Pixel 3a Price, Specifications, Review

We all have been waiting for "budget" Pixel and now it is finally out. Yes, I am talking about the Pixel 3a which has been launched with the tag 'budget pixel with same great cameras'. Google I/O 2019 is on its way and the exclusive announcement was the launch of Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, apart from Android Q stuffs.

So, let us find out whether we have to buy the Pixel 3a or not. Before diving into its review, first go through its specs sheet and then resume reviewing process.

Pixel 3a Specifications

Dimensions -151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2 mm

Weight - 147 grams

Display - 5.6-inch FHD+ (2220 x 1080) gOLED

Processor - Snapdragon 670

RAM - 4GB LPDDR4x RAM

Storage - 64GB

Rear Camera - 12.2MP (f/1.8) Dual-Pixel Sony IMX363

Front Camera - 8MP (f/2.0)

Operating System - Android 9 Pie

Connectivity - Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Google Cast, USB type-C

Sensors - Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, Active Edge, Proximity, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Magnetometer, Barometer, Android Sensor Hub

Battery - 3,000mAh

Colors - Just Black, Clearly White

Pixel 3a Design 

Pixel 3a, the budget Pixel emphasises on the same design as of elder sibling Pixel 3. Pixel 3a features similar dual-tone finish on the rear side, the same big bezels, and the same colour options as Pixel 3.

But, there are few major distinguishing facts between Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a. The first being, the use of polycarbonate back, instead of glass. Polycarbonate is basically plastic which is disappointing, considering its price point.

 But, Pixel 3a doesn't seems to be cheap, thanks to the glossy finish on the upper half and matte finish on the back side of the Pixel 3a. Curved back edges helps Pixel 3a easy to hold.

The offering of the most-loved headphone jack is the second difference between the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3. Presence of a headphone is great and Pixel 3a is the first smartphone after original Pixel to come up with a headphone jack.

Except this, Pixel 3a offers usual placements of buttons, single sim slot, microphones, headphone jack, USB Type-C and the physical fingerprint scanner. Due to big bezels on the front, Pixel 3a  seems to be outdated but bezels have been used to incorporate stereo speakers setup, which is nice.

Pixel 3a Display

The display of Pixel 3a is a 5.6-inch OLED panel without any notches. The display offers the resolution of 2280x1080 px, that means the screen is Full-HD+.

The screen looks very sharp with great viewing angles, even better than that of Pixel 3 in my brief usage. Colour reproduction is great with dark blacks as it is an OLED panel. Consuming media content on the Pixel 3a  is a pleasurable experience.

But, the brightness of the display is not up to the mark. Don't get me wrong, yes the display is viewable outdoors but could be more bright considering its price.

Pixel 3a Performance 

For flawless performance of Pixel 3a, there is a Snapdragon 670 SoC  with 4 gigs of RAM and 64GB of internal storage on board which is unacceptable at this price tag. Atleast, Google should have gone for new Snapdragon 730 or 710 on board, which might be acceptable. The benchmarks of Pixel 3a is even less than that of Redmi Note 7 Pro and Realme 3 Pro which cost almost 50% less.

So yes, it is not the most powerful chipset but the day-to-day usage does not met any lags or 
stutter. As per PUBG is concerned, PUBG Mobile runs on high graphics settings by default and the game play is smooth.

Pixel 3a Software

In software department, Pixel 3a just excels. Pixel 3a comes with stock Android Pie 9.0 out of the box, containing the Pixel experience that we all admire. You will get monthly security updates and Android version Q first on the Pixel devices, which make the Pixel 3a stand tall against all other phones in this price bracket.

Pixel 3a ships with all Android Pie features like navigation gestures, Adaptive Battery, Digital Wellbeing and only Pixel feature like Active Edge which launches Google Assistant when the sides of the phone is squezzed, plus there is unlimited storage in Google Photos. 

Pixel 3a Battery

Pixel 3a packs relatively moderate 3,000mAh battery which can be topped up using the include 18W PD 2.0 charger in the box.

I am little bit sceptical regarding the battery backup, but in my brief usage the battery seems to be decen which offers of about 5hrs of screen on time.

Pixel 3a Cameras

Finally, on camera side of things, Pixel 3a offers a single capable 12.2MP (F/1.8) camera equipped with Sony IMX 363 sensor on the rear side. This camera comes with Pixel Visual Core chip and is the same camera as used in Pixel 3.

So, the photos clicked appears to be amazing and great with vibrant and punchier colours and in par to the pics clicked by the cameras of Samsung Galaxy S10e.

The shots are awesome even in low lights, due to the Night Sight feature in the camera app. There is addition of Time Lapse feature on the Pixel 3a.

Pixel 3a can record videos up to 4K at 30fps which is being stabilised by OIS and EIS on board. The videos are great too.

Pixel 3a comes with a single 8MP with f/2.0 lens which are capable of capturing astonishing selfies. Videos shot with the front camera is stabilised by the EIS offered. 

So, the camera performance of the Pixel 3a is just unbelievable and Pixel 3a offers flagship grade camera qualities from Pixel 3 in photos and videos.

Pixel 3a Price and Verdict

Pixel 3a will retail at Rs.39,999 for the 4GB/64GB variant from 15th May onwards. In US market, Pixel 3a is priced at 399$.

Considering the price of Pixel 3a, it will be real downfall in markets like India where you get great offering from other vendors like Redmi, Realme, Samsung, etc., at almost half the price of Pixel 3a. 

But, if you are looking a flagship and best cameras, great user experience, security patches and updates first on your smartphone then, you can go for Pixel 3a, otherwise not.

So, what is your views on the Pixel 3a, do let me know in comment box.