The Pixel range has long been our top choice for anyone wanting the purest form of Android, even when rivals offer more cutting edge hardware. That's still true here: the Pixel 4a is everything you could need from an affordable phone - but nothing more. That's a problem when the OnePlus Nord offers superior specs for hardly any more cash. 5G support and a high refresh rate screen are both tasty additions, even if camera quality isn't quite on par with Google's algorithmic excellence. There's real appeal to the Pixel 4a's pocket-friendly dimensions, though, and it's comfortably among the best phones for photography - at any price. If you don't mind making a few spec sheet sacrifices, it leaves very little not to like.
Streamlined Android experience with guaranteed updates; Camera quality competes with flagship rivals; All-day battery life;
Few standout features on the hardware front; Plastic build gives away budget nature; Expandable storage still a no-go;