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;

The compact size, clean interface and great point-and-shoot camera of the Pixel 4a will appeal to those looking for an affordable, reasonably sized handset with enough grunt to handle the basics, plus the ability to capture some excellent pictures.

One-handed use possible; Powerful single camera; Headphone jack;

Mediocre battery life; No 5G (yet) or wireless charging; Cheaper-feeling design

If you’re after a small, affordable Android phone (£349/$349) with a nice screen, future proof software that’ll receive big updates for the next three years and a fantastically reliable camera then you’re not going to be disappointed with the Pixel 4a.

Great camera; Refreshingly small size for an Android phone; The promise of fast updates; Nice, sharp OLED screen; Affordable;

You’ll find competition with far larger spec sheets and feature lists; Some mild performance and touch latency hiccups; As well as being a Pro, the small screen might put some off;

The Pixel 4a might not tick all the techy boxes, but certainly has a unique charm that will appeal to many buyers.

Compact design; Great cameras; 3 years of Android updates;

No 5G; Screen limited to 60Hz;

The Pixel 3a was a game changer. When it came out last year, it was the only Android phone in its price range with guaranteed software updates and camera performance on par with significantly more expensive flagship handsets. But a year makes a big difference, especially this year, and while the new $349 Pixel 4a once again manages to be a strong offering for the price—particularly for shutterbugs—it isn't the same clear-cut winner as its predecessor. With fierce competition from the $399 Apple iPhone SE, the $599 Samsung Galaxy A71 5G, and even the $249 Motorola Moto G Power, the Pixel 4a is definitely the right midrange phone for many users, but not all of them.Design and Durability In terms of design, the Pixel 4a looks like a much more sophisticated version of its predecessor. The bezels have been trimmed down significantly thanks to a camera sensor located right in the top of the display, rather than above it. The phone measures 5.7 by 2.7 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs jus...

The Google Pixel 4a is one of the better midrange Android phones on the market, particularly for photo buffs.

Solid camera performance; Guaranteed software updates for three years; Refined design

Underwhelming display; Lacks wireless charging; Questionable durability

There’s a good chance you already know the Google Pixel 4a is cheap at $350, that the Android software is often upgraded and easy to use, and that the little phone is a solid enough everyday companion. You’ve probably also heard the camera is good too, but are you aware exactly how good it is? It’s so good that it’s really the only reason you should consider buying the Pixel 4a. Because here’s something else you may not know about the Pixel 4a: It’s a bit dull otherwise. I’ll explain. The Google Pixel 4a’s camera is staggering to the point of disbelief in terms of its ability, and it embarrasses cameras on phones that cost two or even three times what the Pixel 4a costs. There’s just one 12.2-megapixel camera on the back of the Pixel 4a. It’s a no-nonsense sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), and that’s about it. There’s no wide-angle mode, no optical telephoto mode (although it will digitally zoom in by cropping the image), and no fancy features like 8K video recording. Inst...

Superb camera; Great software; Regular software updates; Long battery life;

Dull, cheap design and materials; Screen disappoints;

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;

Diseño compacto; Grandes cámaras; 3 años de actualizaciones Android;

Sin conectividad 5G; Pantalla limitada a 60 Hz;

The Pixel 4a looks to have hit the sweet spot in terms of price and performance, offering a very capable phone and an excellent camera at a bargain price. There are some compromises along the way though, so be sure to weigh up the competition as well.

Another great camera, Really appealing price, Pure Google experience

No 5G, Relatively small screen, No telephoto zoom

But they are pricier, and for what you’re paying the Pixel 4a is a great handset. Though if you look beyond Google’s offerings you can get some very tempting alternatives for similar money, such as the OnePlus Nord and Moto G 5G Plus.

Flagship-quality camera, Great interface, Good value

Plastic back, 60Hz refresh rate, Average battery life