Pixel 3a | 5 Days Review

I've been using Google’s Pixel 3a as my full-time phone for 5 days and this mid-ranger is everything I’d hoped for. Importantly, that impressive camera is just as capable, despite the culling of the Pixel Visual Core - while the battery life, compact form and stock Android get an enthusiastic thumbs up. Here's my early review of the Pixel 3a, possibly the best Google phone since the Nexus days!

While the XL model may serve up a bigger battery, this mini handset is my personal favourite thanks to the easy one-handed use. Compared with the original smartphone, you get less power - although the Snapdragon 670 chipset still provides smooth everyday performance. And the Pixel 3a’s stock Android Pie experience comes with three years of guaranteed updates, for peace of mind.

But the best part is that 12.2MP rear camera, rocking the same hardware and software smarts as the original. Photo and video quality is simply stunning for a £399 mobile, even without the flexibility that some rivals offer. Here we take a closer look at that camera tech as well as the overall experience, as the phone goes on sale in the UK and globally.

Check out my unboxing of this affordable Google mobile on Recombu, as well as my camera review. Stay tuned for an in-depth review of the Pixel 3a, while you can see how it compares to the bigger XL model right here on Tech Spurt.

[adamyelle]

Your wireless charging comment couldn't have been said any better. Love it!

[JuanRamos-wgol]

"There is no support for wireless charging anymore. But honestly, who gives a F***!" Hahahah yess. Glad someone had to say it.

[chiloveradiouncut]

I loved my Pixel 2 XL....I bought a 3a XL today and passed my other one to my son ♥️♥️♥️

[Scofaa]

aye glad to see a fellow man of culture with those anime wallpapas

[jesusortizchavez]

This guy looks like James Murray from Impractical Jokers

[mattsanchez]

Excellent review. Nice bit of humor, as usual, too. Picked this phone up for my son, I think he'll be very happy with it

[suewright]

I bought a 3a yesterday and, quite honestly, I’m chuffed to bits with it! Thanks a lot for running through it with the odds and sods Tech Spurt. Many thanks and, it’s great to have a comical Brit doing the reviews!

[zeno]

This man got a whole kill la kill wallpaper, respect:100

[izza]

I will personally but the pixel 3a than the chinese smartphones because of its software and stock android

[timo]

Bought it 7 days ago as successor for my Nexus 5 and i'm impressed. Best bang for 400 bucks ! Thats 400 Euros so thats 352 British Pounds + got a Google Home Mini on top !

[roywilson]

Great review! Always like your videos.

[Avesim]

I wish my phone hadn't died last month forcing me to get a new one. As much as I like my P30, I defonitely would have gone for this. I hope they keep these same Nexus style phones going. This is what I've always wanted.

[ngoodwin]

I need to get the purple one thank you for the reviews always make me chuckle take care

[steweeez]

I see you have some kill la kill wallpaper here... weebs gonna love you



And the review is good !

[sburton]

"Accurate edge detection in any kind of circumstances" ... while showing a picture where it's blurred out the tips of both of your ears...

[hurricane]

Price doesn't matter that much. A jack, no notch (or hole), OLED and some bezels are what I'm looking for. Bonus are IP68 and removable battery. Too bad for the weak CPU. I hope it sells well and that the next flagship isn't a fashion phone but a usable; practical one.
It's one of the contender for my next phone. I need to see a battery test.

[steveh]

Tempted to buy. Have a Pixel 1 replacement for my 6p. Hopefully a second version in the fall (3b ? ) Hopefully with front facing stereo speakers ! :-)

[GARY-fromOntario]

I am UPGRADING from a OnePlus ONE and purchased a 3aXL. Appreciate your thoughts!

[ndnoq]

i had it for 8 days, i love it. I think google can win it if they made it water proof. Hopefully they will it for Pixel 4a and 4a xl.

[jakeduggan]

On a side note, poly-carbonate can wireless charge, look up the Nokia Lumia 950, Google didn't include it to cut costs and cable charging is still superior speed wise.