Pixel 3a

I've been a long-time fan of Google-made/branded phones. Back in 2014, I got a Nexus 5. Then I moved on to a 5X. Then I explored the other side, having an iPhone 6S for a year. I was not impressed by iOS, so then I switched back to Android, this time using a Pixel phone.

I am aware that I often don't handle my phone with enough care, so I always buy a case for it. My Pixel was covered in a Supcase Unicorn Beetle case, which was bulky, but it managed to keep my phone intact, despite numerous drops (and throws). Until I took it out for 10 minutes and of course I cracked the screen. But the phone still worked, so I decided to hang on to it for as long as possible.

I somehow got used to the cracks on the screen. But the Bluetooth became flaky. I don't think it's from the drop, because there are plenty of online reports about others having similar issues. Eventually, it got bad enough that most of the time no combination of device restart/bluetooth restart/turning off wifi got my phone connected to either my earbuds or to my car. This meant that I couldn't listen to sermons while driving or while running, so I decided it's finally time to get a new phone.

The Google Pixel 3a has been receiving glowing reviews. It's cheaper than other similar phones, and it has one of the best cameras on the market (though only one lens, no telephoto or widelens). Some people don't like the fact that the back is made of plastic, but I don't care, because I'm going to keep it in a case anyway.

And it's pretty much what I expected: a better version of my previous phone. It looks almost identical. It doesn't have a notch. It still has a headphone jack. Screen is a bit taller. Supposedly it has a higher PPI, but who can tell at these counts? The CPU is faster, but I don't play games, so I'm not impressed. More storage space. And the camera is even better and this I care about. I haven't gotten the chance to take it out into nature (or even into the city), but backyard testing shows really good results. Both portrait mode and night sight are amazing, even though (or maybe because) they are software only, with no special hardware component for them.

One weird thing about the Pixel 3a is the "flexible" sides. When you squeeze the phone on the sides, it activates the Google Assistant. I found it too sensitive and sometimes I trigger it just by picking up the phone from the table. I don't use the Google Assistant anyway, so I'll just disable that feature.

I'm such a huge fan of the Unicorn Beetle cases, that I ordered another one for the Pixel 3a. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it in Romania, so I had to order from Amazon UK and it hasn't arrived yet :(

All in all, I am very happy with my new phone. I'm glad Google kept the winning formula and didn't introduce new designs just for the sake of having something new. I hope there will still be a Pixel 5a in 2-3 years, when I'll replace this one :D

I’m publishing this as part of 100 Days To Offload - Day 25.