Google Pixel 3a Complete Walkthrough - Pixel Camera for Half the Price!

The Pixel 3a Excel: A Budget-Friendly Option with a Twist

I've always been fascinated by this phone and its unique blend of features that make it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade their smartphone experience. The big thing everyone is talking about, which I love, is the camera system on this device. It's a single lens 12.2 megapixel f1.4 aperture 28 millimeter equivalent optically stabilized camera with 1.4 micron sized pixels and dual pixel autofocus. This setup allows for impressive shooting capabilities, including 4K at 30 frames per second with electronic image stabilization enabled and the ability to shoot in various modes such as panorama, portrait mode, Night Sight, which is Google's version of night mode for brighter low-light shots using a long exposure time lapse, Google Lens Photosphere Photo Booth and Playground, which are their AR lens features.

However, there's one notable aspect that sets this device apart from its more expensive counterparts: water resistance. Unfortunately, the Pixel 3a Excel lacks any IP rating or equivalent in terms of water resistance specifications on the inside. This is a trade-off that Google has made to keep costs low and make the phone more affordable for consumers.

On the technical side, the Pixel 3a Excel boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 chipset paired with 4 gigs of RAM and 64 gigs of storage. While this might seem like a decent setup, it's worth noting that the Snapdragon 670 is a mid-range chipset compared to the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the Pixel 3 XL. In benchmark tests, such as 3DMark, the difference between these two chipsets becomes apparent, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offering noticeable improvements in frame rates and performance.

Despite this technical trade-off, the Pixel 3a Excel still manages to deliver a smooth user experience, thanks in part to the minimalistic version of Android that comes pre-installed on all Pixel devices. This software is one of my favorites, with a clean and responsive interface that's perfect for everyday use. The phone also features the Google Launcher as its homescreen, which is both intuitive and visually appealing.

One area where the Pixel 3a Excel truly shines is in terms of battery life. With a 3000 milliamp battery, it performs well, although not spectacularly. This means that while you can expect to get through an entire day with moderate use, heavy users may find themselves running low on power before reaching their destination. However, this is comparable to the Pixel 3 and other devices in its class, so it's not necessarily a deal-breaker.

The final aspect of the Pixel 3a Excel that sets it apart from more expensive options is its price. With an initial retail price of $399 compared to the Pixel 3 XL's $799, this phone represents a significant cost savings. Additionally, thanks to ongoing sales and promotions, you can often find the Pixel 3a Excel for even less – I've seen it available for as low as $2.99, which is an incredible value given its specs.

In conclusion, while the Pixel 3a Excel has its drawbacks, including a lack of water resistance and a mid-range chipset, these trade-offs are largely mitigated by its impressive camera system, minimalistic Android software, and affordable price tag. If you're not planning to game extensively or need more powerful performance for demanding tasks, the Pixel 3a Excel is an excellent choice that offers an unbeatable combination of features and value.