We're at the stage where mid-range and budget phones now offer some very, very compelling options, while flagship handsets are finding it harder to justify their (ever spiraling) top-end prices.

Surprisingly good. The Pixel 3a ties in with the virtues of the Google Nexus devices of the past: It is compact, offers good performance and it is affordable. But there is one important difference between the Google Pixel 3a and the old Nexus smartphones. Find out what it is in our review.

attractive OLED panel, fast Wi-Fi, very good speakers, good vibration motor, cameras

display brightness, weak SoC for this price range, small battery, plastic case

When it comes to smartphones, it’s easy to get caught up on the “more is best” treadmill. More megapixels, more gigabytes and gigahertz, more camera sensors… and more money, of course. Then along comes the Google Pixel 3a and slams the emergency stop button.

Best camera in its class, Very affordable, Pure Android promises timely updates, Design doesn't suffer for the budget, All-day battery, despite the size

No waterproofing, Wireless charging is missing, Processor can't keep up with flagship phones

While it lacks some of the Pixel 3's features, the Pixel 3a is astonishingly good value for money when you consider the quality of the camera and the performance of the hardware. At £400, this is a must-buy for anyone shopping on a budget

Amazing camera, Stock Android, Good screen, Fantastic price

No water resistance, No wireless charging

Camera is remarkable for a $499 phone; Display is big and vibrant; It has a headphone jack!;

No internal or expandable storage options; Doesn't use Pixel Visual Core ISP;

You simply can't get a smartphone with a better camera at $399.

Incredible pricing, Big and vibrant OLED displays, Fantastic cameras, Has a headphone jack, Clean bloat-free Android 9 Pie

Slower Night Sight processing, No wireless charging, Slower performance especially for AR, No IP rating

Having told you about a far larger Google offering the 3XL in February as summer turns to autumn a smaller more compact offering crosses my desk this may suit those who have slightly smaller hands or pockets both cost and size.

I think that the Pixel 3a is a fantastic phone. It ticks most of the boxes at being a great smartphone, with its only main shortfall being an average-sized battery. The value for money that the Pixel offers regarding performance, experience and especially camera performance makes the device a...

The affordable Pixel champion

The affordable Pixel champion