Google has stuck with broadly the same camera module for all of its Pixel 3 and 3a models, however, which includes a single 12.2Mp sensor coupled to a 28mm-equivalent f/1.8-aperture lens with optical image stabilization (OIS). The white model features an orange power button, whereas the white Pixel … It would have been nice to see a 128GB storage option, or ideally a microSD slot, but we don't think this is a deal breaker since Google offers free photo storage. Our engineers did notice some distracting frame shifts when capturing panning videos, however, with noticeable jumping and a ghosting effect present as the camera pans. I wish we had a Not Pink Pixel 3a, but I took the Purple-ish as a consolation prize lol.

It features 2,220-by-1,080-pixel resolution for 441 pixels per inch compared with the Pixel 3's 2,160-by-1,080, 443ppi panel.

The Galaxy A50 is a tad cheaper, but the Pixel 3a is more widely available and compatible with more networks — making it easier for everyone to buy. Google - Pixel 3a with 64GB Memory Cell Phone (Unlocked) - Purple-ish (Renewed) $279.00 (30) Works and looks like new and backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee Please refresh the page and try again. Which sub-$400 handset is the better option for you? The A50's 15W charging can't quite match that, hitting 30 percent in that same period of time, further tilting the battery round in Google's favor.
We’d say, be adventurous and go with Clearly White or Not Pink.
The front camera is a little different compared with its more expensive sibling. I've held a white 3a, and it feels remarkably similar to my white 3 XL. For $399, the Pixel 3a offers solid performance, good battery life, a gorgeous OLED display, and the absolute best camera performance you'll find on a phone for less than $700. The Pixel 3a and 3a XL go for $399 and $479 and are available through Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and Google Fi as well as unlocked from the Google Store. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. And the Pixel 3a is actually very strong in this regard — the mix of matte and glossy surfaces on the device's body feels like a quality touch, and the splash of color from the power key on the Clearly White and Purple-ish models gives the 3a a playful bit of flair the more serious A50 lacks. The bottom matte coating has a night roughness to it, which makes it easy to hold. While the Pixel 3 looks the same as the Pixel 2 from behind, Google has a new trick up its sleeve.The Pixel 3 now has an all-glass back. The only part that felt different at all is the top shiny part of the glass - beyond that, if you had told me they were made with the same material, I would've believed you. Exposures are pretty good generally in both flash-only as well as mixed-lighting shots, although very slight variations in exposure occasionally lead to slightly underexposed shots. If you want to stand out from the crowd, Not Pink is the version you should get. Some dead pixels are visible in low-light zoom shots at close range, as well as color fringing in outdoor conditions, but these are really noticeable only when displaying images at large scale. The power button has an orange accent. For starters, the Pixel 3a is slightly taller and wider, at 6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches to the Pixel 3's 5.7 by 2.7 by 0.3 inches. That includes Call Screen, which arrived on the Pixel 3a after launching on the Pixel 3 and uses the Google Assistant to respond to unknown callers for you. We recorded slight underexposure in low light (5 lux), but images remain acceptable. For a mid-range phone, this pixel 3a is perfect. I wish it were a tad bit more purple though, in person it's a bit tough to tell in most lighting. Also I'm on a mission to Matte Black Everything. Devices you add to your cart must have the same Preferred Care plan. This is less problematic in well-balanced lighting conditions, though, and the Pixel 3a generally produces nicely exposed indoor images, too.

Samsung also offers an optional gesture-based interface on the A50 that allows the entire screen to show content without a navigation bar — something Android Pie on the Pixel 3a lacks. Luminance noise is well-managed both on faces and in the flat areas towards the corners (where it’s often more noticeable). Do you like it? The Google Pixel 3a achieves the same score of 103 points for still photos as the Pixel 3 and iPhone XR, however, and all three devices offer broadly similar image quality, although there are some small differences in the strengths and weaknesses among them. The two-tone color effect is achieved by a new matte coating over the glass. Both handsets run Android 9 Pie, though the experience of using each of them is very different. The unlocked versions of the 3a and 3a XL will work on pretty much any carrier, as they're compatible with both CDMA and GSM networks.

Pixel 3a XL – Just Black. Google'’s Night Sight mode explains the fact that the Pixel 3a's shot here, taken inside our nearly pitch-black video studio, is actually visible, while the Galaxy A50's fruitless attempt is shrouded in complete darkness. And while the Pixel 3a is missing the second front-facing selfie lens, it still does a great job in all lighting situations. Results are comparable between the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3, and at close range (~2x magnification), both preserve more fine detail than the iPhone XR. I think Not Pink does a much better job of being pink but not obnoxiously so, whereas Purple-ish is barely purple.

Everyone else can pat themselves on the back for saving $400 on the Pixel 3a. I think Not Pink does a much better job of being pink but not obnoxiously so, whereas Purple-ish is barely purple. But the two-tone styling remains. At medium range (~4x), detail is noticeably affected, but you’ll get away with it in bright light conditions, especially if you’re just viewing the images on the device’s display. The Pixel 3a’s less-powerful chipset has more of an impact in video quality, however—and again, while it remains a very capable performer for video, some underexposure in low light, loss of detail, and frame shifts when panning mean that it’s not quite up there with the best. Earpiece volume comes in at 81dB, so it's easy to hear who you're talking to in just about any atmosphere. For starters, the Pixel 3 has a much more powerful processor, making it better for gaming and other intensive applications. Accordingly, image quality for still images is pretty similar for the two devices, with some differences in white balance and bokeh rendering the main notable exceptions.

If you're swayed by the Galaxy A50's brighter screen or more modern design, we wouldn't advise you against taking it over the Pixel 3a — especially because Samsung's midrange handset is $50 cheaper, and the 6-inch Pixel 3a XL is a whopping $130 more expensive than the A50. Google's long-term support for the Pixel 3a assures buyers that they won't be left in the lurch and miss out on new functionality over the phone's life span, earning it our recommendation here. We’re here to help you out. Not to be outdone, Samsung has followed up with the extremely compelling Galaxy A50. The Pixel 3a displays no evidence of any problematic chromatic noise; and levels of luminance noise in flat areas of outdoor images, such as the sky, as well as indoors and in low-light shots, are generally very acceptable. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

To receive newsletters from DXOMARK, please enter your email address in the form below. We also expanded our low-light testing and created the new Night sub-score, which incorporates the previous Flash score. The main problem for video when compared to the Pixel 3 is noticeable underexposure in low light, which has an impact on the Pixel 3a’s overall score. Read more about our Comment Policy. The Pixel 3a also is a bit quicker to top up, thanks to 18W Power Delivery charging that gets the phone from empty to about 40 percent in 30 minutes.