Is Pixel 3A Still Good in 2021?

[Android Central Question]

Hi,
I need a compact phone as my secondary, and there's a Pixel 3A sale here which converted to around $150.

How do you rate the phone's performance for "medium use" right now? I mean multitasking between 3-4 apps, light & casual games, and similar usage. Are there any noticeable lags? Including on Android 12 if someone already tried the beta(s).

In Indonesia, there's a lot of budget phones at similar prices that may have better hardware, but they all have at least a 6" screen. And I'm a fan of stock Android.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I just got a refurbished 3a XL because my beloved 3 XL died, and I wanted a cheap Pixel to tide me over until the Pixel 6 comes out. I haven't started using it as my daily driver just yet because I'm waiting for the case I ordered to arrive (currently using a Galaxy A32 5G), but I've been playing around with it a fair amount to set it up, and it's quite good. Performance is almost the same as my old 3 XL -- maybe a couple of minor stutters here and there, but not sluggish at all. I haven't tried games yet, but I would expect them to work just fine. Sound is surprisingly good, and it's stereo. And of course, it's essentially the same Pixel camera, which is the best thing about the phone.

If you're looking at a refurbished unit, then one word of caution -- check the display before you buy it, if possible. This is a minor issue for me, but I noticed that my refurb unit has some subtle vertical shaded stripes, noticeable only when the screen is bright white. I also noticed the same on the refurb 3a XL I got for my parents a few months ago (both from the same site, Daily Steals). It's not enough to bother me, especially with the price (I got mine for a measly $88), but it makes me think that perhaps there was as batch of 3a XL (and therefore possible 3a) phones that had a slightly defective screen, which people returned, and then got refurbished.

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[mustang7757]

I think.its still a solid phone today

 

[Morty2264]

Welcome to Android Central! I think a Pixel 3 or 3a device would work well and meet your needs! Good luck, and let us know what happens!

 

[cliffflip]

Hi, Thanks for the replies!

Great to know it’s still good for my needs!

Yes, I forgot to mention it’s not brand new. I saw the ad from an online store but after I checked the physical store’s address, it’s not too far from where I live. So I’ll check the phone’s condition on site.

 

[Morty2264]

Hi, Thanks for the replies!

Great to know it’s still good for my needs!

Yes, I forgot to mention it’s not brand new. I saw the ad from an online store but after I checked the physical store’s address, it’s not too far from where I live. So I’ll check the phone’s condition on site.

That's great that you can go to the store and check out the condition of the phone. Keep us posted on what happens!

 

[livetovacation60]

I replaced my Pixel 2XL in November 2019 with a 3A XL. I do alot of social media, browsing the web etc. Yes, on occasion there might be a little lag but as a whole it's been a great phone. I'm still getting a a full day on my battery with SOT at about 51/2 to 6 hours. I thought about getting the the Pixel 4A 5G but found it very easy to talk myself out of it. Battery life, camera, and software experience and I picked this thing up for 379 bucks when I was with Google Fi. I love these less expensive Pixel units!!

 

[cliffflip]

Hi, I just want to let you guys know that I purchased it. I examined it beforehand, and have to say I got the product in great condition!

I even tried the Android 12 beta, but have to revert to 11 due to incompatibility with my banking app.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[B. Diddy]

Nice to hear! I have my case (actually two now -- the official Google cloth one that I found for about $16, and then a used Moment case for $15 that will let me use my Moment lenses), so I've been actively using the phone as my daily driver. So far it's been excellent!

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

I just bought one for my little nephew as a first phone. It was easy to set up, parental controls were excellent and he loves his new phone. I got it for £104 used off eBay but for a first phone it was the best value and a low cost option to boot.