We purchased the Google Pixel 3a so that our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and review it. Read on for our full product review.
Google Pixel 3a review: It's plastic and it's fantastic
Google's approach to its Pixel phones echoes Apple's iPhone, featuring a minimal design with refreshingly clean, easy-to-use software — and a higher-than-average price. All previous Pixel phones, including 2018's Pixel 3, have been more expensive, flagship-style smartphones, but the new Pixel 3a breaks that trend.
It’s a true mid-range phone, keeping the Pixel 3’s styling intact but swapping out some low-end components to bring the price down considerably. The result is that it nearly halves the Pixel 3’s price while keeping two of its best elements: that brilliant 12.2-megapixel rear camera and the super-useful and brand new Android 10 operating system. If you want a flagship camera without spending flagship money, the Google Pixel 3a might just be the phone for you.
The Google Pixel 3a is virtually identical in terms of visual design to last year’s Pixel 3, which has its pros and cons. On the plus side, the subtle two-tone backing pattern has a matte finish with a glossy chunk at the top, giving it a distinctive allure, and the orange power button is a nice, playful touch. Up front, however, there’s still an excessive amount of bezel around the display, particularly at the top and bottom. It makes the phone feel larger than it needs to be.
