Google Pixel 4a: Road Trip Review

[PIXEL 4A CAMERA TEST WEEKEND]

I used to really like smartphones with complicated cameras labeled "professional grade," because with all their features, they urged me to rise to the occasion and become a photographer that was worthy of them. But ever since 2016, I've started to value the opposite: phone cameras so consistently reliable that I can just spray and pray, and more often than not it's going to innately understand the shot I wanted and produce it.

The phone that led to that sea change … was the first-generation Google Pixel launched four years ago, and since that time a Pixel of some form has always populated one of my Peak Design pockets. As someone who spends so much of his time capturing content, the Pixel camera is just too good not to own.

Yet despite its picture-taking prowess and the other benefits I’ll touch on, the Pixel has never sold well - in part because its misses are big enough to counteract its hits. The Pixel 4 had atrocious battery life for a mainstream smartphone, and its launch price started at $799.

Well, *this* phone packs solid battery life for its size, it includes the most important features that make a Pixel a Pixel … and it only costs $350. I’m Michael Fisher; join me for a weekend with the Google Pixel 4a in MrMobile's "Real Weekend Test!"

[SUBSCRIBE TO MRMOBILE]

[ABOUT MRMOBILE'S PIXEL 4A "REAL WEEKEND TEST"]

MrMobile's "Pixel 4a Real Weekend Test" was produced following four days with a Google Pixel 4a review sample provided by Google. The device was tested on Google Fi between Brooklyn, NY and the North Fork of Long Island, NY. Preproduction sample running prerelease software. The lone sponsor of this video is Surfshark; neither Google nor any other company paid a fee or otherwise offered compensation in exchange for this coverage.

Special thanks to GM for the Bolt EV press vehicle loan which made this video possible.

[LINKS]

Real World Test Playlist [TheUnlockr]:

Google Pixel 4a Review [Android Central]:

Chevy Bolt EV 2020 [GM]:

[SOCIALIZE]

[DISCLOSURES]

#pixel4a #pixel4 #googlepixel #pixelphone #googlepixel4a

[nickgliha]

Love how you gave a shoutout to other channels instead of complaining about the limited review time. Always love your attitude for positivity. Additionally, fantastic review considering you had such little time to play with it, capture footage, edit, and publish. Well done!

[UKfromadrone]

I remember when the polycarbonate shell was premium, and we all loved it (lumia lineup)...

[Dr_McKay]

I wish more phones would use polycarbonate, the 3a was the first phone I used without a case in a long time

[abstractgaming]

Tbh I think the Pixel 4a could switch a few iPhone SE 2 users for a few simple reasons:
1. The Pixel objectively looks better than the SE
2. The Pixel offers a better photo camera
3. The Pixel has a much better display, as it’s OLED and has a higher ppi
4. The Pixel has a lower price, which might go lower around Black Friday, while the SE won’t go any lower for years
5. The Pixel has 3 years of software updates, which is good enough for most users
6. Although the chip is worse, it’s still good enough for most users
7. Headphone Jack
8. Stereo Speakers
9. Google Assistant
10. Night Sight
11. Extra features, I.e transcription, polycarbonate, gorilla glass, etc.
12. Slightly better battery
13. USB-C

All in all I think the 4a is a better buy, considering all these reasons plus the lower price.

[ldjohnson]

Ok! I'm ready for this one. My next phone might be a pixel.

[Rbbrdcky]

Michael, I just wanted you to know that out of the 21 reviews of the Pixel 4a that literally all popped up in my feed at the exact same time, this was the ONLY one that I watched!

[Andru]

I just got my Pixel 4a in yesterday - at $349 for a brand new device that promises 3 years of software updates, it’s definitely compelling as an Android device...I just wish Google would give it the marketing campaign that it deserves so that the average consumer would be aware of its existence. For $50 more, if you’re looking for an iOS device that will get 5-6 years of updates along with a flagship, much faster processor, I don’t see it grabbing those buyers...but it doesn’t have to! It’s a great Android phone at a great price, for anyone who isn’t looking to drop $1k on a flagship Android competitor.

[Chemy.]

4 days with your experience is more than enough but always watching Android Central and David TheUnlockr

[thexgamer]

Google: *Secretly released the Pixel 4a*


Everyone: *We weren’t expecting special forces.*

[Thacarshee]

2020:Worst year ever
Also 2020:Finally I can own a pixel

[L.-..]

MKBHD: Pixel 4a feels slow.
MrMobile: Pixel 4a is responsive and fast.
Audience: ????

[muhtasimmunir]

Can we take a moment to appreciate how awesome this review is. Seriously Micheal is more professional than many full-blown media companies.

[karandev]

This is the least ugly pixel. :')

Although, I do kinda miss the dual-tone backs.

[deu]

Google got this right. I also love the simplicity of the design. This should certainly sell really well for countries where the Pixel 4a can be ordered

[SHADATSDAYOUT]

Google's #Pixel4a
- 5.8" FHD+ OLED
- Snapdragon 730G 4G
- 12.2MP Rear camera
- 8MP Front cam
- 3140mAh battery with 18W FC
- 6GB+128GB
- Price: $349

[nrgamingtech]

"these is much more to a smartphone than its silicon"

People who only look at SoC to price ratio:

[furn]

Yes, I'm watching the 4a reviews from all these channels [MrMobile, MKBHD, Mrwhosethebos and Dave] and yes I'm not bored yet.

[TBN]

Great review i remember when a Moto g was the best budget phone how times have changed. When $400 is a budget phone.

[novaonyt]

It's amazing to get reviews from someone down to earth, from the same generation as myself. The way he breaks things down and refers to other sources, clearly shows someone who appreciates tech and its community. He is a solid reviewer, has enough tech experience and is still provides the exact type of details that I seek.

I absolutely love his retro reviews series too, 'when phone were fun' 😎

He truly works for us, the viewer, much love man from South Africa 🇿🇦

[Matt-wgxn]

4:50 excuse me sir? I can't help but notice you've lost your shoes