel 3a is a prime example. It's the budget version of the standard Pixel 3 model. 

First things first

The first impression of any phone is the display; the Pixel 3a comes with a 5.6 inch FHD+ OLED display that Google promises will "take your viewing experience to a whole new level".

A camera that performs magic tricks

At first glance the camera specs might not stand out; a 12.2 MP rear camera and 8MP front camera. Where the camera set up really impresses is the range of tricks it lets you perform. This includes Night Sight, which delivers rich detail and colour in the dark. Depth Editor lets you adjust the depth of field so you can focus on the most important things, while Colour Pop makes the background turn black and white while the subject stands out in vivid colour.

Protect the sensitive stuff

Protecting sensitive data is of increasing concern. In the Pixel 3a, Google’s custom-made Titan M security chip will protect what’s important to you. 

Why worry about storage? Storage is virtually unlimited in the Pixel 3a, thanks to Google Photos. You can save all your photos and videos in high quality without worrying how much space they take up. 

Google is at your service

One of the best things about a Google phone is Google Assistant. You can send texts, get answers to curly question, set reminders and much more. To get all the help you need, just ask, or give your Pixel a squeeze.

Pixel power

The battery promises upto 30 hours of life. Pixel’s Adaptive Battery learns your favourite apps and reduces power to the ones you use less often. Meanwhile, performance power comes from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor.

A newer model Google Pixel 4a 128GB was released in September 2020.

Manufacturer: Google
price $254.00 - $474.00
THE INQUIRER
7 years ago

Google Pixel 3a review

Rather than see these phones as Pixel-Lite models, we'd say they are more like a new generation of Nexus phones, showcasing the potential of Android without breaking the bank, only this time with Google's hand firmly on the hardware design tiller.
Pros:
  • One of the best phone cameras around, best display on a Pixel phone to date, 3.5mm headphone jack is back.
Cons:
  • No special hardware features, waterproofing is gone, Pixel 3a XL doesn't add much.
Read more on THE INQUIRER
AndroidPIT
7 years ago

Google Pixel 3a review: everything in its place

With the Pixel 3a , Google is this year also entering in the highly competitive middle class. But what losses do you have to accept in comparison to the more expensive Pixel 3 Fewer than expected, as our test of the latest Pixel smartphone shows.
Pros:
  • Handy format
  • Stereo speakers
  • Top camera
  • Solid battery life
Cons:
  • No wireless charging
  • Restricted storage space
  • Old-fashioned design
Read more on AndroidPIT
Pocket Lint
7 years ago

Google Pixel 3a review: The 'Lite' Pixel still brings camera clout

We like that Google has opted to build a more affordable version of its pure Android smartphones, and even used some smart artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure the camera and performance is pretty much the same as the pricier models (save for some behind-the-scenes slower processing times).
Pros:
  • Clean and smooth software experience
  • Great point-and-shoot camera
  • Fast charging is useful
Cons:
  • Quite expensive given its specs/features
  • Plastic build feels a bit cheap
  • No wireless charging
Read more on Pocket Lint
Stuff.tv
7 years ago

Google Pixel 3a review

Hardware hopefuls aren't going to be blown away by the Pixel 3a - it's even less adventurous than the Pixel 3 (or the XL version, at least), a step backwards to bezels instead of notches. But if that's what it takes to get Google's purest form of Android for under £400, it sounds like a fair trade to us. Camera image quality has arguably never been better at this price, but let's be honest, Android Pie is really the star here. It's the purest form of Google's OS yet. There's a hint of Google's old Nexus programme here: well-rounded hardware that might not be the best-looking, or have the most features, but is genuinely affordable and has software that's practically on par with iOS for consistent experience and ease of use. Sure, the phone world has largely moved on to skinny screens and multi-lens cameras. You don't get any of that here. The vanilla Pixel 3 has also been out long enough now that there's not a massive gulf in price between the two, so the 3a isn't an outright bargain. And if a shortened spec sheet and simplistic design aren't your thing? There's always the Samsung Galaxy S10 - just be prepared to pay for it.
Pros:
  • Fantastic camera image quality in all conditions
  • Stock Android with guaranteed updates
  • Brilliant all-round mid-ranger
Cons:
  • Budget rivals have ditched display bezels
  • Single camera not as flexible as multi-lens competition
  • Plastic build not for everyone
Read more on Stuff.tv
Wired
7 years ago

At Just $400, Google's Pixel 3A Nails What Matters Most

Google put everything that matters in these phones—for just $400.
Pros:
  • Half the price of a high-end phone. Looks, works, and feels like plenty premium. Cameras rock, and Night Sight produces the best night shots I’ve seen. Doesn’t slip, slide, or break quite as easily as phones with a glass back. Fast charging. There's a headphone jack!
Cons:
  • Display does not stretch from top to bottom. No wireless charging. Mid-range processor. No MicroSD slot. Splash and rain resistant, but not waterproof.
Read more on Wired
IT PRO
7 years ago

Google Pixel 3a review: A budget-friendly behemoth

The Pixel 3a is an unbelievably impressive phone, considering the price. Google has managed to retain all the things that made the original Pixel 3 great. The trademark Pixel camera remains which will please the brand's faithful, and it returns with even more intelligence than before, without...
Pros:
  • Intelligence in every corner
  • Colour accurate display
  • Impressive and unchanged camera
Cons:
  • Night Sight is somewhat unreliable
Read more on IT PRO
Livemint
7 years ago

Google Pixel 3a review: Where do you go from here

After making Pixel smartphones for three years, Google wants to widen its range. But while the company is making a cheaper variant, it's rather guarded in its approach.
Read more on Livemint
Trusted Reviews
7 years ago

Google Pixel 3a Hands on: a lower cost Pixel that's easy to like

The Google Pixel 3a might be the perfect antidote to the £1000 smartphone – and an answer to Google's dwindling smartphone sales. With flagship devices commanding ever higher prices, and people choosing to upgrade their phones far less in general, cheaper handsets are becoming more important.
Read more on Trusted Reviews
Gizmodo
7 years ago

The $650 Google Pixel 3a Completely Redefines Great Bang For Your Buck

Last year, the Pixel 3 proved that it's possible to use software to create a thoughtful phone that's just as powerful, and sometimes easier to use than competitors crammed full of the latest high-end components.
Read more on Gizmodo
Brisbane Times
7 years ago

Google Pixel 3a review

On the plus side, many will be thrilled to hear that these phones mark the return of the 3.5mm headphone jack to Google phones. Battery life was, in my testing, excellent. The 3a and 3a XL feature bigger batteries than the flagship, and likely aren't as power hungry thanks to less powerful...
Read more on Brisbane Times
4.3 from 49 reviews
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9.0%
4
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3
6.0%
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