I have a Google Pixel 3a XL and have been using it as my primary phone for just about 2 years. It’s a great device with a lot to offer(especially for the price), but there are some things that could be better. So here is my review of the good and bad about this phone after 2 years of use!
I got my Pixel 3a XL (and one for my wife) during Amazon Prime Day for a great price of $379 back in July of 2019. There was also a $100 gift card with that deal, making it even sweeter with a net cost of $279! I also picked up a SunRemex Carbon Fiber Design Soft TPU Case for it and still using that case today as I type this post.
Specs
Display: 6.0 inches, 1080 x 2160 pixels, 402 ppi density
Memory: 64GB Storage and 4GB Ram
Processor: Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670
Rear Camera: 12.2 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
Front Camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4″, 1.12µm
Battery: Li-Po 3700 mAh (non-removable)
Charging: Fast charging 18W – USB Power Delivery 2.0
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I was able to transfer my settings over from my previous phone, a One Plus 3T using the included cables and USB adapter that Google provided.
The camera was the biggest improvement moving from the One Plus 3T, and that camera has actually gotten better due to Google’s AI camera software improvements such as Astrophotography mode. Night shot is another amazing feature.
Google’s Stock version of Android may not be the most exciting, but it comes with ZERO bloatware and runs pretty smooth, even today, almost 2 years later. I am still getting updates from Google and just received one the other day that includes an astro-video feature I have not tried yet.
Battery life is still good and charging is quick. I have mostly used this phone with ATT Wireless, but more recently have tried Mint Mobile and currently on Google Fi.
What’s missing from this phone that has me thinking about what to get next?
There are a few things I’d like on my next phone.
1. More Storage Memory: The Pixel 3a has 64GB of storage and I find myself constantly deleting photos(after they are backed up to Google Photos) to free up space. 128GB of storage would make these a less frequent event.
2. Water Resistance: Most of the new flagship phones are IP66 to IP68 dust and water-resistant. While I don’t plan on swimming with my phone, it would be nice to not have to worry about getting stuck in the rain while on our fat tire ebikes or mountain bikes.
3. Wireless charging: While not really a must-have, it seems like it would be a nice convenience to have (once I buy some wireless chargers). I think my Ford also has a wireless charger built-in to the console.
4. 5G: 5G is rolling out to more cities and the increase in speeds would be nice especially when I am tethering my laptop doing remote work.
None of the above is anything I desperately need, but let’s face it, I’m a Geek and two years is a long time to keep a phone!
What will my next smartphone be?
I am currently looking at 3 smartphones to replace the Pixel 3a XL with.
Google Pixel 5 $699- Let’s face it, this would be the easiest transition coming from an existing Pixel smartphone. It has 5G, a great camera, water-resistance, and wireless charging along with Google’s plain Jane version of Android.
Samsung S21 $799 – Samsung makes some great hardware and the S21 is no exception. I am still using my Samsung Gear S3 watch from 2017! Samsung ticks all the boxes as far as features go but it is $100 more. I think the main thing holding me back is whether I can deal with Samsung’s version of Android OneUI. I’m concerned their bloatware will annoy me. I have a way to test this which I’ll talk about later.
iPhone 12 $879 – I haven’t had an iPhone since the iPhone 5. I do use a Macbook Pro 16 every day and I’m sure the message integration would be nice but less needed since I use Android Messages for Web for texts. Besides costing more, I’d likely have to buy a few paid apps. Would I love Apple’s walled garden on the smartphone? iOS has come a long way and now has things such as “widgets”. I’d probably be ok with an iPhone if I am willing to pay the extra Apple “taxes”.
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How do I decide?
Well, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I also purchased a Pixel 3A XL for my wife and it turns out her birthday is this week. She requested a Samsung S21! I was able to get an open box special on Amazon for about $600. Once I get it, I will transfer her apps and settings over. Then I will be able to play with Samsung One UI and see if it something that I either like or can at least deal with daily.
Check back in a few weeks and I will do a full review on the Samsung S21!
