Pixel 3 vs 3a: Which Google Phone Should You Buy?
Struggling to choose between the Google Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3a? You’re not alone! Both phones offer fantastic camera capabilities and a clean Android experience, but they come with different price tags and features. This comparison will help you navigate the nuances and find the perfect Pixel for your needs.
The Pixel 3, Google’s flagship at the time, boasted top-of-the-line specs and premium build quality. On the other hand, the Pixel 3a aimed to bring the Pixel experience to a more affordable audience. We’ll delve into the key differences, from performance and display to camera quality and battery life.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable smartphone, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each device is crucial. Get ready to explore the Google Pixel 3 vs. 3a in detail, and discover which phone reigns supreme for you.
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 (wide) | 8MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| Battery Capacity | 2915 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | No |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Pixel 3: 5.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2160 x 1080. Offers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The smaller size might appeal to some, but the lack of a larger screen could be a drawback.
- 3a: 5.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2220 x 1080. Very similar quality to the Pixel 3, offering a slightly larger screen size. The larger screen might be preferable for media consumption.
- Winner: 3a
Processor
- Pixel 3: Snapdragon 845 processor and 4GB of RAM. Provides excellent performance for apps and games. Can still feel quick, but it’s older technology.
- 3a: Snapdragon 670 processor and 4GB of RAM. While still capable, it’s a step down in power compared to the Pixel 3. Some performance compromises may be noticeable.
- Winner: pixel 3
Camera
- Pixel 3: 12.2MP rear camera. Known for its exceptional image quality and Google’s computational photography. Offers great low-light performance.
- 3a: 12.2MP rear camera. Shares the same main camera sensor and software processing as the Pixel 3. Delivers similar outstanding image quality.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality
- Pixel 3: Glass back with an aluminum frame. Feels premium and supports wireless charging. More susceptible to damage from drops.
- 3a: Plastic back with a polycarbonate frame. More durable and less prone to shattering. Lacks the premium feel of the Pixel 3.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Pixel 3: 2915 mAh battery. Generally offers all-day battery life, but can be a bit short for heavy users.
- 3a: 3000 mAh battery. Provides significantly better battery life than the Pixel 3, often lasting well into a second day.
- Winner: 3a
Price
- Pixel 3: Originally launched at a higher price point. Now available at discounted prices, but still more expensive than the 3a.
- 3a: Significantly more affordable. Offers excellent value for the features provided.
- Winner: 3a
Water Resistance
- Pixel 3: IP68 water and dust resistant. Offers protection against submersion in water.
- 3a: No official water resistance rating. Not designed to be submerged in water.
- Winner: pixel 3
Headphone Jack
- Pixel 3: Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. Relies on the USB-C port or Bluetooth for audio.
- 3a: Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. Provides a convenient option for wired headphones.
- Winner: 3a
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Pixel 3 |
| Camera (Overall) | Tie |
| Design | Pixel 3 |
| Battery Life | 3a |
| Value | 3a |
| Display | Tie |
| Features | Pixel 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Main Camera: Both phones share the same excellent 12.2MP rear camera, delivering stunning photos with Google’s exceptional image processing. This ensures users get a similar photo quality experience regardless of which phone they choose.
- Software Experience: Both phones run on stock Android, guaranteeing a clean, bloatware-free experience with timely software updates directly from Google. This provides a consistent and up-to-date user interface.
- Google Assistant Integration: Both devices offer seamless integration with Google Assistant, allowing users to control their phone with voice commands, manage their schedule, and access information quickly.
- Night Sight: Both phones feature Night Sight, Google’s impressive low-light photography mode, enabling users to capture vibrant and detailed photos in challenging lighting conditions.
- Unlimited Google Photos Storage: Both phones offer unlimited, high-quality storage for photos and videos on Google Photos, allowing users to back up their memories without worrying about storage limitations.
Pixel 3 Vs 3A Buying Guide
Performance
The Pixel 3 boasts a Snapdragon 845 processor, delivering a noticeably snappier experience for demanding tasks and gaming compared to the 3a’s Snapdragon 670. Apps load faster, and multitasking is smoother on the Pixel 3. This difference is especially apparent when editing photos or running graphically intensive applications. While the 3a is capable, its performance lags slightly behind in these scenarios. The Pixel 3 offers a more premium performance experience overall.
The Pixel 3, with its faster processor and more RAM, excels in handling demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing, offering a smoother and more responsive experience compared to the Pixel 3a. The 3a is still capable, but its performance is not as powerful.
Camera
Both phones share the same impressive single-lens camera system, renowned for its exceptional image processing. However, the Pixel 3 often captures slightly sharper images and offers a wider dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Pixel 3’s image processing algorithms are marginally more refined, resulting in slightly better detail preservation and color accuracy. Night Sight works exceptionally well on both.
The Pixel 3 and 3a share the same impressive single-lens camera system, but the Pixel 3 often captures slightly sharper images. Both phones offer fantastic image processing. The 3a offers a great camera at a lower price point.
