When it comes to budget-friendly smartphones, Google’s Pixel series has been a benchmark for excellence. The Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a are two of the most popular options in this category, each offering a unique set of features and benefits. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, design, camera performance, and overall user experience of both devices to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice about both phones is their plastic body. Yes, you read that right – plastic. While some may be disappointed by the lack of premium materials, the plastic build has its advantages. It’s lightweight, durable, and helps keep the cost down. The Pixel 3a has a more rounded design with a polycarbonate unibody, while the Pixel 4a features a more angular design with a matte finish.
The Pixel 3a’s design is more comfortable to hold, thanks to its curved edges, while the Pixel 4a’s flat edges can be a bit sharper. However, the Pixel 4a’s design looks more modern and sleek, with a slightly smaller footprint.
Display
Both phones feature OLED displays, which offer superior contrast and color accuracy compared to LCDs. The Pixel 3a has a 5.6-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels, while the Pixel 4a boasts a slightly larger 5.81-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
The Pixel 4a’s display is slightly brighter and more vibrant, making it better suited for outdoor use. However, the Pixel 3a’s display is still excellent, with great viewing angles and deep blacks.
Performance
Under the hood, the Pixel 3a is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The Pixel 4a, on the other hand, features a more powerful mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
The Pixel 4a’s more powerful processor and additional RAM make it better suited for demanding tasks and multitasking. However, the Pixel 3a’s processor is still capable of handling most tasks with ease, and its lower price point makes it a more attractive option for those on a budget.
Battery Life
The Pixel 3a features a 3000mAh battery, while the Pixel 4a boasts a slightly larger 3140mAh battery. In real-world use, both phones offer excellent battery life, with the Pixel 3a easily lasting a full day and the Pixel 4a stretching into a second day with moderate use.
The Pixel 4a’s larger battery and more power-efficient processor make it the better choice for heavy users. However, the Pixel 3a’s battery life is still impressive, and its lower price point makes it a great option for those who don’t need a power-hungry device.
Camera Performance
The camera is where the Pixel series truly shines. Both phones feature a single 12.2-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. The Pixel 4a also features a new feature called “Live HDR+”, which allows for more accurate colors and contrast in high-contrast scenes.
The Pixel 4a’s camera is slightly better, thanks to its improved software processing and Live HDR+ feature. However, the Pixel 3a’s camera is still excellent, with great low-light performance and impressive portrait mode shots.
Software
Both phones run on stock Android 11 out of the box, with a promise of timely software updates from Google. This means you’ll get the latest security patches, features, and bug fixes as soon as they’re available.
The Pixel series is known for its seamless software experience, and both phones deliver. You’ll love the intuitive interface, gesture navigation, and minimal bloatware.
Price and Value
The Pixel 3a is priced at around $250, while the Pixel 4a is priced at around $350. This $100 price difference may seem significant, but it’s worth considering the features and benefits you get with each device.
The Pixel 3a is an excellent value for those on a tight budget, offering great performance and camera quality at an unbeatable price. However, the Pixel 4a’s improved processor, additional RAM, and better camera make it a better choice for those who want a more future-proof device.
| Feature | Pixel 3a | Pixel 4a |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB | 128GB |
| Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8 | 12.2MP, f/1.8, Live HDR+ |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 3140mAh |
| Price | $250 | $350 |
Conclusion
So, which is better – the Pixel 3a or the Pixel 4a? The answer ultimately depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly device with great performance and camera quality, the Pixel 3a is an excellent choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a more future-proof device with improved performance, additional RAM, and a better camera, the Pixel 4a is the way to go.
Ultimately, both phones offer great value for their prices, and you can’t go wrong with either one. Google’s commitment to timely software updates, excellent camera performance, and intuitive software experience make both phones a great choice for anyone in the market for a budget-friendly Android device.
Remember, the Pixel series is all about delivering a seamless software experience, excellent camera performance, and timely software updates at an affordable price. Whichever phone you choose, you’ll be getting a device that’s designed to last and provide a great user experience.
What are the key differences between the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a?
The Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a are both budget-friendly options in the Google Pixel series, but they have some significant differences. The most noticeable difference is the design, with the Pixel 4a having a more modern look with a hole-punch camera and a slightly larger screen. The Pixel 3a, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a bezel and a smaller screen.
In terms of performance, the Pixel 4a is powered by a more efficient processor, which provides better battery life and faster performance. The Pixel 4a also has more storage options, with a maximum capacity of 128GB compared to the Pixel 3a’s 64GB. However, the Pixel 3a has a headphone jack, which is missing on the Pixel 4a.
Which phone has a better camera?
Both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a have excellent cameras, with the same 12.2-megapixel rear sensor. However, the Pixel 4a has some new features like improved portrait mode, better low-light performance, and support for Live Caption. The Pixel 4a also has a more capable front camera, with an 8-megapixel sensor compared to the Pixel 3a’s 8-megapixel sensor.
That being said, the Pixel 3a’s camera is still very capable, and it’s hard to go wrong with either option. If you want the absolute best camera experience, the Pixel 4a might be the better choice, but if you’re on a tight budget, the Pixel 3a’s camera is still very good.
How do the displays compare?
The Pixel 3a has a 5.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels, while the Pixel 4a has a 5.81-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The Pixel 4a’s display is slightly larger and has a higher pixel density, making it sharper and more vibrant. The Pixel 4a’s display is also HDR-certified, which means it can display more vivid colors and contrast.
That being said, the Pixel 3a’s display is still very good, and it’s hard to notice a huge difference between the two. If you’re coming from an older phone, you’ll likely be happy with either display.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Pixel 4a has a slightly larger battery than the Pixel 3a, and it’s also more power-efficient due to its newer processor. As a result, the Pixel 4a generally lasts longer on a single charge, with Google claiming up to 24 hours of moderate use. The Pixel 3a, on the other hand, is rated for up to 20 hours of moderate use.
That being said, battery life can vary greatly depending on how you use your phone, so your mileage may vary. If you’re a heavy user, you may need to charge your phone more frequently, regardless of which model you choose.
Is the Pixel 3a still a good option?
Despite being an older model, the Pixel 3a is still a great option for those on a tight budget. It has a great camera, a good display, and decent performance. It’s also cheaper than the Pixel 4a, which makes it an attractive option for those who want a budget-friendly Pixel.
That being said, the Pixel 3a is an older model, which means it won’t get software updates as long as the Pixel 4a. It’s also missing some of the newer features that are available on the Pixel 4a, like improved portrait mode and Live Caption.
Can I use a case with the Pixel 3a or Pixel 4a?
Yes, both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a have a wide range of case options available. You can find everything from thin, minimalist cases to bulky, rugged cases that provide extra protection.
Google also offers its own line of cases for both phones, which provide a more premium look and feel. These cases are designed to perfectly fit the contours of the phone and provide extra protection against scratches and drops.
Should I buy the Pixel 3a or wait for a sale on the Pixel 4a?
If you’re on a very tight budget, the Pixel 3a might be the better option. It’s cheaper than the Pixel 4a, and it’s still a great phone. However, if you can afford to wait, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for sales on the Pixel 4a. The Pixel 4a is a newer model, and it’s likely to go on sale more frequently than the Pixel 3a.
That being said, if you need a new phone right away, the Pixel 3a is still a great option. It’s a good phone that will get the job done, and it’s available right now.