Google Pixel 3a review: Setting the standard for budget smartphones

Google has nailed the pricing for the Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

GOOGLE PIXEL 3A REVIEW • £399 (£469 for the Pixel 3a XL)

  • FOR – Retains arguably the best main smartphone camera around • Vibrant 5.6-inch OLED display • Runs Google’s version of Android and will receive new updates instantaneously • Stereo speakers • Headphone jack • Solid build
  • AGAINST – Display could be brighter • Not the most striking budget device on the market • Forgoes a wide-angle selfie sensor • Battery life is average

The Google Pixel 3a is an ambitious concept; deliver most of the best features boasted by the more premium Pixel 3 on a budget.

Pixel 3a is also arguably Google’s most vital phone release to date; the tech giant’s more premium Pixel device has not spiked in popularity in the way the firm might have hoped and therefore launching a cheaper handset could be a good way to introduce Android enthusiasts to all the great features the hardware line has to offer.

We are pleased to report then that the Pixel 3a not only preserves the vital ingredients of Google’s Pixel series, but it is the best Android phone you can buy on a budget. Period.

Before we dive into this review, it is worth noting Express.co.uk will be primarily focusing on the cheaper Pixel 3a, but much of what we say will also apply to the slightly larger, and more expensive, Pixel 3a XL.

Design and display

Google’s Pixel series has never won any awards for its design and the Pixel 3a is no different in this regard.

That is because, just like its more premium brothers, the Pixel 3a values function over form.

First of all, the Pixel 3a looks incredibly similar to the standard Pixel 3 when viewed from the rear; the hardware retains Google’s now signature two-tone design.

However, the biggest difference between the two comes from the fact the Pixel 3a has a polycarbonate rear, essentially plastic, rather than a glass one.

While not by much, the back of the Pixel 3a feels slightly less premium than the Pixel 3 and the use of different materials means the former is not capable of delivering wireless charging functionality.

It is also worth noting Pixel 3a has a different coloured lock button than Google’s more expensive offering; our white review unit had an orange key as opposed to the mint green one present on the standard Pixel 3.

A traditional fingerprint sensor is located on the rear of the Pixel 3a and works incredibly quickly.

Turning the phone over reveals its 5.6-inch OLED display that has the resolution of 2220×1080 and the density of 441-pixels-per-inch.

Google Pixel 3a review

The Pixel 3 is priced at just £399 (Image: Express Newspapers)

The Pixel 3a’s screen is the best we have ever seen on a budget phone; the panel oozes vibrancy and has great viewing angles.

The only real gripe we have with the display is the fact it does not get incredibly bright, meaning we sometimes had to really focus when viewing outdoors.

While the Pixel 3a does provide a notch-free viewing experience, it does have thick bezels on its top and bottom that certainly makes the device look slightly archaic when compared to its Chinese rivals that are chasing high screen-to-body ratios.

The borders also make the Pixel 3a feel like a larger device than necessary – however we were certainly able to perform most functions on it with one hand.

It is worth mentioning the budget device’s front panel is covered by Dragontrail glass, which is not considered to be as high in quality as the materials made by Corning.

However, during our period of usage we did not accumulate any scratches on the Pixel 3a, suggesting it still offers a decent level of protection.

Unlike the standard Pixel 3, the Pixel 3a does not have dual front-firing speakers with Google instead opting to output the majority of the phone’s sound at its bottom.

However, the important thing to note here is the fact the Pixel 3a still comes with stereo audio that, while it does not come close to outperforming its premium brothers, easily beats any other smartphone in its class.

Audio is clear at normal levels, offering punchy bass which certainly makes watching video much more appealing than on budget rivals.

At higher volumes the speakers sound slightly tinny, but this certainly does not significantly hinder the user experience.

A surprising advantage touted by the Pixel 3a when compared to normal Pixel 3 comes from the fact it has a 3.5 millimetre headphone jack located at the top of its chassis.

While this unfortunately results in no headphones being included with the product, it means Android fans are able to use existing wired headphones easily without the need for a dongle.

Although wireless headphones are cheaper and better than ever, we still appreciated having the option to use the established port during our testing.

One of the biggest differences between the Pixel 3a and the regular Pixel 3 is the fact the former only comes with a single 8-megapixel front-facing camera.

While this means the Pixel 3a does not allow for wide-angle selfies, Google has attempted to compensate for the fact by offering a greater field of the view with the budget device’s only front camera.

The 8-megapixel selfie shooter on the Pixel 3a offers an 84-degree field of view compared to the 75-degrees boasted by the Pixel 3’s standard front snapper.

Google Pixel 3a review

Pixel 3a comes in two models; the standard Pixel 3a and the Pixel 3a XL (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

The Pixel 3a’s screen is the best we have ever seen on a budget phone (Image: Express Newspapers)

For comparison, the Pixel 3’s wide-angle front lens offers a 107-degree field of view.

Another compromise made by the Pixel 3a in terms of design comes from its lack of water resistance.

But, it is worth noting the hardware does, just like the Pixel 3, allow for the Google Assistant to be summoned by squeezing the device.