Display
The Pixel 3 features a higher-quality OLED display with richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the Pixel 3a’s OLED screen. The 3a’s display is still good, offering vibrant colors, but the Pixel 3’s screen is visibly superior, especially when viewing HDR content or in bright sunlight. The Pixel 3’s display also supports a wider color gamut. This makes a noticeable difference.
The Pixel 3 features a higher-quality OLED display with richer colors and better contrast. The 3a’s display is still good, but the Pixel 3’s screen is visibly superior, especially when viewing HDR content. The difference is more noticeable when viewing photos and videos.
Design & Build Quality
The Pixel 3 features a premium glass back and a metal frame, giving it a more luxurious feel compared to the 3a’s plastic build. The Pixel 3 is also slightly smaller and more compact, making it easier to handle. While the 3a’s plastic build is durable and less prone to shattering, the Pixel 3’s design exudes a more premium aesthetic. The Pixel 3 also has water resistance.
The Pixel 3 features a premium glass back and a metal frame, giving it a more luxurious feel. The 3a’s plastic build is durable and less prone to shattering. The Pixel 3 is more compact. The Pixel 3 has a more premium aesthetic. The 3a is a more utilitarian design.
Battery Life
The Pixel 3a generally offers slightly better battery life than the Pixel 3, often lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. This is due to the more power-efficient processor in the 3a and a slightly larger battery capacity. The Pixel 3’s battery life is still respectable, but it might require a top-up later in the day for heavy users. The difference is not huge, but noticeable.
The Pixel 3a generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more power-efficient processor and slightly larger battery capacity. The Pixel 3’s battery life is still respectable, but it might require a top-up later in the day for heavy users. The 3a’s battery life often exceeds that of the Pixel 3.
Price & Value
The Pixel 3a offered a significantly lower price point at launch, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers. While the Pixel 3 was a premium device, the 3a offered excellent value for its performance and features. The price difference is a major factor. The 3a delivered almost as good of an experience for significantly less money. The 3a is hard to beat for value.
The Pixel 3a offered a significantly lower price point at launch. The Pixel 3 was a premium device, while the 3a offered excellent value for its price. The 3a is a great value. The price difference is a major factor for many. The 3a wins the value battle.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Pixel 3 If…
- You prioritize top-tier performance and a flagship-level user experience.
- You want a more premium design with water resistance and wireless charging.
- You value the extra features and performance of the Snapdragon 845 processor.
- You want the best possible photo quality and front-facing camera experience.
Buy 3a If…
- You’re on a budget and want a Pixel experience without breaking the bank.
- You value a headphone jack for wired audio.
- You don’t need the absolute fastest performance.
- You prefer a slightly larger screen size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in performance?
The Pixel 3, with its Snapdragon 845 processor, provides a noticeably faster and smoother experience, especially when multitasking, gaming, or running demanding applications. The Pixel 3a, equipped with the Snapdragon 670, is capable but lags slightly behind in these scenarios. The difference is most evident in intensive tasks and overall responsiveness.
How does the camera quality compare?
Both phones share the same impressive single-lens camera system and produce excellent photos. However, the Pixel 3’s image processing algorithms are slightly more refined, often resulting in marginally sharper images and a wider dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The difference is subtle but noticeable.
Which phone has a better display?
The Pixel 3 features a higher-quality OLED display with richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the Pixel 3a’s OLED screen. The Pixel 3’s display is noticeably superior, especially when viewing HDR content or in bright sunlight. The Pixel 3’s display also supports a wider color gamut.
What materials are used in each phone’s construction?
The Pixel 3 features a premium glass back and a metal frame, giving it a more luxurious feel. The Pixel 3a has a plastic build, which is more durable and less prone to shattering. The Pixel 3 has a more premium aesthetic, while the 3a prioritizes durability and a more utilitarian design.
Which phone offers better battery life?
The Pixel 3a generally offers slightly better battery life than the Pixel 3, often lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. This is due to the more power-efficient processor in the 3a and a slightly larger battery capacity. The difference is not huge, but the 3a typically outlasts the 3.
Is the Pixel 3 water-resistant?
Yes, the Pixel 3 is water-resistant, offering protection against splashes and brief submersion. The Pixel 3a, however, does not have any official water resistance rating. This is a key difference in durability. This means the Pixel 3 is much more resistant to accidental water damage.
Which phone is a better value?
The Pixel 3a offered a significantly lower price point at launch, making it a more accessible option. While the Pixel 3 was a premium device, the 3a offered excellent value for its performance and features. Considering the price difference and the nearly equal performance, the Pixel 3a offers a better value proposition.
Final Verdict
The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a are both excellent phones, each with its own strengths. The Pixel 3 offers a more premium experience with its faster processor, superior display, and premium design, and also boasts a better camera experience. The Pixel 3a provides exceptional value, offering a nearly identical camera experience and solid performance at a significantly lower price point. The 3a also wins in terms of battery life. The choice depends on your budget and priorities.
Winner: Pixel 3a