From a general phone review, there really isn’t too much for myself to brag about. At the base of this review, you have to realize two things: I had the original Pixel when it launched and love it and I did not want to pay for a flagship phone price. Yet, here I am writing a review for my new Pixel 3A that I have had for a week.
For those of you who are indoctrinated with the Pixel brand and love Android, the Pixel 3A is nothing fancy. It is a stock phone, it will always update with the latest stable Android security updates, and has all the perks like Google Assistant, unlimited photo storage on Google Photos, and even has a headphone jack. (The last one is honestly meaningless, I am pro Bluetooth headphones) If you are looking for a new experience and are already in the Android family, wait till Pixel 4, rumors are already on the Internet.
The problem is that it is nothing new. My current Pixel was working so well, I had planned to stay with it until it died, which it nearly did. The battery life was going and going, but I’ve had it for two and a half years. I had a warranty and apparently they would have honored it for a small replacement fee.
Why Did I Buy It?
Here’s where the kicker came in.
This is not a flagship phone and does not cost the stupid price of $1,200. (I’m looking at you Samsung Galaxy 10 or iPhone X.) I’ve actually had my eyes set on the OnePlus series before they decided to also go into the flagship phone prices and gave up with going cutting edge phones.
But the Pixel 3A is seen as a mid-tier phone. This hit the strong note of good stewardship with my finances. I don’t do heavy videography, photography, or other processing. I’m watching YouTube, listening to podcasts, browsing the internet, sending my wife funny GIFs, and posting images to Instagram.
To be fair, what do you need a $1,200 phone for anyways? If 95% of what you do is what I just shared, you don’t need a high-tier phone. (I simply can’t justify it, prove me wrong in the comments, please) I could buy a brand new coffee maker, stove, fridge, and dishwasher for all of that. Not good stewardship.
The Differences
There are definitely some differences for this device. It’s not water resistant. It doesn’t have wireless charging. And the case is a durable plastic instead of metal. YouTuber JerryRigEverything actually covers all of this in his video below if you want to know more about the tech specs.
I give the phone a solid 4 out of 5.
Blessing Mpofu says
Looks like a decent phone. I think the Pixel 3a is where phones are likely to go. The peoples needs decent phones at decent prices. I hope this is challenges Apple further ????.
Jeremy Smith says
I’m hoping a third strong party comes in and dominates. Show Apple and Google why they are lagging behind. Competition is always a good thing.