Pixel 3a XL: The Pixel 3a XL comes with the same internals as its smaller brother but offers a slightly larger 6-inch screen that has a similar 1080p resolution.

It is worth noting however the Pixel 3a XL’s display does offer a marginally reduced density of 402-pixels-per inch.

However, during this outlet’s testing we were not able to notice any kind of quality difference in this regard between the two devices.

Google Pixel 3a review

The Google Pixel 3a has set a new standard for budget smartphones (Image: Express Newspapers)

Performance

This is the area we were most concerned about before we started using the Pixel 3a as our daily driver; the device is powered by a mid-tier processor in the form of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 670.

Joining the chipset under the hood of the Pixel 3a is 4GB of RAM and an Adreno 615 GPU.

Our performance worries were put to bed within seconds of using the Pixel 3a; the hardware offers laudably quick performance across Google’s Android 9 Pie operating system.

In fact, we were quite truly astounded at how fast and fluid everything is, to the point where we found it difficult distinguishing the device from the regular Pixel 3 in this regard.

Even under heavy loads the Pixel 3a never stuttered during our testing and was even able to play graphically intense games from the Google Play Store with next to no hiccups or frame rate dips.

Simply put, the Pixel 3a does not perform like a budget device and is surely a testament to the admirable levels of software optimisation Google has delivered here.

As expected, the phone runs the Mountain View firm’s version of Android, meaning there is no bloatware or duplicate apps for users to worry about.

Instead, the software is simple but contains a deluge of features for users to enjoy.

Google Pixel 3a review

Pixel 3a has a 3.5 millimetre headphone jack located at the top of its chassis (Image: Express Newspapers)

Our biggest problem with Google’s Android 9 Pie operating system in general stems from the way it deals with summoning the app drawer.

To perform the function, users need to perform a full swipe up from the home screen – however this ends up clashing with the half swipe required to open the software’s multitasking view.

The result of all this means during our testing we almost always had to swipe up on the Pixel 3a’s display twice to access our app list.

Our biggest worry with the Pixel 3a in terms of performance is longevity; the phone runs apps like a champion at the moment but we are concerned this may not be the case in a few months.

The Pixel 3 similarly felt buttery smooth when it debuted but was plagued by software issues in the months that followed, many of which were experienced by Express.co.uk.

However, Google has clearly spent months working tirelessly on optimisations that cater for the Pixel 3a’s mid-tier processor and we have confidence the company will continue to make sure the hardware runs smoothly.

The biggest benefit of purchasing the Pixel 3a over its budget competitors comes from its guaranteed and immediate Android software updates.

When the newest version of the operating system, Q, releases later this year the Pixel 3a will be first in line to obtain it.

Pixel 3a XL: The Pixel 3a XL boasts the same internals as the smaller Pixel 3a and similarly delivered laudably quick performance during our testing.

Google Pixel 3a review

Pixel 3a is also arguably Google’s most vital phone release to date (Image: Express Newspapers)

Battery

This is easily the most disappointing aspect of the Pixel 3a.

The handset comes with a modest 3,000mAh battery that never lasted us an entire day of intense usage.

Periods of streaming YouTube videos, taking pictures and messaging others proved to be too much for the budget device on a single charge, forcing us to find a power outlet at least once a day.

The single saving grace here is the fact the device comes with an 18W fast charger that is able to refill its cell incredibly quickly.

Google claims plugging the Pixel 3a in for 15 minutes can deliver seven hours of usage – while we did not find this to be completely accurate in our testing, the speed of power delivery offered was definitely commendable.

It is worth noting the Pixel 3a does not support any form of wireless charging.

Pixel 3a XL: The Pixel 3a XL actually comes with the largest battery ever put into a Pixel device.

The hardware touts a 3,700mAh capacity we found to be capable of delivering an entire day on moderate usage.

Still, the device does not come close to challenging endurance champions such as the Honor View 20 that only cost a fraction more.

Google Pixel 3a review

The Pixel 3a delivers stereo audio although the bulk of the phone’s sound comes from its bottom (Image: Express Newspapers)

Camera

Pixel 3a comes with the same 12.2-megapixel Dual Pixel Sony IMX363 rear camera as present on the regular Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL and therefore offers Android fans one of the best main sensors on a smartphone with arguably only the Huawei P30 Pro besting it.

That makes the Pixel 3a the only budget device on the market that does not jeopardise camera quality to deliver a low-cost for customers and Google should be congratulated for such a move.

But as is the case with all previous Pixels before it, the phone’s magnificent camera performance does not just stem from the hardware on offer, but equally relies on the American tech powerhouse’s advanced processing techniques to capture sublime shots.

The Pixel 3a does not come with Google’s signature Pixel Visual Core chip that is dedicated to photography and instead uses its standard internals to achieve the same levels of processing.

Taking a photo on the Pixel 3a takes slightly longer than on the snappier Pixel 3; once an image has been captured the user is typically forced to wait a couple of added seconds for the final image to be displayed on-screen.

