The Google Pixel 3a is a mid-range smartphone that offers a compelling combination of affordability, exceptional camera performance, and a pure Android experience. In this review, we’ll explore the key features of the Pixel 3a and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. I use a Google Pixel 3a as my deGoogled phone to run LineageOS, enhancing its privacy and functionality.
Design and Build Quality
- The Pixel 3a features a familiar design language with a polycarbonate unibody construction, which feels solid and durable in hand.
- Its 5.6-inch OLED display is surrounded by noticeable bezels, giving it a more traditional look compared to newer smartphones with slim bezels or notches.
- The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor provides quick and reliable biometric authentication, adding a layer of security to the device.
Despite being made of plastic, the Pixel 3a’s build quality is commendable. It doesn’t feel cheap, and its 147g weight makes it comfortable to hold and use. The phone’s design might not turn heads, but it’s practical and functional.
Display
- The Pixel 3a’s OLED display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, providing an enjoyable viewing experience for multimedia content.
- With a resolution of 2220 x 1080 pixels, the display is sharp and crisp, making text and images appear clear and detailed.
- While it lacks features like HDR support, the display performs admirably in various lighting conditions, thanks to its adaptive brightness and color accuracy.
The 5.6-inch display may seem modest by today’s standards, but it offers a pixel density of 441ppi, which is more than sufficient for most users. The lack of HDR support is a downside, but the display’s overall quality is impressive for a mid-range device.
Camera Performance
- The Pixel 3a inherits the same exceptional camera prowess found in its flagship counterpart, featuring a 12.2-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera.
- Google’s AI-powered computational photography algorithms work wonders, producing stunning photos with impressive detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy.
- The Night Sight mode enables users to capture bright and clear photos in low-light environments, surpassing the capabilities of many other smartphones in this price range.
- The Portrait Mode effectively blurs the background to create professional-looking portraits, adding a touch of elegance to your photos.
The camera is arguably the standout feature of the Pixel 3a. It delivers flagship-level photo quality, which is impressive given the device’s price point. According to DxOMark, the Pixel 3a’s camera scored an impressive 101 in their rankings, outperforming several more expensive devices.
Performance and Software
- Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor and 4GB of RAM, the Pixel 3a delivers smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.
- Stock Android 10 enhances the user experience with its clean and intuitive interface, free from bloatware and unnecessary clutter.
- Google’s commitment to providing timely software updates ensures that Pixel 3a users receive the latest features, security patches, and improvements, prolonging the device’s longevity.
Although the Snapdragon 670 isn’t a powerhouse, it’s more than capable for typical use cases. The Pixel 3a’s clean, stock Android experience further enhances performance by eliminating the bloatware often found on other devices. As a user of LineageOS on this device, I can attest to the smooth and stable performance, even with a focus on privacy and minimal Google services.
Battery Life
- The Pixel 3a is powered by a 3,000mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life under moderate usage.
- While it may not offer the longest battery life compared to some competitors, the device supports fast charging via the included 18W charger, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed.
Battery life is adequate, typically lasting a full day with mixed usage. In a battery test by Android Authority, the Pixel 3a lasted 9 hours and 12 minutes of screen-on time, which is competitive within its category.
Connectivity and Other Features
- The Pixel 3a supports 4G LTE connectivity, providing reliable network performance for voice calls, internet browsing, and streaming.
- NFC capabilities enable contactless payments via Google Pay, adding convenience and security to transactions.
- The inclusion of a headphone jack is a welcome feature for users who prefer wired headphones or external audio devices.
One of the practical aspects of the Pixel 3a is its inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. The phone also includes NFC for contactless payments, ensuring it meets modern connectivity standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 3a offers an outstanding value proposition with its exceptional camera performance, clean software experience, and reliable hardware. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles found in flagship smartphones, its combination of affordability and premium features makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on quality. When paired with LineageOS, it becomes a privacy-focused device that doesn’t sacrifice functionality, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a deGoogled Android experience.
References: Google, TechRadar, Android Authority, DxOMark
