Google Pixel 3 vs 3a: Which Google Phone Reigns?
Struggling to choose between two fantastic Google phones? You’re not alone. The Google Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3a both offer compelling features and a pure Android experience, but they cater to different needs and budgets. Deciding which one is right for you requires a closer look at their strengths and weaknesses.
This in-depth comparison will break down everything you need to know, from performance and camera capabilities to design and price. We’ll explore the key differences between the Google Pixel 3 and its more affordable sibling, the Pixel 3a, helping you make an informed decision.
Get ready to discover which phone offers the best value and fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable daily driver, we’ll guide you through the key aspects of the Google Pixel 3 vs 3a showdown.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Pixel 3 | 3a |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 5.6 inches |
| Display Technology | OLED | OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 670 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64GB |
| Main Camera | 12.2MP | 12.2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP + 8MP (Ultrawide) | 8MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| Battery Capacity | 2915 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | No |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Google Pixel 3: Features a 5.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080. It offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, but the notch design can be a drawback for some users.
- 3a: Boasts a 5.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2220 x 1080. It provides a similar quality viewing experience to the Pixel 3, but with a slightly larger screen size and no notch.
- Winner: 3a
Processor
- Google Pixel 3: Powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor, offering top-tier performance and smooth multitasking capabilities. It excels in demanding tasks and gaming.
- 3a: Equipped with a Snapdragon 670 processor, which provides reliable performance for everyday use. It’s not as powerful as the Pixel 3, but still handles most tasks efficiently.
- Winner: Pixel 3
RAM
- Google Pixel 3: Comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and app performance.
- 3a: Also includes 4GB of RAM, offering a similar level of performance in terms of multitasking and app responsiveness.
- Winner: Tie
Camera
- Google Pixel 3: Features a 12.2MP rear camera with exceptional image quality, known for its outstanding low-light performance and impressive computational photography features like Night Sight.
- 3a: Also has a 12.2MP rear camera, delivering almost identical image quality to the Pixel 3, including Night Sight. A significant advantage given the price difference.
- Winner: Tie
Design and Build Quality
- Google Pixel 3: Features a premium glass back with an aluminum frame, offering a sleek and refined design. It also has IP68 water resistance.
- 3a: Constructed with a polycarbonate unibody design, which is more durable than glass but feels less premium. It lacks water resistance.
- Winner: Pixel 3
Battery Life
- Google Pixel 3: Offers a battery that can last a full day with moderate use.
- 3a: Provides significantly improved battery life, typically lasting longer than a full day on a single charge.
- Winner: 3a
Storage
- Google Pixel 3: Available in 64GB or 128GB storage options, without expandable storage.
- 3a: Offers 64GB of storage and no expandable storage options.
- Winner: Pixel 3
Price
- Google Pixel 3: Launched at a higher price point, reflecting its premium features and build quality.
- 3a: Positioned as a budget-friendly option, offering a lower price while still providing a great user experience.
- Winner: 3a
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pixel 3 |
| Camera | Tie |
| Display | Tie |
| Battery Life | 3a |
| Value | 3a |
| Design | Pixel 3 |
| Water Resistance | Pixel 3 |
What They Have in Common:
- Excellent Cameras: Both phones boast exceptional camera performance, utilizing Google’s impressive image processing to produce stunning photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Clean Android Experience: Both devices run stock Android, ensuring a smooth and bloatware-free user experience with guaranteed software updates directly from Google.
- Unlimited Google Photos Storage: Both Pixel phones offer free, unlimited storage for photos and videos in high quality on Google Photos, a significant perk for photo enthusiasts.
- Night Sight: Both phones feature Night Sight, Google’s impressive low-light photography mode that allows you to capture detailed and vibrant images in extremely dark environments.
- Active Edge: Both phones include Active Edge, a feature that allows you to launch Google Assistant by squeezing the sides of the phone.
Google Pixel 3 Vs 3A Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel 3 boasts a premium design featuring a glass back and an aluminum frame, offering a more luxurious feel. It is also IP68 water and dust resistant. The Pixel 3a, on the other hand, utilizes a polycarbonate unibody, making it lighter and more durable, though it doesn’t feel as high-end. Both phones retain the iconic two-tone design that has become a hallmark of the Pixel series. The Pixel 3a is a good choice for those who prioritize durability and a lighter feel, while the Pixel 3 is better for those who prefer premium materials and water resistance.
