The Pixel 3a doesn’t quite bring back the pure bargain-basement pricing structure of the brand’s once-fabled Nexus series. However, it does lower the barrier of entry for anyone wanting a fantastic camera on a smartphone. The Google Pixel 3a might yet be the perfect antidote to the £1,000 smartphone – and an answer to Google’s dwindling smartphone sales.

There's a headphone jack!; Flagship-quality camera; Fantastic display; Great size;

No Qi charging or water resistance; Can feel slow in certain activities; Screen is a little dim;

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;

A fine phone for video and photography, it’s just a pity that the audio doesn’t quite match Impressive low light photography Vibrant, dynamic screen Good value for money Disappointing audio performance Rudimentary design and build Slightly underpowered

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

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

The Google Pixel 3a is a phenomenal bargain at $399 (and $479 for the XL model). You’re getting so much for your money, including that brilliant camera and an amazing software experience.

Camera is one of the best, Night Sight and portrait mode are amazing, Great size, ideal for one-handed use, Purple-ish color and neon power button are so pretty, Headphone jack

Build quality is poor, Display isn’t great, Snapdragon 670 is slow at times, Battery life isn’t amazing

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

Since Google rebranded the Nexus program with Pixel smartphones, it has driven the price up pretty considerably, to compete with the other flagship smartphones out there. But, Google has decided to go back to its

After making Pixel smartphones for three years, Google wants to widen its range. But while the company is making a cheaper variant, it's rather guarded in its approach.

The Google Pixel 3a might be the perfect antidote to the £1000 smartphone – and an answer to Google's dwindling smartphone sales. With flagship devices commanding ever higher prices, and people choosing to upgrade their phones far less in general, cheaper handsets are becoming more important.