Google Pixel 4a Review

 The Pixel 3a was a game changer. When it came out last year, it was the only Android phone in its price range with guaranteed software updates and camera performance on par with significantly more expensive flagship handsets. But a year makes a big difference, especially this year, and while the new 

 

$349 Pixel 4a once again manages to be a strong offering for the price—particularly for shutterbugs—it isn't the same clear-cut winner as its predecessor. With fierce competition from the $399 Apple iPhone SE, the $599 Samsung Galaxy A71 5G, and even the $249 Motorola Moto G Power, the Pixel 4a is 

 

definitely the right midrange phone for many users, but not all of them.In terms of design, the Pixel 4a looks like a much more sophisticated version of its predecessor. The bezels have been trimmed down significantly thanks to a camera sensor located right in the top of the display, rather than above it.The

 

phone measures 5.7 by 2.7 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighs just 5.0 ounces, fitting comfortably in most hands. Right now it only comes in black, though we anticipate additional colors to come out in the future. The back of the phone looks like a smaller version of the Pixel 4. There’s a square camera 

 

module in the upper left corner with a single lens, and the fingerprint sensor is nearly invisible. The multi-textured finish from the Pixel 3a has been replaced with a simple textured polycarbonate that not only looks sleek, but does an excellent job of hiding smudges and fingerprints. 

On the top of the phone you’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the bottom houses a USB-C port and a speaker. The left side holds the SIM card slot, while the volume rocker and power button sit on the right, both of which are easy to reach and provide a satisfying click. Unfortunately, Google's Active 

Edge feature that allows you to squeeze the frame of the phone to enable certain settings is absent here.

While we usually appreciate the extra durability a plastic back panel and chassis can provide, there’s some noticeable flex with the Pixel 4a. We’re worried that continued stress on the phone from tight pockets can lead to cracks down the line. The Gorilla Glass 3 display is unlikely to weather a hard fall

 without damage, but using older generations of strengthened glass is one of the concessions nearly every manufacturer makes to keep costs low on midrange models.

It's also worth noting the Pixel 4a lacks any waterproofing or splash resistance, which feels like a missed opportunity when the similarly priced iPhone SE sports an IP67 rating. That said, there are no shortage of Pixel cases on the market, so pick one up for some peace of mind.

The Pixel 4a is the least expensive phone in the US with an OLED display. While that sounds compelling in theory, it doesn't provide a notable upgrade over the LCDs in the iPhone SE or the Moto G Power.

The 5.81-inch OLED panel here features 2,340 by 1,080 pixels, for a respectably sharp 443ppi density. Unfortunately, the display is too dim to see under direct sunlight (we encountered this with the Pixel 3a as well), it's very reflective, and viewing angles could be wider. It also tends to skew cool, with everything sporting a slightly blue tinge. 

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