Just like the Pixel 3, the Pixel 3a’s camera has a few defining characteristics: detail, sharpness and HDR.

Each is handled expertly by the Pixel 3a, but more important than this is the fact the device is exceptionally consistent.

No matter what the scenario, the Pixel 3a gives you confidence a superb photo can be taken.

Google Pixel 3a review

The Pixel 3a easily delivers the best smartphone camera on the market for its price (Image: Express Newspapers)

The Pixel 3a’s camera is happy to take slightly darker images that retain more information than a brighter shot that applies aggressive smoothing techniques.

While this does mean the phone’s photos can sometimes require a bit of retouching before they are ready to share with friends, family or the world on social media, we would certainly prefer this over a scenario in which details are not able to be showcased at all.

As our sample photos showcase, the Pixel 3a and the regular Pixel 3 take almost identical photos; we spent an entire afternoon capturing London landmarks on both and was unable to tell the difference between the two in most instances.

In some situations we did find the Pixel 3a took slightly better photos; in a couple instances where we took images of a subject with sky in the background the cheaper device more accurately dealt with light and was marginally sharper overall.

Pixel 3a also gets all the same software trickery as the standard Pixel 3; that means you get its absolutely jaw-dropping Night Sight mode that literally allows the phone to see in the dark for instance.

We adored this function when it first debuted last year and we have as much affection for it on the Pixel 3a.

Once again, taking snaps in low-light conditions takes slightly longer on the cheaper handset, but the results are well worth the wait; the device not only removes the need to ever use the phone’s flash, but it is capable of taking some seriously impressive photos.

While the Pixel 3a manages to outclass more premium rivals such as the Galaxy S10 and Huawei Mate 20 Pro where its primary shooter is concerned, the Achilles heel of all Pixel cameras is certainly their lack of diversity.

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3 (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3 (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3 (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3 (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3 (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample with standard field of view (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample with full zoom (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3 (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3 (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – Image taken on Pixel 3a (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a vs Pixel 3 – image taken on Pixel 3 (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample – Night Sight disabled (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample – Night Sight enabled (Image: Express Newspapers)

Google Pixel 3a review

Google Pixel 3a camera sample – Night Sight turned on (left) and off (right) (Image: Express Newspapers)

There is no telephoto or ultra wide-angle lens here, and while Google has attempted to combat the omission of the former with a technology called Super Res Zoom, this ultimately cannot compete with the camera arrays offered by other flagships on the market.

Selfies on the Pixel 3a are great; the device retains Google’s signature sharpness and detail in this regard and, as mentioned earlier, offers a wider field of the view than the standard snapper on the regular Pixel 3.

Although the ultra wide-angle front module from Google’s more expensive device is certainly missed, its absence cannot be argued with for the Pixel 3a’s price point.

When it comes to video, the Pixel 3a once again rises above all its immediate rivals and a plethora of other flagship devices on the market for that matter.

The device is limited to recording 4K at 30-frames-per-second but clip quality is great and we were particularly impressed with the stabilisation the phone is able to deliver.

Google’s biggest stumble with regard to the Pixel 3a’s camera system surrounds how content is backed up to its Photos app.

The firm is marketing the Pixel 3a as one that comes with unlimited photo storage but, while this is true, the firm is only providing this for media saved in “high” quality and not its original glory.

This is a feature you do get if you purchase the regular Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL.

While such a move seems negligible, being able to view original quality snaps with Google Photos from anywhere can be incredibly handy.

Pixel 3a XL: The Pixel 3a XL comes with the same camera system on its front and rear, which is to say it similarly takes some of the best photos on a smartphone.

Google Pixel 3a review

The Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will not be winning any awards for their design (Image: Express Newspapers)

Price

Google has nailed the pricing for the Pixel 3a; the hardware costs £399 and is an absolute steal.

Such a figure is lower than staunch rivals such as the OnePlus 6T and the same as the Honor View 20 for instance.

While the Pixel 3a does not have the same stylish looks on its front and rear as those mentioned above, it reigns supreme in the camera department and is still an incredibly fast device overall.

Pixel 3a is only available with 64GB of internal storage that unfortunately cannot be expanded.

Additionally, the product comes in three colours: white, black and purple-ish.

Pixel 3a XL is available in the same finishes and similarly touts 64GB of memory.

The larger product costs slightly more, coming in at £469.

Personally, we not only think the standard Pixel 3a is the better value of the two for its more tantalising price tag, but we found it easier to use with one hand thanks to its smaller, and most importantly thinner, form factor.

Google Pixel 3a review

Pixel 3a (Image: DX)

Verdict

The Google Pixel 3a has set a new standard for budget smartphones and the American tech powerhouse should be heavily praised for such an accomplishment.

The phone makes expected compromises but, unlike its competitors, delivers them in all the right areas.

Pixel 3a does not have an appealing design, but during our testing we simply did not care because it was too busying wowing us with its esteemed camera system and rapid performance.

The Google Pixel 3a is stupendous and should be the go-to for anyone shopping for a smartphone on a budget.

Source link