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...
Intelligence in every corner; Colour accurate display; Impressive and unchanged camera
Night Sight is somewhat unreliable
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).
Clean and smooth software experience; Great point-and-shoot camera; Fast charging is useful
Quite expensive given its specs/features; Plastic build feels a bit cheap; No wireless charging
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.
Fantastic camera image quality in all conditions; Stock Android with guaranteed updates; Brilliant all-round mid-ranger;
Budget rivals have ditched display bezels; Single camera not as flexible as multi-lens competition; Plastic build not for everyone;
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.
One of the best phone cameras around, best display on a Pixel phone to date, 3.5mm headphone jack is back.
No special hardware features, waterproofing is gone, Pixel 3a XL doesn't add much.
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