Is Pixel 3a really that good?

[Mike Dee]

Yes I do love my manual modes but I'm willing to stick with pure auto for a while. Initially I sided against the Pixel because it just seemed like cheating but the results speak for themselves.(amateur photographer complaints) I'm betting big on the Pixel 5 with three lenses and hopefully night sight on all lenses. I'm also betting on the iPhone 12 Pro which will have better third party apps for my manual mode needs. I had the 11 Pro which was cool especially using portrait mode with flash in low light but the antennas were much slower than my other devices and YouTube struggled in 1080p which if I'm paying $1k for a phone I felt I should be able to do. But I usually shoot for a camera centric phone first and then the other things. If the Sony Xperia I Mark II somehow makes it to T-Mobile, I'd almost definitely get that but I doubt it.

When I was growing up, Sony was the king of everything electronic

 

[RaRa85]

When I was growing up, Sony was the king of everything electronic

They still make beast cameras and their phone hardware is second to none. With them finally utilizing their Alpha team for their phone division, I believe they'll finally nail it this year. I like that they still include a camera shutter button and phones focused heavily on this feature continue to omit it. It's the little details. But I think the Pixel 5 will bring the hardware and software for once this year. It'd be nice to see them utilize new high megapixel sensors and pixel binning instead of the usual 12.2mp setup this year.

 

[RaRa85]

Also just found out that the Pixels can do portrait mode using flash as well. So good!

 

[B. Diddy]

Such cute kids!

 

[RaRa85]

Such cute kids!

Thanks!

 

[mustang7757]

Also just found out that the Pixels can do portrait mode using flash as well. So good!

You still have the one plus?

 

[Mike Dee]

They still make beast cameras and their phone hardware is second to none. With them finally utilizing their Alpha team for their phone division, I believe they'll finally nail it this year. I like that they still include a camera shutter button and phones focused heavily on this feature continue to omit it. It's the little details. But I think the Pixel 5 will bring the hardware and software for once this year. It'd be nice to see them utilize new high megapixel sensors and pixel binning instead of the usual 12.2mp setup this year.

If you're referring to their dedicated cameras yes, I have 3.

 

[RaRa85]

If you're referring to their dedicated cameras yes, I have 3.

Exactly. I have the a6000 and was looking to get the 6600 or the a7III but I've decided to wait now.

 

[RaRa85]

You still have the one plus?

I just sent it back so I wouldn't have to keep making payments on it since I technically upgraded to the iPhone 11 Pro but returned that. So now I'll be eligible to upgrade whenever I want.

 

[mustang7757]

I just sent it back so I wouldn't have to keep making payments on it since I technically upgraded to the iPhone 11 Pro but returned that. So now I'll be eligible to upgrade whenever I want.

Oh cool

 

[tfitzpat03]

I've been reading some reviews of phones in my price range, and I feel kind of puzzled. Looking at the specs, the Pixel 3a is at the bottom of the price range, with Nokia 9 PureView, Moto Z4, Moto One Hyper, and LG G8 Thinq all besting it.

Yet, the review ratings put it at the top, with only the LG G8 Thinq coming in a close second. What's the reason for this? Doesn't Snapdragon 855 provide hugely better performance than Snapdragon 670? Doesn't the ubiquitous 128 GB storage and 6 GB RAM trounce Pixel 3a's non-expandable 64 GB / 4 GB? Is it all about the camera?

No. It is also about the software experience. This phone is still buttery smooth after almost a year for me. I get the exclusive pixel features and the battery life good as well. Plus it has a headphone jack as an option for me.

The camera is what made me consider the 3a over the 3 though.

 

[Scott337]

No. It is also about the software experience. This phone is still buttery smooth after almost a year for me. I get the exclusive pixel features and the battery life good as well. Plus it has a headphone jack as an option for me.

The camera is what made me consider the 3a over the 3 though.

Very true. I have always said that spec numbers on paper don't always make a good phone. It's about the specs, software and overall user experience. And in my opinion, the Pixel 3a / 3a XL are a home run.

 

[Mike Dee]

Very true. I have always said that spec numbers on paper don't always make a good phone. It's about the specs, software and overall user experience.......

While true, it also comes down to how you use your device and what your expectations are.

 

[B. Diddy]

Very true. I have always said that spec numbers on paper don't always make a good phone. It's about the specs, software and overall user experience. And in my opinion, the Pixel 3a / 3a XL are a home run.

Very reminiscent of the original Moto X (when it was owned by Google), no?

 

[Scott337]

Very reminiscent of the original Moto X (when it was owned by Google), no?

Definitely. I bought one on Moto Maker as soon as it was available. Still have it today, it's my lawn work, lawn mowing MP3 player.

 

[sulla1965]

I had the 3a xl for a bit. Its definitely an excellent for the price. But IMO the pixel 3 xl is a much better device. But if you don't want pay for a "flagship" then the 3a is a good option.

 

[Morty2264]

I think "goodness" is in the eye of the beholder! Haha. But in all seriousness, I think the Pixel 3a line is excellent. Great bang for your buck. It also reminds me of my days with the Nexus 5.

 

[anon(50597)]

The answer is yes.