Display Comparison
The Pixel 3 features a vibrant 5.5-inch OLED display with a higher resolution, resulting in sharper visuals and better color accuracy. It supports HDR content, enhancing the viewing experience. The Pixel 3a has a slightly larger 5.6-inch OLED display, but with a lower resolution. Although the resolution is less, the display is still very good. Both displays offer excellent viewing angles and are suitable for everyday use, including video streaming and gaming. The difference is most noticeable in fine details and overall image sharpness.
Performance and Software
The Pixel 3 is powered by the more powerful Snapdragon 845 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM, providing faster performance for demanding tasks and games. The Pixel 3a uses the Snapdragon 670 processor, which is still capable but less powerful. Both phones run the stock Android operating system, guaranteeing timely software updates and a clean user experience. The Pixel 3 will generally handle more resource-intensive tasks more smoothly, such as playing graphics-intensive games and running multiple apps simultaneously.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones share the same impressive single-lens 12.2MP camera, producing stunning photos with exceptional image quality. The Pixel 3 benefits from the more powerful processor for faster processing and slightly better low-light performance. Both phones feature Google’s superb image processing software, including Night Sight for incredible low-light shots and Portrait Mode for beautiful bokeh effects. The Pixel 3a offers a near-identical camera experience to the Pixel 3, making it a great value for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Charging
The Pixel 3 offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. It supports fast charging and wireless charging, providing convenient charging options. The Pixel 3a has a slightly larger battery, resulting in longer battery life, often surpassing the Pixel 3. The 3a also supports fast charging, though it lacks wireless charging capabilities. If battery life is a top priority, the Pixel 3a is the better option. The 3a is a great choice if you aren’t keen on wireless charging.
Price and Value
The Pixel 3 launched at a higher price point, reflecting its premium design and more powerful components. Its price has decreased since its launch. The Pixel 3a was designed as a more affordable option, offering excellent value for its price. It provides a similar camera experience and software features at a significantly lower cost. The Pixel 3a is a better value proposition for budget-conscious consumers who still want a great smartphone experience, while the Pixel 3 is still a good choice if price isn’t a factor.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 3 If…
- You prioritize top-tier performance and a flagship-level processor.
- You want a phone with water resistance.
- You value wireless charging capabilities.
- You desire a more premium build and design.
Buy 3a If…
- You’re on a budget but still want a fantastic camera experience.
- You prefer having a headphone jack.
- You don’t need the absolute fastest performance.
- You’re looking for a phone with a slightly larger display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a?
The Pixel 3 has a glass back, more powerful processor, wireless charging, and IP68 water resistance. The Pixel 3a features a polycarbonate build, a slightly larger battery, and a lower price point. Both share the same excellent camera capabilities and software experience. The main differences lie in design, performance, and extra features.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Pixel 3a generally offers better battery life compared to the Pixel 3, thanks to its larger battery capacity and more efficient processor. However, battery life varies depending on usage, and the Pixel 3 can still last a full day for most users. The 3a is a good bet for longer usage times.
Does the Pixel 3 have a headphone jack?
No, the Pixel 3 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. It relies on the USB-C port for audio output, and Google included a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box. The Pixel 3a, however, does have a 3.5mm headphone jack. This is a key difference.
Which phone is better for photography?
Both phones share the same 12.2MP camera and software processing, resulting in nearly identical photo quality. The Pixel 3 might have a slight edge in processing speed due to its more powerful processor, but the difference is minimal. Both offer exceptional image quality, including Night Sight and Portrait Mode.
Which phone is more durable?
The Pixel 3a is more durable due to its polycarbonate unibody design, which is less susceptible to damage from drops and impacts compared to the Pixel 3’s glass back. The Pixel 3 is water-resistant (IP68), which is a bonus. The 3a is a better choice if you’re concerned about durability.
Does the Pixel 3 support wireless charging?
Yes, the Pixel 3 supports wireless charging. The Pixel 3a, however, does not support wireless charging. This is one of the key differentiators between the two phones. Wireless charging is a convenient feature for some users.
Which phone is the better value?
The Pixel 3a offers better value for its price, providing a very similar camera experience, software features, and decent performance at a more affordable cost. The Pixel 3, while more premium, is pricier. The 3a is the better choice if you’re on a budget.
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel 3 and 3a both provide excellent smartphone experiences, particularly in the camera department. The Pixel 3 offers a more premium design, faster performance, and wireless charging. The Pixel 3a, however, provides similar camera quality, better battery life, and a lower price point, making it the better overall value for most users. The choice depends on your priorities and budget.
Winner: Pixel 3a